Another lesson in letting go showed up today when my husband and I went for long kayak trip down the Caney Fork River. We tied our kayaks together for a while at the beginning to simply relax, sink into the activity and enjoy floating. But that was proving to be anything but peaceful. Rather than drifting “gently down the stream,” we were most often floating sideways or backwards.
At first, we kept working to get ourselves turned around so we could go forward. I finally acknowledged to myself and to hubby that I was having a difficult time surrendering to the way the boats wanted to float. I noticed the temptation to keep straightening things out and had to tell myself to just let go.
The view was just as beautiful looking backward as looking forward. The current was going to take us to the same place so we may as well just let go and enjoy the ride. We could wrestle or we could relax. It was the same boat, going to the same destination but with two ways to get there. Peacefully, or not. Although going forward felt like the “right” way to float, what difference did it make?
I’ve struggled similarly when I was positive things should be going in a direction I anticipated—the way it’s always been done, the way it’s supposed to be. How many other times have I wrestled instead of relaxed, when it really didn’t matter and wasn’t going to change the outcome? Ugh! Too many!
Today, as we were about to depart for our trip, the guide said, “Stay right. If it feels like you’re fighting the current, you’re going the wrong way.” Oh, what fantastic advice. I said something similar in FTG. Going with the flow is like night and day compared to fighting the current.
Not that life flow will always be easy, but consistently traveling against the current should tell us something. It may be time to explore another, more peaceful way to reach the same destination, or it may be time to try another path completely.
And sometimes, doing nothing is the best course of action when we’ve tried and tried to make something happen but it’s just not working out like we hoped. Pausing may feel like doing nothing, but it’s actually an action too, when done deliberately. The most important thing is to notice and accept what’s true, today and follow however you feel guided, today.
Acceptance doesn’t mean you’re accepting something forever. You are simply acknowledging what seems to be the best course of action for right now.
As you journey through this week, look for examples of flow and resistance in your own circumstances. Where are you embracing “what is” and rolling with life? Where are you trying to fight the current and do it your way? Which feels better? Congratulate yourself for noticing the difference and then let your observations guide you.
Mindfulness has a way of showing us the right path.
May today unfold with peace and ease!
