It's All About Perspective

As we pushed off down the Trinity, I could tell that great adventures were in store. The wind picked up occasionally, as if to remind us of reality, and ripples shot across the still abyss so as to connect two of the four elements in unison. Birds were lifted into the sky, and for once in a long time, I felt as if nature was impacting me, and not that I was impacting nature. The air was cool around us, and much greenery appeared as we journeyed into what felt like a magical new world. This enchantment came from not only our surroundings, but also from the peace and calmness that the water brought with it through its slow moving current and the mystery of what lies below in its depths. I felt like all my problems vanished, and suddenly, I seemed to have all the time in the world (it’s crazy how nature can do that to you). There is something to be said for the deep connections I made with others on this adventure, and I believe that the formation of new relationships was directly facilitated by our surroundings. Traveling together as a group down the river, with no other commitments or expectations, other than to enjoy each other and the journey, truly allowed us to focus on the experience at hand. It seems to me that life often gets in the way of cherishing every minute of your time, and though this may seems contradictory, I would like to emphasize the ridiculousness of this idea that life gets in the way of life.

            The Trinity River trip brought me back to reality through not only reminding me of how precious our surroundings are, but also by putting my priorities into perspective. Too often do we as humans focus on the mini day-to-day tasks when it would be more beneficial to look at the big picture that overarches one’s life. I agree that it is important to be productive and to work diligently to achieve all tasks, however, it is within this laser focus that we forget to appreciate the world we live in and the people that make it up. While floating down the river, I was able to merely enjoy my time, and I say merely as if it was not a big deal; however, being able to enjoy these five hours of “non-productivity” proved to be way more productive than as if I had been sitting in the library “accomplishing” tasks. I was able to make new friends, regain my positive and upbeat energy, and relax in such a way that I am not able to do in the “real” world on land.

            There is a direct analogy to be made between how I was and am now thinking about life, and how I was and am now thinking about the Trinity River. I have already made it clear that I regained focus about the important things in life while on the canoe trip; however, it is interesting to note that this same perspective can be applied to the river. When I first signed up to go on the paddle, I was excited yet slightly unsure of what to expect. I have always heard about how gross and unmaintained the Trinity River is, and although I would have to agree to a certain extent, the beauty does not lie within the small details but in the big picture. Yes, there was trash, some areas of murky water, and sleepers (fallen down trees below the water), but one must look past these small flaws in order to experience the benefit and magnificence that this area has to offer. Instead of focusing on the minute aspects of the seemingly undesirable river, I chose to look at the overall impact that these surroundings had on me, and it was through this perspective that I regained my appreciation for nature and the big picture in life. A person’s outlook is all about their perspective, and it was on the Trinity River, a sanctuary away from life getting in the way of life, that I realized this great connection and idea.