After waiting on large steps of white stone, I entered a wooden gate and began my walk towards the waterfall. I found a white bench, which, aside from the wooden fence guarding the path and the wooden bridges, is the only indicator of man’s affect. It is ugly, no doubt: it sticks out like a lion in an indoor urban mall. But, it is where I lay my towel.

Three wooden bridges connect large gaps in the path to the waterfall. Each bridge retains a significance. The first is a release from all past decisions and experiences that do not support the crosser’s highest good. The second is a release of all present decisions and experiences. The third is a prayer for the crosser’s future to be one of the greatest possible beauty and goodness (from Ron Perris’ meditation).

While crossing the third bridge, the waterfall is in sight. At first it felt disappointing. It is not a large waterfall–a few feet wide. But, in entering the natural enclave that surrounds the waterfall, I was taken aback by a god-like beauty. The waterfall is at the very end of the path. I had to step on the stream flowing from the fall to reach it. I looked up, and I saw a clearing. The trees form a circle around the enclave, and sunlight pours through the opening, as well as through the entanglements of leaves. I was reluctant to submerse my body under the waterfall the first time, as I felt how cold the water was as it passed over my feet.  And, although somewhat uncomfortable—and even at one point painful—I quickly adapted to the temperature. When I immersed myself, I felt so invigorated that I chose to go again.

I have yet to make up my mind towards Spiritism and though I am not entirely convinced spirits inhabit the waterfall enclave, the experience was a spiritual one. It allowed me a meditative freedom, the time and space for deep introspection.