Yesterday, I sat on a picnic table on the banks of the Chattachoochee River mesmerized by the movement of water. Tiny ripples glimmered on the surface, pulsing with energy and promise. Two ducks caught in the flow, drifted past. I reached for my camera to capture the mood. I felt sure the whole scene held some larger meaning. I focused in on the ducks, hoping that their animal nature would impart some message of wisdom.

A few years ago, I was introduced to Ted Andrew’s Animal Speaks:The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small, which explores animals as spiritual guides. Andrew suggests that animals come into our lives in order to communicate a deeper consciousness. They [the animals] impart wisdom through an archetypal power that reflects our own qualities or characteristics in their behavior or activity. These animal guides offer insight into the patterns of our lives and awaken a deeper understanding into our purpose or roles as humans.

But unfortunately, as I watched the ducks float careless down the river, I realized there was very little in their behavior that reflected the pattern of my life or any of my own characteristics. Rarely do I allow myself to be caught up in the flow. I would be the only duck out there fighting the current, stressed out and ruffled. If anything, I’m more like a cow. I spend a lot of time standing in one spot chewing on the same thing over and over again. Ruminating.
By definition, ruminating is to think carefully and deeply about something, but that is not what I do. I tend to rehash past problems and challenges over and over again in my mind. I replay the details. I analyze my actions and/or inactions. I question the other person’s motivations. I feel like a cow chewing on cud. Not a pretty picture. And certainly not the type of qualities or characteristics anyone would want.

As the green from the surrounding trees shimmered on the surface of the river, I was reminded of the difference between ruminating and reflecting. Reflection considers and thinks with the intention of moving forward. It acknowledges where you are, and looks toward where you want to be. It asks, what do I need to do differently? How do I move in the direction of my dreams? It flows.

It takes time to reflect. It’s much easier to give into ruminating. Our mind can wander aimlessly without any concern for improving the situation. But reflection, on the other hand, requires quiet contemplation and intentionality. We have to be willing to examine ourselves, and to be open to new ways of thinking. Reflection awakens the flow of possibilities. There’s energy and promise, just like the movement in the Chattahoochee.

The real spirit guides yesterday were the ripples on the surface. They spoke to a desire in my spirit to flow more freely. They reminded me to relax and enjoy the ride, just like those ducks.

5 Ways to Create Time for Reflections

1. Take break from your smart phone, iPad, tablet, Kindle, computer and television for a set amount time.
2. Go for a walk.
3. Create something with your hands. Make a dinner from scratch, garden, bake, draw or build something.
4. Take a drive alone no music.
5. Reconnect with nature.