“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”
-Margaret Atwood
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Just go with the flow.” In context, it’s usually said when one is experiencing unexpected turbulence in their life and heading in a direction that was not planned. It’s meant to remind us that sometimes, we need to step back to get out of our own way and flow with what is in that moment – to move with the current of life.
But we also know, that it is not always easy to follow this wisdom. Especially in those times where we have passionately and tirelessly dedicated ourselves to something, that suddenly gets flipped upside down or unapologetically ripped away. These can be really rough moments – leading to feeling defeated and even heartbroken. These are very valid emotions we experience, and most of the time arise because that “something” meant a whole great deal to us.
But we can also be reminded of and follow the wisdom of yoga.
The only thing constant is change.
And obstacles set in our path are just that, an obstacle.
I like to see them as an intentional pause from the universe. To give us time to step back from the course we are on and to look beyond our immediate goal. To give us time to widen our scope and view of how the course we set ourselves on, merges with the greater current of life.
Sometimes the obstacle is merrily just our own perception – change it and the obstacle suddenly disappears.
Other times the obstacle is meant to stop us in our tracks to reconsider and evaluate the alignment of our course and to assist us in creatively exploring alternate options.
Obstacles are not always meant to overcome, sometimes we just simply need to go around them.
Like the quote I shared at the beginning of this email, we can remember that we are half water, which means we are fluid beings. And we can work with our fluidity to steadily set a new course.
Life will always be filled with unexpected changes that will sometimes be incredibly disheartening. But please remember dear ones, that you have all that is necessary to patiently and fluidly adapt. Life always finds a way to begin again. It is the law of nature.
Trust in your own wisdom and be willing to step yet again into the current of life, filled with curiosity on where it will take you next.
With love and light,
Laura McKinnon
Categories: Yoga & Mindfulness Blog