Leading Life Like a River

ost of us work too hard to create the life that we want. We live in a highly active society-- always on the move -- with many different things fighting for our attention and time. Most of us are under so much pressure, working tirelessly to address the urgent issues around us. When we are so busy, we consider everything as urgent, and completely forget about what is important. Therefore, we work so hard and still feel a little void in our heart,  

What keeps you from flowing through life?

Some people choose to blame others, pointing to external situations for their lack of progress in life. They see life through their own lens, and it is understandable that they see what they see. On the other hand, they forget their own power in the process, particularly the power of choice. We all can make changes; however, each decision and choice in life comes with a price. Many prefer to stay with their existing choices, rather than to sign up for new opportunities. It is safer to stay within our comfort zone, even though we know what we want, only exists outside of it.

Of course, speaking about change is easier than actually making the change.  We see the examples of it in politics.  Politicians come with a message of change.  When they all know or soon realize that, it is difficult to change the system, because it is difficult to change the people.  Change only happens from within and only when you are ready.  

Many of us are not willing to pay the price. Therefore, we resist the change as much as possible. Most people like to be in control. Being in control, make us feel safe and powerful; this is our logical brain in action. Our logical side always tries to control everything, instead of letting go. There are pluses to being in control of course, however, with control, comes limitation and fear. Desire to control everything makes us inflexible and rigid. It becomes harder to change direction and impossible to flow effortlessly in life.

We can learn a few things from a river regarding control and letting go.  A river confidently flows down the mountain. It roars as it jumps over the rocks, with no fear about the future, and no concern about what lies ahead. It joyfully rushes forward and removes anything that stands in its way, but never forgets the way! What’s there to forget? The only path to take is downstream -- the path of least resistance. 

A river naturally flows in an unorganized manner, carving its own path as it passes through the terrain. It lovingly picks up what it wants, carrying it as long as it can, and then leaves it when it is no longer promising to its path. It never stops, or doubts, its decision, and it never go back for what it has left behind. The river knows that an abundance of resources is available ahead. It continues to flow, powerfully focusing only on the path that lies ahead, with no regret about the past, and no doubt about the future. 

A river knows its power but also respects the universal principles. It knows that its nature is harmony. It humbly passes through what it can, showing flexibility by going around what it can’t; yet at times, forcefully removes all that stands in its path. It doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, and it is not concerned with others' judgments. It knows it is gone in no time. Therefore, it only stays true to itself and the path that it has chosen. 

A river always flows downhill because it is the path of less resistance. It already knows the correct path is the most effortless one. It may not know what is beyond the next turn, but it surrenders to its path without any doubt or hesitation, trusting the process and knowing the path it is on is leading it to where it must go. 

The river is never concerned with its speed, joyfully dancing between the mountains, and calmly passing through the valleys. It enjoys every moment, and every place that it passes through, because it knows, it will never come back again. A river reflects the natural beauty that surrounds it, as it serves whatever it meets. It simply embraces the journey and knows its purpose is to serve and help whatever comes on its way. 

What we don’t realize, is that life is about flowing and integrating.  Struggles may exist, but it should not be a constant irritation in our life.  The harmony you see in nature is evidence of the effortless flow of life.  There is always an alternative solution, a different answer, and another viewpoint. It requires letting go and loosening our control -- allowing ourselves to think and feel beyond what we know.  We must allow our intuition to collaborate with our logic, and we must let go of who we think we are, in order to connect with who we really are.  Then, we can flow effortlessly like a river.

You deserve to live and flow like a river roaring fearlessly and confidently down the mountains and through the valleys of life, creating your path and surpassing all obstacles, loving every moment and enjoying the abundance of life while serving the people on your path. 

Amir Mike Rafati is a personal and business coach in Newport Beach, CA