Flowing with Life

Well, here we are in a new year with a new set of intentions. We’ve been here before, my friend: Let’s do it again and this time, let’s get it right. “Start that diet and lose weight.” “Learn the principles of investing and make a lot of money.” “Go back to school and earn that degree.” ENOUGH ALREADY!
 
These pressures are not only overwhelming, they are also unrealistic. The Vedic tradition is clear: If you were supposed to have these things, they would be here already. Let that soak in for a moment. We are taught that the aim of life is to go out there and get what we want, basically make a way even if no way exists. But the Vedic tradition tells us: Whatever you need or are supposed to have will show up on your doorstep.
 
This is the concept of flowing with life rather than trying to bend life to our own will and wishes. This doesn’t mean, of course, that we just sit back and wait for life to happen for us; certainly we have to live our lives the way that makes sense for us based on our interests and abilities. But here’s the beauty at the core of these basic teachings:
 
When we are in touch with the flow of life both within and outside ourselves, everything falls into place as it meant to be. We don’t have to force, struggle or even be afraid. Life is always for us so we can never lose in this game of life.
 
Here are some of the ways I have been working with this teaching and maybe it will spark your own reflections:
 
√ Saying “good morning” to every new day
 
√ Approaching my work with curiosity and allowing it to shift as it needs to
 
√ Extending understanding and forgiveness toward those who have hurt me
 
√ Repeating the affirmation “I trust the flow of life”