In the Flow

May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children. Rainer Maria Rilke

I gave myself the gift of a quiet, unstructured day today. Sitting in the shade of a big tree just a few feet from a slowly flowing river. I’m in Asheville and I’m next to the French Broad River, one of the local rivers that caused devastating flooding not too long ago. The contrast of the peacefulness I’m experiencing today and the awareness of that incredible power are stunning. Today, the birds are singing and, all around me in this lovely riverside green space, people are lounging, relaxing and enjoying the cool breeze and sunny skies.

When I was in the woods the other day, I sat for a while, resting. In the stillness, I noticed the abundance of birdsong. So many different sounds from all directions! I let the sounds flood over me, resisting any focus. Eventually, I practiced similarly with my vision, opening all my senses into unfocused awareness. There’s a relaxing and receiving that can happen. It feels really cool! Like my ears stop working so hard and just allow themselves to hear, my skin receives the touch of the soft breeze. Our senses know exactly what to do.

We’ve become a little vigilant in the way we live and experience the world. Watchful and wary, our energy literally gets a little ahead of ourselves. We can point to lots of reasons for this vigilance. But, it feels important to remember our more natural state. An easeful neutral. For me, it takes conscious intention to re-set. I can be trying to fall asleep and realize that I’m still holding tension in my body. Tightness becomes a habit, a full-time defensive state. Instead of assumed wholeness and ease, we come from fear. We worry.

Worry is pretty fascinating. Expressions of worry are sometimes meant to show love and care. Worriers believe that they’re (we’re) helping. But isn’t it actually a lack of trust that sparks worry. In my extremely limited “research”, google told me that oftentimes worry is a projection of our own fears onto another. Energetically, this creates a burden and negativity.

How can we keep our intended focus on positive outcomes? If we create by our energy and vibration – and I believe that we do – is there anything more important than cleaning up our focus? I’m not suggesting that we ignore reality, or act irresponsibly in any way, but seeing the best outcome for each other doesn’t seem risky. It actually feels affirming.

Yes, the river can overflow and do some crazy things. Most days, though, it flows quietly. Many days, things work out. Many worries never come to pass. Sensing life in the moment simply feels good. Different kinds of experiences but it’s a practice we can do in Nature or in a crowded airport – or anywhere. Staying centered within and receiving life in all its myriad forms. Seeing each other’s wholeness and incredible potential.

I’d love to hear about your experiences.