|
Are You Going with the Flow?
I
have a feeling I should paint what I am supposed to
paint. So I sit.
And there my hand moves and I made a picture.
--Norval Morrijeau
A few times a week while walking to my favorite
café, I have the privilege of crossing paths with
someone who resembles a wise Native American elder. This
woman possesses the look of infinite peace within her
eyes and face. When I ask her, "How are you
today?" she always smiles serenely and replies,
"I’m going with the flow."
Going with the flow. Hmmm. This is something that is
difficult for some of us, because there are times when
we seem to struggle maintaining our peace of mind,
keeping our balance, and feeling connected to our higher
selves. With a myriad of external diversions confronting
us from every direction, flowing with our soul’s
natural rhythm and with the universal current can be
very challenging, indeed.
There is a flow and cycle for all things including
life itself: birth, death and rebirth. Emotions,
creativity, and our bodies all have their own cycle,
too. In the world, signs direct us on our way in life.
Traffic lights tell us to walk (or not), geese fly south
ushering in the coming winter, and our soul urges us to
follow its calling in any given moment. We know how to
read these signs of nature, weather and spirit; they
help to guide us on our journey.
When you allow yourself to sink into the natural
rhythm of life, you know it. You feel more connected
with your soul, rejuvenated and inspired. This reminds
me of the uplifting movie The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Although the golfer, Randolph (Matt Damon), believes he
has "lost his swing," his caddie, Bagger, who
also represents his higher self (Will Smith), reminds
him that he could get it back if he would only stop
trying so hard and let it flow naturally. This, he
pointed out, was how he would experience his
"authentic swing," the swing that is desirous
of finding him (not the other way around); the very
swing that is inside all of us and connects us to one
another. Bagger’s wise advice encouraged Randolph to
remember one simple truth: to get himself out of the
way.
Where do you need to "get yourself out of the
way?" In what area(s) of your life are you blocking
the natural flow of life? When do you feel you’re
pushing too hard, or, perhaps, preventing yourself from
receiving the opportunities or resources the universe
wants you to have?
For example, when I’m not allowing life to flow
through me, I sit down to write only to end up with
paragraphs of ideas that I eventually delete. The
deadline may be tomorrow and not even the first
paragraph is written. If frustration surfaces for a
length of time, I know it’s time to get up from my
chair and take a long walk, preferably barefoot,
along the beach. And often, after an hour of listening
to the crashing waves, feeling the salt air against my
face and the sand beneath my feet, I’m refreshed and
inspired. Back at the computer, my fingers type, the
words flow, and the task before me is successfully
completed.
Sometimes we need to get quiet so the natural flow of
life can move through us. Spending time in nature and
breathing deeply can be very fulfilling and effective
ways in grounding us. When you need to get quiet, try
this simple yet powerful exercise: place your feet
firmly on the ground so both of your feet are solidly
touching from heel to toe. As you allow yourself to
breathe deeply in through your nose and gently exhale
out through your mouth, imagine white light flowing into
the crown of your head and moving all the way down your
body. Consciously move the light down through your feet
and out the bottom of your soles. Imagine light-filled
"roots" emanating from the bottom of your feet
right into the earth. Experience yourself feeling
centered, focused and whole.
Getting grounded allows you to receive the energetic
flow of love and support that is yours to have. It
enables you to remain balanced, poised and fully
present. It empowers you to remain in your center and to
maintain strong and healthy boundaries. In fact,
breathing deeply, when coupled with getting grounded,
allows you to release old wounds and trauma from the
past so you can be present in your body, right here,
right now. When we’re caught up in "pushing"
to "make things happen" we tend to resort to
shallow breathing. Breath, being the life force that
flows through us, is a precious gift.
Trust that you are connected to a divine flow that is
leading you to higher ground. There’s no need to push,
and there’s no need to rush. Imagine how much more
simple your life would be if you trusted that everything
happening in your life are guideposts along a path that
is naturally true and correct. Remember that you deserve
to feel aliveness and harmony in your life and that
requires means with the flow.
© Copyright 2003
Laura V. Hyde. All Rights Reserved.
Laura's Books:
Read Laura's Past Columns:
January
2003 Column - "Living the Soulful Life"
December
2002 Column - "The Power to Change"
November
2002 Column - "Peace Begins at Home"
October 2002
Column - "Spiraling to Higher Ground"
September 2002 Column - "Cradled in Nature's
Arms"
August 2002 Column - "Recovering
Your Soul"
Laura V. Hyde is Co-founder of Infinite Wisdom, an organization dedicated to the highest human capacity, and a national author and speaker. As a regular contributor for publications across the U.S. and Canada, Laura writes about human awareness and spiritual growth. Laura is the author of the widely acclaimed books The Intimate Soul and Gifts of the Soul, and the creator and teacher of various programs including the Self-Mastery Program, The Art of Compassionate Forgiveness, Wonderful Women: Reclaiming Our Power, Passion and Purpose, and Cultivating the Intimate Life. Please visit Laura's web site at:
www.laurahyde.com.
As a spiritual counselor, Laura provides assistance in person and by phone. You may contact her for a free brochure at:
laura@laurahyde.com.
|
