“The river is now. This moment. This breath between us. The space between your heartbeats. The moment before you blink. The instant a thought flashes through your mind. It is everything that is around us. Life. Energy. Flowing, endlessly flowing, carrying you from then...to now...to tomorrow. Listen: you can hear the music of it. Of the passage of time.”
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Quote Analysis: Lisa Mangum on the River as a Metaphor for Time
This quote uses the metaphor of a river to explore the nature of time and existence, emphasizing the fluid and continuous experience of life.
The River as the Present Moment: The opening line, "The river is now," sets the tone by equating the river with the present moment. It suggests that time is alive and moving right now, encapsulating “this moment” and “this breath between us,” underscoring the importance of mindfulness and being present.
Focus on Fleeting Instants: The references to “the space between your heartbeats,” “the moment before you blink,” and “the instant a thought flashes through your mind” highlight the subtle, often overlooked slices of time. These small, transient moments collectively form the flow of life, illustrating how significant even the briefest intervals are.
Continuity and Flow: The repetition of “Flowing, endlessly flowing, carrying you from then...to now...to tomorrow” reinforces the ceaseless movement of time. It connects past, present, and future seamlessly, portraying time as an unstoppable current that carries us forward.
Life and Energy: The phrase “It is everything that is around us. Life. Energy.” links the river to the essence of existence. The river isn’t just a metaphor for time but also for the vitality and dynamism inherent in living.
Sensory Invitation: The final lines, “Listen: you can hear the music of it. Of the passage of time,” invite the reader to become attuned to time’s subtle rhythms. This musical metaphor evokes a sensory experience, encouraging awareness and appreciation of the intangible flow of life.
Overall, Mangum’s quote beautifully captures the ephemeral yet continuous nature of the now, encouraging mindfulness and a deeper connection with the passage of time.
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