In The Absence Of Cluttering Noise

On cool clear water....

Photo by: Tim Foster (@timberfoster) | Unsplash Photo Community

Whish. Whish.

Each stroke of the paddle touched the water soundlessly with a whish finalizing the moment securely upon its exit. The kayak pushed against wave after wave gaining momentum. The wind wisped the strands of hair from her face as she concentrated on her fixed point across the lake. After pushing her body for a fair length of time she sat back and took in all that surrounded her.

The cotton ball clouds moving serenely across the virulent blue sky, bilious illuminations against the sun's rays. The absence of sounds that were not natural in origin. Trees gently swaying in the wind. Loons breaking water a few feet beside her kayak. Waves gently splooshing across her bow. An organic whistle as the wind wounds its way through the tiny gaps in the fabric. A dragon fly fluttering to a stop on the tip of her paddle. All helped her achieve the serenity she had eagerly anticipated and desperately needed. The calmness was mesmerizing. She absorbed it all with an acute clarity.

”Moments like this are good for anyone’s soul,” she mused as she lived in the moment.

Sheila was acutely aware of the dissonance that existed in her life. Her therapist had warned her that this day would come, when she would have to make a decision. That is why she found herself in the middle of the lake alone, enjoying the sunshine and the peace that being out on the water delivered every time.

There were some people whose advice was to simply let scenarios play out until a decision presented itself. From others their advice was to take the bull by its horns and force the issue. Sheila frowned at both these memories of discussions. Instinctively she knew the answer would lie somewhere between aggressive forward movement and passive aggressive resistance. This she knew with certainty. Out here, in the absence of cluttering noise, her thoughts regained their balance.

Expertly Sheila rolled her kayak and righted it in one swift movement. With a small whoop she pulled her kayak forcefully across the tops of waves saturating her body in sweaty droplets. In small quiet moments decisions were made. Paths were clear. Intentions were realized.

Decisions weren’t always easy but the relief after arriving at this one fueled her soul. Changes were about to occur. She would make the best of it. She pushed her kayak towards the shoreline confident of a brighter future.