River

Across time and cultures, water has held spiritual meaning and significance for human communities. Indigenous peoples gather at rivers and waterways for sacred ceremonies and celebration. Chinese and Tibetan Five Wisdom teachings highlight the transformative power of water as teacher and healer, emphasizing the ways water brings clarity and imparts principles of flow and adaptability. Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Judeo-Christian traditions all have water stories and practices they hold as holy and healing. 

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, which informs my spirituality and faith, rivers and seas sit as the centerpiece of significant moments for transformation, commitment, and new beginnings. God parts the Sea of Reeds to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery and into a new future. Jacob wrestles with the angel of God near the River Jabbok on the eve of reconciliation with his brother. The Jordan River flows through sacred stories in both the Old and New Testament. It is at the Sea of Galilee that Jesus of Nazareth calls his first followers and performs some of his most beloved miracles. It is in the waters of baptism that Christians mark forgiveness, commitment, and renewal. 

Stone

As with water, rocks and stones appear in sacred stories for people across religious traditions, symbolizing stability, peace, and strength. People set up stones to remember significant moments of providence or revelation. In the Old Testament book of Joshua, when the twelve tribes of Israel crossed the Jordan River into a new land, they were invited to collect twelve stones from the middle of the river and place them on the other side. These stones served as a marker of God’s faithfulness in bringing them through the river and to a new future. 

Coaching

These water and stone stories hold particular meaning for me as a coach and transitional leader. I see my work as one who meets at the water with individuals, teams, and communities. Together, we’ll look at where you’ve been and what kind of river you feel called to cross or the lake beside which you’re walking toward a new commitment. We’ll consider the obstacles and challenges you’re facing, as well as what possibilities lie ahead. There may be ideas to wrestle with, companions to call in, old things to let go of and new skills to acquire. We’ll look for markers of new discoveries or commitments, stones to set up and remember God’s faithfulness in bringing you to a new place.