Just Keep Moving Forward

So this morning I set my alarm for 5:35 am. I pulled on my swimsuit, socks, jeans and tshirt. I grabbed my Yoda hat (made by Knotty At Heart in Oshawa), and my sweater. I grabbed my backpack that I stocked with the necessary water, towels & banana from the night before & walked out my front door to be greeted by the golden sun. I drive about 45 minutes to get to the Orono Crown Lands. I thought I would be meeting friends, but Spirit had other plans for me. I waited 10 minutes and then I headed out on the 2 mile hike trail that we typically take before a plunge. I used my All Trails app/map so that I wouldn't get lost, although the trail is marked well.  I saw such beauty this morning. The way the sunlight played with the trees. The lushous ferns. The trilliums starting to die off. The mosquitoes were only bad when I stopped in the shade or for too long.  As I moved through the trail I became aware of my Dad (who passed 30 years ago) and his Dad (who passed 40 years ago) with me. I was quite surprised although in retrospect I don't know why, they both loved nature, hiking & swimming. I chatted with them about my life and 'the state of the Union' as Dad calls it.  As I walked further on the trail, getting closer and closer to the cold plunge spot, I had shared my reservations about cold plunging alone. All my previous plunges had been with others, and although I have a 'clean bill of health' at the moment, you just never know. They told me not to worry and to just keep moving forward.  So I did. I kept going. I took some beautiful pictures, and even a video of a babbling brook I will use later this week on social media to remind people to breathe. The plunge spot is on the other side of the old railroad bridge. So I hiked to the top, and then looked down. It was beautiful, but I saw no one there. 'Just keep moving forward Truly' I heard Dad's words echo in my mind. I started my descend down the steep trail of the other side of the bridge. As I approached the bottom of the stairs, I was met by 'Raven' a young dog and her lovely owner.  We exchanged good mornings, and my smile must have been a mile wide.  I dropped my backpack and started unlacing my hiking boots. As I started removing my layers, I was asked 'are you going in there?' with surprise.  'It's what I came to do' I replied. We exchanged a few words about the benefits of the task ahead of me, and then I set up my phone to record.  Raven got in first, but I stayed in the longest. I have no idea what the actual temperature was but I can tell you it felt colder than my portable inflatable hot tub turned cold tub, which hovers around 15*C.  Last time I was in the Wilmot Creek, with my trusted guide Kim Corrigan (who can be found at Life at Nature's Pace in Pontypool), it was 8*C i think. The more you cold plunge, the better your body becomes to regulating and adapting to the mind shift that occurs when you realize you are not going to die at this particular junction in time. You become acutely aware of the power of your breath  and consciously invite your body to relax.  Raven and her momma stayed with me, on their own accord, until I was out, toweled off and almost completely packed up. As I climbed back up the steep stairway, I could hear my Dad say, 'see, just keep moving forward Kid'.  As I got to the top, where the path back to the parking lot was I was kissed so sweetly by the sun.  I needed this today. I needed the solstice. The quiet contemplation. The clairity the cold brings. The reminder that I too am powerful and can do hard things. 

I looked up both Dog & Raven in Ted Andrews Animal-Speak book when I got home: 
Dogs, are companions to humans, providing faithful protection.... Examine the qualities of your breed and individual dog. It will reveal much about the energy associated with it. If dog has come into your life as a totem, ask yourself some questions: What is this saying about your need for or lack of companionship? Are you being faithful? Are others around you? Are you showing unconditional love, or receiving it? You you need to be more protective of your territory? Do you need to play a little more? Are you being faithful to yourself? Does your spirit need bolstering? How about those around you? Examine your territories. Dog knows its home ground, and if it has shown up, its energies and lessons will touch you personally. 

Ravens reflect the creative life force...... which can be used to work the magic of spiritual laws upon the physical plane. It can be used to go into the void and stir the energies to manifest that which you most need.  All this and more is what raven teaches. If raven has come into your life, expect magic. Somewhere in your life magic is at play. Raven activates the energy of magic, linking it with your will and intention.... Raven speaks messages from the spirit realm that can shapeshift your life dramatically. 

Thanks, Grampa, Dad, Raven and her Momma. 

​ You can do hard things, just keep moving forward. Spirit will always be with you. 

You can watch the Cold Plunge video on my Facebook Page.​