Maybe it’s that copy of Walden sitting on the shelf, staring at me from across the room. Then again, Henry David Thoreau is minding his own business. That’s his nature, after all. It’s probably the calendar. The weather is officially hot; it’s May, and the light has begun to linger.
As the days lengthen and the sun graces the earth with its warm embrace, I seek moments of quiet introspection. This season’s arrival reminds me to slow down, pause, and enjoy the small things that I might easily ignore. Summer will be gone before we know it. My mind wanders to mountains, streams, and fishing on days like today. Inevitably, I return to A River Runs Through It, a book that encapsulates the essence of finding peace and meaning in the flow of life.
With its languid afternoons and serene evenings, summer pushes me to step away from the relentless pace of daily routines. The natural world comes alive in a symphony of sights and sounds—birds singing, winds blowing, and rivers flowing. This vibrant yet tranquil backdrop creates the perfect setting for reflection. The heat seems to slow time, allowing for a more deliberate and mindful existence. In these moments, I feel an urge to reconnect with the rhythms of nature. I want to sit, sing, fish, and read.
Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It is a literary companion that perfectly complements this seasonal desire for introspection. The novel's lyrical prose and profound spiritual themes mirror the serenity and depth that summer invokes in me. The story, centered around fly fishing and the interconnectedness of life and nature, resonates deeply with my need to find harmony within myself and the world around me. The river in the book symbolizes the constant flow of life, a reminder that a steady current guides us amidst all turbulence.
Re-reading A River Runs Through It during the summer feels like a spiritual retreat. Reading becomes a meditative practice, allowing me to pause and absorb the wisdom in Maclean’s words. The characters’ experiences with the river, triumph, and loss reflect universal truths about human existence. Reading reminds me of the importance of patience, acceptance, and the beauty of life’s impermanence. The river’s flow teaches readers to relinquish their need for control and trust in life's natural progression.
Standing in a river, literally and metaphorically, becomes a powerful act of surrender and presence. It is an invitation to move into the present, to feel the cool water, and to observe the dance of light and shadow on the surface. In these moments, we are not merely spectators but an integral part of the natural world. The river’s gentle current encourages us to release our worries and embrace the simplicity of being. It is here, in this stillness, that life meets us.
This ritual of slowing down and standing in the water allows us to reconnect with the broader world. It reminds us that we are constantly changing, just like the river. The beginning of summer, with its promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities, inspires me to reflect on my journey and appreciate the beauty of each moment. It is a time to honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future with hope and openness.
Somebody may have told you something different, but here is the truth: the beginning of summer is a season of reflection and renewal. It is time to pause and slow down. Re-reading A River Runs Through It becomes a sacred ritual that deepens my connection with life’s ebb and flow. The pages of Maclean’s literary river allow me to wade into reality and prepare for the unknown opportunities swimming beneath the water, waiting to be caught (like a fisherman, standing knee-deep in the river, ready for a pull on the line). Summer’s arrival reminds me of life’s simple pleasures and the yearly lessons I never quite master and need to hear again.
Beautifully written, Richard.
I experienced a deep calmness reading this. What a gift. Thank you, Richard. Summer here in the SoCal desert is like winter in Montana, indoor activity and much reflection.