The Two Rivers
The imagery of two rivers illustrates fundamental aspects of human nature.
River One represents the vital force, or essence. When directly experienced, language like peace, love or kindness is often used to describe it.
The beauty and tranquility of River One is generally obscured by activity in River Two.
River Two represents our individual, unique nature with its brilliance, strengths, weaknesses, delusions, self concepts and challenges.
River One is, by its nature, perfect. It requires no intervention; the trick is to become increasingly aware of its presence. River Two, on the other hand, can be worked with. Within it lies our growing edge.
We dance round in a ring and suppose, but the Secret sits in the middle, and knows.
— Robert Frost
What we are looking for is what is looking.
— St. Francis of Assisi
We rarely hear the inward music, but we are all dancing to it nevertheless.
— Rumi
About River Two
Most perceived external obstacles have a major internal component.
— John Whitmore
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
— Carl Jung
The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
— Carl Rogers
About Both
What a wonderful life I've had. I only wish I had realized it sooner.— Colette