It was a childhood song that first led me to think about worrying and worries—mine—when
I noticed that the small word “row” is part of the word “worry.” As an intuitive emotional health counselor, I had ended my True Self: Inner Child–Inner Parent groups in a circle with all singing Row, Row, Row Your Boat—evoking the lightness of smiles—and subtly guiding the group members away from as much of their worries as possible.
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream.1
When I began reading Meher Baba’s writing I found His view inviting me to consider (preferably) not worrying at all.
Worry has never done anyone any good . . .
for it substantially curtails the joy and
fullness of life.2
My latest discovery has been, “I Worried,” a poem by Mary Oliver that captures humor in every line and invites us to her solution.
Will the earth turn as it was taught ? . . .
Will I be forgiven ? . . .
Am I going to get rheumatism, lockjaw, or dementia? . . .
Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing.
And gave it up.
And went out into the morning
And sang.3
My realization is, “Humor and forthrightness loosen a grip on worry.”
1. An English language nursery rhyme and popular children’s song still sung by children today. The
modern tune was first recorded with the lyrics in 1881. Some have assigned a deeper meaning to the
lyrics as the boat being our soul, the oars our attention, and the stream eternal consciousness.
http://nrgiseternal.com/index.php?topic=318.0
2. Meher Baba, Discourses, 6th ed., Vol. 3 (Myrtle Beach, SC: Sheriar Foundation, 1973), 121.
3. Mary Oliver, Swan: Poems and Prose Poems (Boston: Beacon Press, 2010).