One of the oldest pieces of American music, which is still sung today, is a simple little
ditty that every American child learns. It is actually a nursery rhyme that was written in
the 1850s and was later put to music. If you grew up in the USA, it is one of those songs
you never forget, even if not having sung it for fifty years.
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream,
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.
You’re probably singing it to yourself right now. The melody and lyrics are light and
cheerful, seemingly of no significance except for the smiles they invite. But I wonder
how many of the millions of us who have sung this song have tuned into its profound
counsel. There is not a wasted word in the whole eighteen. Even those that repeat,
repeat for a reason.
“Row, row, row your boat.” Give yourself energetically in body, mind and soul to your
duties, relationships and responsibilities, and especially to your spiritual life. Rowing
your boat is devoting yourself to your highest potential.
“Gently down the stream.” But row relaxed. Enjoy the experience. Steer your course to
stay in the natural flow of it. Be attentive, attuned and at ease, never tense or resistant.
“Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily.” The repetition of this one word is intended to drive it
deep into the singer’s subconscious mind. We’re affirming a positive outlook, prompting
ourselves to look for the opportunity and joy in whatever comes our way. Happiness is a
choice, and we can choose it even in the most difficult situations. Be merry, and you will
be streaming with a lighter stroke instead of rowing against it in a sweat.
“Life is but a dream.” It’s a banner line to remind us that nothing sensory, nothing that
calls us ashore to seek our happiness there, is anything but a bubble that is bound to
burst. The lure of life beyond the stream – beyond the flow of energy in the astral spine
– is baited with false promises that are certain to disappoint.
We are in this dream to meet and merge with the Dreamer, to row with loving care to the
welcoming Sea of Bliss. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily makes it the dream it is meant
to be.
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