Meditation on kids’ parties

We just love this picture of two boys meditating during a family river trip on the Vaal. I guess their parents are into Eastern religions and they’ve picked it up. Imagine how much of a better place the world would be if all  youngsters learnt to delve into themselves to find peace in the universe.

The meditation got me cogitating – not just thinking, but planning new family adventures in the coming spring and summer. This is a wonderful setting for a birthday party. We are doing many float trips – rafting downriver on very mild rapids – in our paddle rafts. Moms, dads, kids and dogs take to the water. Some paddle, some don’t, but one thing is sure, they have a whale of a time in the big boat.

Raft guide Karen (back left) with Linda and the horde on the Vaal River.

After traversing a few channels among the islands they stop off for a picnic on the rocks (meditation time!). It all reminds me of the

poem by Edward Lear:

The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat;
They took some honey and plenty of money
Wrapped up in a five pound note…

I don’t remember what happened to Owl and Pussycat after that but I guess they chilled out on the river and came home at peace with themselves and the world!