Water of the Animas River

It's hard to tell how high the bank of the river was where I was standing. Pedestrian bridge to the left, and railroad bridge to the right.

That stretch of green grass was where I took the first photo.

Standing on the pedestrian bridge, looking at the train trestle as it comes from Durango.

And the rest of the train trestle going toward Silverton.

Looking downstream from the pedestrian bridge.

Surprised to see a couple of rafters floating downstream.

I was inspired by the story given to children of all ages during the church service earlier in that Sunday morning. It was a Sufi story about how a river was worried about losing itself when it reached the sea, but reassured that it wasn't defined by its banks, what can be drawn on a map. "You, river, are not the shape of your shores, nor the destination. These are just the things that show where you are, your edges. You are continuing through them, being the water which is ever changing. And when you merge with the ocean, you become all that huge volume together with all the rest of it." Then Rev. Jamie added to the story "Each human, being made mostly of water, has a similar existence, just showing to the world the outer ego identification."

It made me think of how I am part of the river of life. I exist in a body, the shape of which can be recognized as Barbara. But the life force which flows through me is the real me. It continues the line from my ancestors to my grandchildren...and will continue as long as there is human life. This is what I feel comfortable calling my Higher Self, the one connected to all.

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Making time for the activities that contribute to your spiritual growth has little to do with being selfish.