Going With the Flow
Pause to Ponder
As someone who puts a lot of energy and determination toward achieving my goals, I have to constantly remind myself to stay flexible instead of falling into the familiar trap of plowing full steam ahead with blinders on. The following insights—gleaned from several articles that arrived in my inbox from DailyOM—have been helpful reminders not to resist the unexpected by viewing it as an obstacle. Instead, I’m trying to stay open to messages from the ever-changing universe, and welcome the unanticipated with more ease, excitement and curiosity.
Wisdom on going with the flow excerpted from DailyOM:
When we go with the flow, we follow the current of the river rather than push against it. To truly go with the flow requires awareness, presence, and the ability to blend one’s own energy with the prevailing energy. It means that we are aware of an energy that is larger than our small selves, and we are open to working with it, not against it.
Going with the flow doesn’t mean that we don’t know where we’re going; it means that we are open to multiple ways of getting there. We are also open to changing our destination, clinging more to the essence of our goal than to the particulars. We acknowledge that letting go and modifying our plans is part of the process.
Many of us are afraid of going with the flow because we don’t trust that we will get where we want to go if we do. This causes us to cling to plans that aren’t working, stick to routes that are obstructed, and obsess over relationships that aren’t fulfilling.
When you find yourself stuck in these kinds of patterns, do yourself a favor and open to the flow of what is rather than resisting it. Trust that the big river of your life has a plan for you and let it carry you onward. Throw overboard those things that are weighing you down. Be open to revising your maps. Take a deep breath and move into the current.
Many people live their lives struggling against this current. When we expect a situation, event, or confrontation to unfold in a certain way, it becomes more difficult to enjoy the surprises that have the potential to become profound blessings. As you grow increasingly open to unforeseen outcomes, you will be more apt to look for and recognize the positive elements of your new circumstances. The further you distance yourself from your expectations, the more exhilarating your life will become.
Going with the flow becomes much easier when we learn to calm our nervous system and feel happy and safe living in a human body here on planet earth. I’ve personally found the practice of qigong magical in this regard, which is why I am so eager to share it with you.
Developed thousands of years ago in China, qigong (pronounced “chee gong”) is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that uses gentle movements, conscious breathing, self-massage, and visualization to calm our nervous systems, quiet our minds, increase our vitality, enhance our health, and help us feel directly connected to the life force energy of the universe.
Lee Holden—an exceptionally wise, internationally renowned qigong master and Chinese medical doctor who has trained and certified over 1,600 qigong teachers—will be leading our free 1-hour online qigong workshop next Saturday, May 4, at 10:00AM Pacific. Lee is a remarkable teacher who makes qigong fun to learn and easy to incorporate into our everyday lives.
Workshop details:
Lee will explain how qigong works and why it’s so effective, then lead us through a 30-minute practice that will let you experience the powerful benefits of qigong for yourself.
You will have unlimited access to this 30-minute practice after the workshop, as well as links to other resources Lee has created, including practices that are as short as seven minutes long that are surprisingly effective.
Be prepared to move! Qigong is done standing up in comfortable clothes. No special equipment necessary. All you need for this workshop is to show up with an open mind and a little space to move freely.
Please join us for this extra-special opportunity to learn from Lee and experience the magic of qigong for yourself! If you are unable to attend live, you will receive a recording within a few days.
Saturday, May 4, 10:00 - 11:00 AM Pacific
Online via Zoom, followed by a 15-minute optional Q&A
