Go with the Flow

Go with the flow. What does that really mean?

From the Urban Dictionary:

- to not attempt to exert a large amount of influence on the course of events, whether a specific series of events or events in general

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them--that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. ~Lao-Tzu

Sometimes I am able to adopt this philosophy as I move through life, and sometimes I am not. Sometimes I feel as if I must take life's hand and guide myself along as quickly as possible. Snags, hiccups, wrong turns are not appreciated. I feel as if I am the river, and I must keep things flowing in a particular direction. Later, I realize I am not the river. I am in the river, and I do not have complete control over the river.

Smile, breath and go slowly. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

For now, I have decided to stretch my arms out over the water and let the river take me where it will. I am floating, drifting, relaxing. I can see the tree branches reaching over the riverbank as if to greet me as I pass. I wave and smile, and sometimes I rub against a leaf from these branches. It feels soft and supple. The ripples on the water vibrate and sing, producing calming sounds that ease my journey. I smell the sweetness of moss as I pass a meadow of grasses and wildflowers. I know not where I am going nor where I will find a landing. I am going with the flow.

copyright © 2012 Michelle A. Potter