Finding Peace And Inspiration By The Water’s Edge

in Response to the DEP Book Project prompt

“Throw yourself into the river of life and let the questions disappear.”-Buddha.

This quote from Buddha suggests that inspiration can be found by fully immersing oneself in the present moment and letting go of any doubts and questions.

When I am preoccupied with doubts and uncertainties, I find it challenging to connect with my inner wisdom and tap into sources of inspiration.

My source of inspiration

Nature has always been my most significant source of inspiration. Whenever I feel low, I try to go outdoors.

My favourite places, which I find inherently inspiring, are places close to rivers, lakes, oceans, or just a walk in the woods or Nature.

The beauty and simplicity of the natural world inspire me. There is no hypocrisy in Nature.

Sometimes in my life, when I was stressed and depressed, I would take off from work for a week, travel to some of my favourite destinations closer to rivers or hills, and spend time reflecting on the quietness of the natural environment.

Stepping back from stress was enough to help me rediscover motivation.

How Nature inspired me

In 2012, I was transferred to Mumbai on a critical program. The work kept me busy and stressed. I was constantly travelling, juggling deadlines, meetings, and projects.

I was experiencing burnout and feeling uninspired, struggling to come up with new ideas to find joy in my work.

My family was worried. My friend advised me to take a break and go on a solo camping trip to Rishikesh. She had undergone a similar experience and had taken a solo trip to the hills to regain her motivation.

I followed my friend’s advice and enjoyed a holiday in Rishikesh.

At first, I found it difficult to disconnect from work and settle into the quiet rhythm of Nature.

But as I spent time on the banks of the river Ganga, watching the sun setting over the mountains and listening to the sounds of the river rushing by, I began to feel a sense of peace.

It was a feeling of peace and wonder I hadn’t experienced in years.

As days passed, I found myself more and more inspired.

I started writing in a journal, sketching plants and animals I encountered while strolling by the riverside or in the surrounding hills.

I felt a sudden sense of creativity that had been dormant for too long.

I realized that being in Nature had given me a new perspective on my work and life.

I saw and realized how minor my problems were in the grand scheme of things and how much beauty and complexity existed in the natural world.

When I returned to work, I felt renewed and inspired. I brought a fresh perspective to my projects, tackled challenges creatively and efficiently, and felt more connected to my colleagues and clients.

Wrapping up

A flowing river serves as a powerful source of inspiration in our lives.

By observing the rivers movement and the way it adapts to obstacles, we can learn valuable lessons about resilience and the power of change,

It can be a very transformative experience. The calming sound of water helps us find inner peace and clarity of mind.

“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes if others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see Nature all ridicule and deformity and some scarce see Nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, Nature is imagination itself.”-William Blake.

Some outstanding stories I read this week,

Janin Lyndovsky article

Umme Salma’s article on inspiration