April on the Cossatot River video is courtesy of Seth James and Divin Madness Graphics
National Forest Falling Spring Picnic Area. It continues as we sleep with our cabin windows open for the rest of the trip, eye mask and ear plugs forgotten in our suitcase.
When it is time for us to leave Ananda Kanan, I consider Deepak Chopra’s words about how to use meditation to free the mind. “In India, the most common metaphor for the mind is the wild elephant, and in Buddhism, the mind is compared to a monkey peering out through the five senses. Monkeys are notoriously impulsive, liable to do anything without notice. To cope with the frustrating antics of the monkey mind, the vast majority of people try to tame it – but that method never works. The mind only becomes wilder when we try to control and confine it. The solution is counterintuitive: to experience peace and calm, we have to free the mind. When it is free, it settles down and becomes a channel for peace. In freedom, our thoughts and impulses flow in harmony with what is right and best for each of us.”
I’m struck by the animal metaphors. The mind is an elephant, a monkey. I am a falcon. When I return to the city, I will again wear the “hood” of my eye mask and ear plugs at night. We will keep the windows closed. It is what we must do to stay focused in a cityscape full of empty sensory calories. It is what we must do to access the energy we need to continue cultivating our literal and metaphoric gardens of bliss. And if my falcon mind runs wild along the way, it’s reassuring to know Ananda Kanan is out there, the garden gates and windows open, waiting for me to rip off my mask.
With easy access to groceries and restaurants in nearby Willow Springs and West Plains, unlimited opportunities to experience the beauty of the Ozarks, and personalized attention from retreat staff, Ananda Kanan Ozark Retreat Center is custom-made for travelers and groups who seek an affordable, quiet retreat from the hurried pace of city life without sacrificing modern comforts.
Ananda Kanan Ozark Retreat Center
http://www.ozarkretreatcenter.com
Michael McClure
http://www.michaelmcclure.com/
Ananda Marga organizationt
Kara Gall, MA
https://www.facebook.com/gall.kara
Nebraska Writers Guild
http://www.nebraskawriters.org/
Nebraska Center for the Book
http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/
The photos of the Cossatot River on the cover and inside spread of this magazine demonstrat the majestic beauty that this specific river holds. The above video is an excellent example of the type of world class recreational opportunities available to us here in the Ozarks. However, these water levels are also very dangerous and extreme caution should always be used when undertaking such activities. Every year there are accidents and sadly, the occasional fatality. The above video is taken with very experienced, professional and semi-professional whitewater enthusiasts and their activities are NOT recommended for beginners. The Ozarks has numerous canoeing and kayaking opportunities year around for all levels of people. With a little bit of research you can find the right one for your comfort and skill level. Always go with friends and let others know where you will be going and check with the National Park Service for current conditions and information before heading out. Always wear a lifejacket, get informed, be prepared and stay safe.