“When the river takes me I don't try to swim or stay afloat. I open my eyes and my mouth and let the water fill me up. I feel my lungs spasm but there's no pain, and I stop being afraid. The current carries me along. I'm flotsam, and I understand that flotsam is all I've ever been.”
Surrendering to the River
“When the river takes me I don't try to swim or stay afloat. I open my eyes and my mouth and let the water fill me up. I feel my lungs spasm but there's no pain, and I stop being afraid. The current carries me along. I'm flotsam, and I understand that flotsam is all I've ever been.” - Hillary Jordan
Analysis
In this quote from Hillary Jordan, the speaker describes a sense of surrender to the uncontrollable forces of the river. By using the metaphor of being carried along as flotsam, the speaker conveys a feeling of acceptance and resignation to their fate. The imagery of opening their eyes and mouth to let the water fill them up signifies a relinquishment of control and a willingness to let go of fear. This quote suggests a theme of yielding to circumstances beyond one's control and finding peace in acceptance of one's own insignificance in the face of larger forces.
Modern Relevance of the Quote
In this quote by Hillary Jordan, the speaker describes surrendering to the flow of the river and accepting their fate. This mindset of letting go of control and embracing the unknown can be applied to modern life, where individuals often face unexpected challenges and uncertainties. This quote serves as a reminder that sometimes it is necessary to release our grip on situations and trust in the journey ahead.
Reflection Questions:
The quote by Hillary Jordan highlights the idea of surrendering to the flow of life, even when it seems overwhelming. As you reflect on this quote, consider the following questions:
Have there been moments in your life when you have felt like you were being carried along by the flow of events, rather than actively trying to control them? How did you respond in those situations?
What emotions arise for you when you think about the idea of surrendering and letting go of control? Do you find it liberating or frightening?
In what ways do you typically react to challenging situations? Are you more likely to resist and fight against them, or do you try to accept and adapt to them?
How might embracing the concept of being "flotsam" and accepting that you are not always in control impact your overall sense of peace and well-being?
Have you ever experienced a moment of surrender or acceptance that ultimately brought you a sense of peace or clarity? If so, describe that experience and its significance in your life.
Similar quotes
“I carry it all with me, in the quiet pools and strong currents of my being. I fill my hands with the black dirt left by the river's birth. I believe that what I hold in my hands is memory: like the river, it takes what it touches, carrying it along until all that remains is the bed over which the water flows.”
“My body rises with the water. Instead of kicking my feet to stay abreast of it, I push all the air from my lungs and sink to the bottom. The water muffles my ears. I feel its movement over my face. I think about snorting the water into my lungs so it kills me faster, but I can't bring myself to do it. I blow bubbles from my mouth. Relax. I close my eyes. My lungs burn.”
“As I paddle along, I slowly become aware that it's been fear keeping me out of this pool for so many years. I never came here before because I was afraid I'd make a fool of myself by not having the endurance to complete a lap. The swimming wasn't what scared me; failure was. My fear locked me in a state of arrested development for so many years. Fear kept me from tackling my weight, which I understand has simply been symptomatic of my greater fear, growing up. I glide down the lane on my back and reflect on how good I feel right now. It's not because I've lost more than thirty pounds. I feel incredible because I've stopped being afraid.”
“Perhaps he was afraid as I was that we'd be caught. Or perhaps he was breathing me in just as I was letting him come into my lungs, my eyes, my heart.”
“I've tasted every victual and danced every dance; now there's one last tart I haven't bit on, one time I haven't whistled. but I'm not afraid. I'm truly curious. Death won't get a crumb by my mouth I won't keep and savor. So don't you worry over me. Now, all of you go, and let me find my sleep....”