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.

About River One

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