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MUSINGS ON LIFE
I think; therefore, I muse
 
DIANE HUGHES • NASHVILLE, TN
WRITER, EDITOR, CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

Stop struggling; go with the flow

5/1/2013

10 Comments

 
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Some days, does it feel like you're swimming upstream? Like the universe is against you?

If so, you might want to consider that you're taking the wrong path. That's not to say that your ultimate goal is ill advised, just that you may be taking the wrong path to get there. 

Life, God and the universe don't operate on our human time table. So if you're trying to force something, maybe now just isn't the time. But you want to have a baby now. You want that new job now. You want to move to your dream city yesterday. Stop wasting your energy trying to force it to happen. Do your part and allow the rest to take care of itself. Allow events to unfold in their own time. You'll be less stressed, more calm and at peace. And isn't that what you ultimately want anyway?
Whether you're a devoutly religious person, a spiritual person or someone who practices Eastern philosophy, tap into that side of yourself and rely on God, your higher power, the Universe — whatever gives you guidance and solace — and trust that things are moving to get you where you're supposed to be. The pieces on the chessboard are being strategically moved into place and the path is being laid before you. You just need to trust and follow. 

Years ago I read a heartwarming litte book that I recently re-read. It's called The Tao of Pooh. The book takes a unique perspective on the principles of Taoism, using the characters from Winnie the Pooh to explain the life principles expressed by the ancient philosopher Lao Tzu in the Tao Te Ching. While I don't profess to be a Taoist or an expert on Taoism, I am struck by how Lao Tzu's words still ring true today.
Tao of Pooh
Tao means way or path. An important concept of Tao is "wu wei," which means to act without acting (non-doing or non-action). Mind you, non-doing doesn't mean you do nothing, it just means that once you've done what you can ... you let it go. Don't fight. Don't struggle. Just take the steps to get where you feel you ought to be (or want to be) and allow the rest to fall into place at the proper time. 

The concept of wu wei is also described as "going with the flow." I find peace in the calm imagery of my life as a stream flowing on its intended path while I allow it to run its course. No fighting against the current. No struggling against rocks and obstacles. Just enjoying the journey.

Remember that control is just an illusion. We never truly have control, no matter how much comfort we find in thinking that we do. So, the next time it feels like you're fighting an uphill battle — STOP! Don't fight. Don't force. Don't struggle. Just go with the flow. Allow things to happen in their own time. You know, enjoy the ride.

Have you been struggling and trying to force things to happen in your life? Or have you found peace in letting go? Please share your story or thoughts in the Comments.

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    DIANE HUGHES

    I write, edit, photograph and muse about life.

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