One of my friends taught me her ritual - whenever she crosses a bridge on her hikes, she stops looking toward the direction that streams away and lets go of her worries/unwelcome thoughts/ pain/anger/anything that is not needed anymore. Then she turns to the other side of the bridge and asks from the stream what she needs - love/friendship/patience/ companion.
I have started practicing this ritual and taught it to my family. There is something about the power of stream that can be healing. The bridge can help us feel contained and safe so we can move on to the other side literally and mindfully.
Simon and Garfunkel, in their song "Bridge Over Troubled Water" used the bridge as a symbol of friendship and love, as one person can be the bridge for someone else when in trouble.
Lyrics:
When you're weary Feeling small When tears are in your eyes I'll dry them all I'm on your side Oh, when times get rough And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
When you're down and out When you're on the street When evening falls so hard I will comfort you I'll take your part Oh, when darkness comes And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
Sail on Silver Girl Sail on by Your time has come to shine All your dreams are on their way See how they shine Oh, if you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind.
Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind
I would love to consider therapy as a bridge to cross this troubled water. We all have the power to cross these bridges by ourselves. However, sometimes, we need someone to crosse with to discover this power.
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