River Mantra
It was long after daybreak but still early enough to worry, just a little, about the black bears and hope they’d finished their morning rounds. I was, after all, walking along their regular path between the rhododendrons to find the perfect spot to cast my line in.
The river was frigid and wild as a mountain river should be. I’d missed the constant tug on the rod that’s easy to mistake for a fish. There’s such peace in the simple act of using a stick and a string to wish something alive in the black water will find my small offering tempting enough to nibble.
When I reached the swimming hole I scaled the highest rock, which provided an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. Glancing at the small rapids to my left, it wouldn’t have surprised me to see a bear, also trying its luck against the current.
My breathing slowed and deepened. The cloud cover kept me cool and comfortable. I propped a leg on the rock beside me after a quick survey for any huge spiders I’d seen the area littered with yesterday afternoon.
Solitude, repetitive motions of cast, and reel, along with the soundtrack of rushing water was my morning mantra. When a series of quick jerks distinguished itself from the river’s slow drag, I grinned.
The game was afoot.
Written by Elizabeth Helmich
My Love For A Long Drive
In the morning, I was feeling worthless. Sometimes my mind goes blank… and I want some magical charm to motivate my life. However, during my busy and tiring routine, I didn’t have that, and I wanted to fill this space by sharing it with someone beside me.
No, no… I want to fill that blank with my own theory of satisfaction. I thought it would be wonderful to share my life experience with all of you too… maybe you also need to fill in your blanks.
So, back to the point. I was really feeling empty - no aims, no targets, no strong emotions like happiness or anger. I don’t know why, but sometimes I can’t locate my reason to live life. Whenever I feel that distance from myself, I just grab my keys and go on a long drive.
I didn’t think of the place I was going, I just started driving without a care… taking in the roads, the rays of sunshine. I was fortunate to have good weather. The end of summer is sweet as life moves towards winter. That transition comes… known to us as Autumn or Fall. And as always, nature is the only thing in this world where you feel your comfort zone. So after driving a little while, I took greater notice around me.
On the outskirts of Kuttan village, I was in the valley of Neelum. And what a place for taking a rest. The phenomenon is the river - crystal clear water surrounded by green mountains. The Neelum Valley is a 144 km long bow-shaped forested region in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. And the Neelum river is the most scenic beauty. You could say this is a dream world, where you can find a key to unlock your mental obstacles.
The fresh air of this beautiful place was not only giving me a much needed sensation, but was also filling in my blanks. The view of this scenery was melting in my soul. And suddenly, a real love rhyme began flooded my mind:
In search of this life
I am wandering from place to place
This enchanting beauty
Descending inside me
So let’s open it now, the threshold of heart
Let’s flow with the water
Let’s start our journey
On every street, every garden, every sea
The river that is not afraid to stop
The river that can pass all obstacles
The river that has a sense of breath
The river is living water!
Written and photographed by Aaska Aejaz