Waterfall Gurus

I didn’t know I needed a waterfall guru until I had one. In full disclosure, I have had many over the years. They have been diligent in showing me the best ways to experience a waterfall. They teach me to immerse myself, to find the joy, and how to feel the water flow on and over me. Most of my teachers have been children, but there are a few adults out there with the gift.

This last week I spent time with a beautiful Indian family. For 3 years now they have returned to experience Jocassee with me. I have found every trip with this group is filled with wonder and joy. This last one was no exception. A gentle man in this group is my birthday twin. I call him my brother. He is also my teacher. He experiences my place with such intentionality and wonder, that I recalibrate every time he shows up. He cannot swim, but he loves nothing more than to place himself squarely underneath a waterfall. Once there, he enters into a delightful meditation. He shows up with a child-like smile and a heart ready to be filled. And all I can do is watch and learn.

I never get any photos of him because I am so enthralled. But I have plenty of my other waterfall teachers, the children.

The best thanks I have to give to my favorite guru are these words.

Waterfall Meditations

The first time you determinedly planted yourself
Under the cascades capturing the joyful fountain
Your arms open wide to the water washing over 
Laughter rising up from your belly
Springing forth and spilling over, 
lapping in pools in my mind
I knew I could never forget you.

The next time you stood unwavering
Beneath the undulating light plunging
In drops of water pelting your skin
Every inch intentionally held under
The beating pulse
Light streamed before you
And flowed out into my heart
I knew you I was meant to know you.

Today I watched as you crawled
On your hands and knees
Like a child so fearful of falling, but determined
To arrive in the place 
To prostrate yourself under the waterfall
To let it splash over your clean, bald head and run
Over my feet
You told me it was washing away your ego
So that you could see the way
Out of yourself 
I knew you were showing me the way to be.