A physician’s healing walk along the Chattahoochee River  

Like most of you, I am sick and tired of the toxic doses of anger and discord that seem to overwhelm and invade daily life. As a physician, who for almost fifty years has been privileged to heed the call for healing, I grieve at the secondary mental and physical health consequences that result. As a spiritual seeker, I grieve at the secondary consequences of pervasive negativity on our spirits. And probably, like most of you, I find myself frequently whispering: there must be a better way.  

During the recent pandemic, I discovered an intriguing stretch of the Chattahoochee River near my home just in Atlanta. Walking the river at first light became a routine indulgence. The ever-changing variety of colors, hues and textures; the pervasive sense of quiet and stillness; and the gentle intermingling of creatures: human, animal and insects, all coalesced into a mosaic of peace. On most mornings, I found myself emerging from my reverie to quickly jot down a gratitude or a deeply personal revelation. And, fortunately, I am an avid photographer, so it became a natural habit to always bring my camera to the river and have a conversation through light.  

Looking back on my collection of writings and photographs from my prayerful walks, I realized that there might be a book from these observations that could help ease some of the pain from our divisiveness and alienation. The result has been “Meditations Along the Chattahoochee River”, a 216-page fine art photography book, accompanied by my musings and poetry, which is being published this month. I want to share a few of the most important lessons that I have come to appreciate during the process of producing the book.  

First, I have developed an even greater appreciation for the necessity of healing ourselves and the people around us. It is a rare person who doesn’t need to heal and address the internal divisions that cause pain. Being at the river revealed my own need for healing, for addressing the internal divisions that cause heartache. The river helped me on the road to wholeness, simply by being quiet, calm and patiently available…an easy friend to talk to and a place that allows me to hear the quiet voice inside.  

Second, as I reviewed the gratitudes and observations hastily jotted after each visit, I was surprised by what emerged. The variety of impressions, emotions, insights, and revelations of unexpected intensity compelled me to examine them more deeply. I discovered that my contemplation as I walked along the river had a more powerful effect on me than I had realized at the time.  

Third, while preparing the photographs for the book and connecting them with the written impressions of that moment, forced me to confront my insecurities as both a photographer and as a writer. After all, I’m just a physician and not a professional photographer or poet. Who am I to produce a book of musings and photographs. Well, after a little effort, and encouragement from others, I got over that nonsense. I am here to encourage you: open up and express yourself through whatever medium is available to you. Don’t be afraid to dive into the deepest part of yourself and then share, however you can, some of the beauty you discover. You owe it to the rest of us.  

Fourth, as a physician, I am well aware of the the intimate relationship between environment and health. Science has proven that spending time in green and blue spaces and taking part in physical activities — walking, running, biking, and swimming — lower anxiety and mental stress while enhancing wellbeing. Studies also demonstrate that spending time in nature can improve heart health.  

Fifth, as I reflected on my experiences at the river, I was surprised how much I had been taking for granted the many new friendships that I have made with kindred spirits. If ever there was a time to engage in community building, that time is now. I have no idea what political or religious affiliation is claimed by any of my new friends, and I don’t need to know. What I do know is that we are a community of people who share the most important of values and that is to come together under the awe and majesty of this Divine thing called life. In all my time at the river, I have never once seen an angry face, heard an angry word, or observed an intemperate behavior. If you are looking for such a place, I know where to find it and there is no cover charge.  

Finally, I have learned that special places do require support and advocacy. Unfortunately, we are receiving reports of vandals destroying property along the river as it winds through our parks. If we are to preserve the natural spaces that we need, it will take advocacy to ensure adequate resources are available and appropriate protections are in place. 

I end where I began, these are frustrating and challenging times. When we whisper to ourselves that there must be a better way, we should be confident that there is. And that better way is up to each one of us. Lets protect and keep clean the quiet spaces in nature and along the river. Let’s walk in the still quiet of the early morning and greet our fellow travelers with a smile, just because. Let’s find outdoor spaces to exercise and clear away the mental stress. And, let’s share the love we feel, the joys we see, the gratitudes we offer with others through whatever forms of creativity are available to you. Don’t be shy, we want to meet you… See you at the river!