And so it is…

It has been 7 days since I immerged from another world, both inner and outer. I have gone underground to incorporate and integrate the lessons and insights. Also, I was more physically depleted than I realized and am just now more in my usual energy level and availability. Sorta. On the mend.

This post is to share the final experience and action steps we can take.

🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶

As I rounded Brickyard Point, where the tides and currents change from river to bay, I paddled the final 200 yards to the water celebration for the culmination of “Paddle with a Purpose”.

Transitioning from one profound experience with the watershed to another heart-felt intersection with humanity was palpable. Heart-centered friends had my back as did the many who came in support from the Women’s School of Spiritual Warriors~ a training for holistic personal empowerment & holistic life coaching as a vocation I have the good fortune of directing. To have so many drum-bearing women from the School was moving beyond words, drums they had themselves made thanks to the guidance of Leah Boyd who was also present to bring us together through drumming and chanting. Thank you, sisterhood and Leah!!!

Over 100 amazing people came to support the watershed. At that moment, we had $3500 raised and within 10 hours we surpassed the goal of $5000 to support restoration & the health of the Presumpscot River and Casco Bay watershed! What a community! All things are possible in community. 💗💕💗A big shout out to all those that donated, supported, showed up, sent out kind vibes, and prayers, and those that see -truly see- the need for reparations and restorations.

Thank you, Mihku Paul, for your beautiful Indigenous land and water acknowledgement.

And thank you to everyone for making this in an intimate powerful experience, by singing together and drumming and laughing and crying together.

After everyone left, I wandered down to the water’s edge and hung out with the setting sun. Attempting to feel all that was Present. To take it all in. I was blown away by this love fest that reminded me of the greater purpose of this paddle in face of raw exhaustion.

Took a deep bow and cried for the GRACE that got me through this journey. I bowed to the ancestors of the lands and waters, to my spiritual ancestors and my blood ancestors. And I bowed to the beauty of the watershed and all that it holds.

What now? Now what?

I’m inviting us all to be steady and consistent caretakers of the watershed-Whatever water shed you were a part of.

13 action steps to build a strong and healthy village and watershed (same):

1. Remember that our waters are changing quickly due to human impact, climate change & pollution. Don’t go into denial. Stay aware.

2. Learn how to keep our waters more resilient for future human impacts & future generations.

3. Stay aware of policy changes at the municipal, state & federal levels. Speak up, show up, vote.

4. Learn more about the impacts of dams on our once free flowing rivers. Pay attention to your local dam’s licensure updates. Insist upon River access, maintained portage trails and migratory fish passage at the very least.

5. Become a member of your local land trust or watershed protection organization.

6. Volunteer at the same. Get involved. Together we are strong.

7. Give a monthly tithing donation that fits your budget to support their operating cost to monitor and protect our waters. Support Indigenous organizations.

8. Sign up for emails and join group events that relate to trails, watersheds, preserved forest lands. Find your community in the natural environment.

9. Spread the word about these organizations and the good work they’re doing. Invite friends to join you on events, talks, walks, presentations.

10. Buy less chemicals. Don’t support the chemical industry, including fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides.

11. Plant native perennial flowers, shrubs, plants and trees to re-wild the landscapes to native species and prevent erosion at your camp or home.

12. Use less water. Buy less stuff. Don’t dump chemicals, expired prescription drugs, etc down your drain.

13. Mow less. Grow more. Re-wild your yard, land, landscape- friendly and safe for bees, hummingbird and butterflies.

14. Get outside more. Walk, paddle, bike to get there. It’s magical.

Thank you Friends of Casco Bay and Friends of Presumpscot River for working with me, trusting me and supporting the successful completion of Paddle with a Purpose. ESPECIALLY, thank you to Sarah Lyman and Whitney Rollins Conway!

Thank you to the organizations that met with me canoe-side along the watershed to shed some light on what you are up to:

• Jim Westcott, Trout Unlimited, Crooked River and Sebago liaison

• Will Elting, Sebago Clean Waters

• Jim McBride, Presumpscot Regional Land Trust

• Amy Grommes Pulaski, Discover Downtown Westbrook

• Michael Shaughnessy, Friends of Presumpscot River

• Randy, SAPPI mill, Westbrook

• Rebecca Dugan, Falmouth Land Trust

May the awareness and resources raised from Paddle with a Purpose” support your mission and vision to protect the waters we belong to. May the support continue to grow.

I will never be the same after this journey. I’m still incorporating that into my marrow. Thank you all for the support.

Thank you water. WATER IS LIFE🌎💙🌲🛶

Photo credit: John Chandler Location: Presumpscot Falls