Going with the Flow

Quote of the day: Don’t push the river—it flows by itself. — (Fritz Perls, Gestalt Therapy Verbatim)

Minnehaha Creek, BIg Willow Park, November 2010

Go with the flow.  It’s easy to say, but much more difficult to practice.  For most of my life I’ve done anything BUT go with the flow.  I’ve worked hard, driven myself to “succeed” and ignored the still, small voice coming from my heart.

After I left the corporate world, it took me six months to realize that I was using the same driving style in my new life as I worked at creating my own photography business.  It wasn’t working.  I wasn’t happy as I kept following some self-defined deadlines and definitions for “success” (whatever that is) that didn’t make sense in my new life.  I finally decided to look at the next year as a sabbatical, a time to step back and assess what was really important in my life.

A few months later, I’ve noticed an ease in my life that feels wonderful.  I’m doing the same things I did before, but with a totally different intention. And intention makes all the difference!

I write every day.  I take photos several times a week.  I spend time editing photos, working on my Etsy shop and learning more about online business.  I cook healthy meals for myself and for friends.  I spend time with friends. My days have an organic ebb and flow.  Sometimes my days are full and busy.  Other days are more quiet and contemplative. Many mornings I sit in my pajamas and write my blog post of the day even before I make myself breakfast.  It’s become my morning pages (as in Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way).

I’ve noticed that if I slip back into “driven” mode that everything changes.  I get grouchy and start feeling frustrated and critical of my work. Then sure enough, everything grinds to a standstill in my business.  Customers just don’t show up.  I’m not happy with my photographs or my writing.  When I return to the creative flow and acting from the heart, blessings show up, I love what I’m doing, and the customers who value my work, show up too.

Author, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, describes flow as “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.”  

May you find flow in your life today.