The Practice of Rafting

by Chris Koellhoffer, IHM    March 16, 2025 

Although we didn’t have the term, “creation spirituality,” when I was growing up, I realize in hindsight that that’s exactly what my parents nurtured in my siblings and in me. A softness toward every creature. A sense of caretaking. A commitment as serious as being a big sister to my younger sisters and brother.

No surprise, then, that I’m predisposed towards tenderness for every plant and animal. And that I capitalize their names in acknowledging their being. Perhaps you, like me, have a hierarchy of sorts explaining the mystery that draws you towards certain creatures more than others. High on my list: every dog I’ve ever met, with a special leaning towards Golden Retriever, Border Collie, German Shepherd, and “mutts.” Donkeys, mini and standard, with their ruffled coat and that full-throated, enthusiastic, honking way of saying hello. Orcas (please don’t call them killer whales) forming permanent pods of visible kinship, belonging, and care for their family. And how about the clever Crow and his fascination with all things shiny and sparkling? The generous Peony sharing her perfume and the comforting Crocus and Pussy Willow assuring us that spring is near?

But it’s what I recently I learned about another favorite, Otter, that I want to get around to sharing. Perhaps we’ve seen photos of how they seem to cling to one another while resting. Besides rating high on the cuteness factor, there’s a sound reason behind this behavior. Otters hold hands in sleep to prevent themselves from drifting apart in the water. This behavior is often called “rafting,” as it keeps them safe and connected while they’re floating. It’s a behavior that’s especially important when currents are extremely strong, rough, and threatening to their safety and well-being.

I’ve been thinking about what a beloved practice rafting could become for us, both literally and figuratively. I suggest it might be a spiritual practice essential for surviving and thriving in our time and place. Rafting in prayer links our fervent pleas with people of good will, with the holy ones in our universe. Rafting gives public witness to solidarity, underscoring that there are steps for justice we might hesitate to take as individuals but wouldn’t hesitate to move into with the collective, with someone standing next to us. Rafting invites us to link arms and draw courage from people we respect and trust. It emboldens us through nearness to the resistance, bravery, and commitment of others.

So when we fear we might become the hate or indifference we see around us, let us hold on to one another. When we long to be persons of compassion and mercy towards our vulnerable neighbors, let us hold on to one another. When it appears that our individual and collective actions to foster the Holy One’s dream of abundant life for all people are not effecting immediate or significant change, let us hold on to one another. When our trust in the slow work of God (emphasis on slow) grows shaky, let us hold on to one another. Holding on challenges us to transform our holy rage at injustice into focused action for a more loving and inclusive world. Holding on invites us to grow our spaciousness of heart, to breathe in softness and breathe out fierceness.

We begin by entering into deep, inner soul work. We link arms and lean on one another for support and encouragement. We pray to bring closer to fullness the Holy One’s dream of a world that welcomes everyone, no exceptions. In all of this, we hold on tight to and are held on tight by the Holy One who remains beside us always. With tenderness. With understanding. With extravagant and endless compassion. With a love that knows no limits and has no end. May it be so.

Let’s keep on rafting!

Takeaway
Sit in stillness with the Holy One.
You may want to sit with your palms upturned.
Imagine holding hands with a person in our world who is paralyzed by fear or letting go of hope or overcome by despair. Grip their hand tightly.
Play a piece of music that resonates with solidarity. (Suggestion, “Stand by Me,” composed by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and performed by the Kingdom Choir), or another piece of your choice.
Ask the Holy One to hold on tight to you and to inspire you to hold on tight to everyone in our beautiful yet wounded world.

Featured Images:   Ken Conger; Aman Shrivastava, Unsplash

NOTE:
March 21-23

Please hold in your prayer all who will be part of the Assembly of the Sisters of Christian Charity in Mendham, NJ. This Assembly I’m facilitating was postponed because of inclement weather in February, so your prayers have continued to accompany us since then. Thank you.

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