Lessons from The River
While exercising the other day, I listened to Garth Brooks’ “The River”, and it inspired this week’s sales/leadership tip to shape a meaningful life.
Here’s the first verse of “The River” …
You know a dream is like a river / Ever changin’ as it flows/ And a dreamer’s just a vessel / That must follow where it goes / Trying to learn from what’s behind you / And never knowing what’s in store / Makes each day a constant battle / Just to stay between the shores.
That line, “Trying to learn from what’s behind and never knowing what’s in store, makes each day a constant battle”, stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me that to shape a meaningful life — and stay between the shores, we must pay attention to our body, soul, and spirit.
The Body
Keeping your body in good health is your most important investment. Not much can be accomplished without it. The other day, I met a man at the recreation center where I work out. He was in his early 50s, out of shape, and overweight. He looked at me and asked how old I was. When I told him I was 76, he said, “Oh S__t!” His doctor had warned him that if he didn’t start taking care of his physical health, he wouldn’t make it to his 60s. To stay healthy, it is recommended that you work out 3 times per week, with 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each time.
The Soul
Philosophers tell us the soul is the immaterial aspect of a living being — the residence of mind, will, and emotion. To keep them coordinated, you must constantly feed your mind. The mind has characteristics similar to the body: if you don’t exercise it, it will atrophy. Challenge yourself mentally every day to nourish your soul.
The Spirit
Our spirit enables us to find peace in the midst of life’s many challenges. From a Christian perspective, the spirit is dependent on your relationship with Christ. For others, it may be a different religious belief, or something as simple as being in nature. Whatever your circumstances, be sure to nourish your spirit as it allows you to experience peace even in the middle of conflict.
Stay between the shores
The river of life never stops moving, and neither should you. Tend to your body, challenge your mind, and nurture your spirit — because staying between the shores demands all three.
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