When you need a boost of courage to persevere on your unique path of life, let the salmon’s own journey empower you.
A few days ago I unexpectedly encountered wild salmon at Potter Marsh, Alaska. The changing colours of Nature captivated me, so I paused to explore.
I looked over a boardwalk and noticed these beautiful, mature fish swimming in the shallow waters of the marsh.
As I gazed at them, I was reminded how the life journey of salmon is truly astonishing!
I felt humbled and honoured to be in their presence.
For Alaskan species, their life’s journey takes them from the fresh water rivers and streams of the land, to the vast salty Pacific Ocean, and then back again to the very place they were born.
They’re masters of perseverance and determination as they navigate many unknowns.
The individuals began as pea-sized eggs in that marsh. After hatching, they grew and transformed in preparation for life in the completely different oceanic environment. After leaving the marsh and reaching the ocean, they remained for several years until they reached sexual maturity and felt the call to spawn in their place of birth.
The journey back for salmon means swimming for miles upstream against the flow (without feeding). It can involve strong currents with rapids and even waterfalls! They must leap to make it past these obstacles. They swim for hundreds of miles and climb thousands of feet above sea level, before they finally reach their spawning grounds. They’ve been recorded making vertical jumps as high as 3.65 metres (12 feet)!
One of my favourite quotes comes to mind: “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” by Thomas A. Edison.
Life continually invites us to discover more of what we’re capable of. Accepting the invitation can be exhilarating as well as terrifying – it always transforms us.
One of my own unexpected and biggest journeys occurred this past May.
When 2014 arrived, the sacred land of Alaska began to call to me. This was not a place I ever (ever!) imagined venturing to. However, the call was so strong and persistent, I knew I had to answer it.
I packed my car and left on the 4,500+ km (2,800+ miles) journey across Canada up to Anchorage, AK. I completed the journey in only 5 days (4 days of driving 12-14 hours each and one day of visiting family). I never would have imagined I was capable of doing that!
My connection with Spirit, Nature and trust in myself were crucial when I was driving down seemingly endless highways with no sign of human life for miles (hundreds at times!), in the mountain ranges with strong winds, snow and no cell phone signal.
When I reached Alaska, the rugged, immense mountains surrounding me infused me with their intense energy. I was also surprised by how lush with blossoms and vibrant green the landscape was around me – such a contrast to the late spring I had left behind me! I felt a welcome from the land that touched me to the core.
I felt deeply grateful for courageously undertaking such a journey that brought me here.
Seeing the iconic salmon this week reminded me of all the leaps I’ve done in my own life to be where I am today – and to celebrate them all.
What is one thing you’ve done in your life that you never imagined possible, that you can fully acknowledge and celebrate today?
With love and wonder-filled spirit,
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