Let it Flow, Let it Flow, Let it Flow
Recently I accepted an assignment from my mentor. She suggested that for a month I give up striving, driving, initiating, or instigating; all the active, dynamic energies that are my natural first impulse and without which I don’t always trust that I’ll get what I want.
The invitation was to explore living in receptivity, the state of allowing – a dance with the magnetic energies. In other words: stop working so hard, be still, and see what unfolds.
My initial reaction was a mixture of relief and anxiety. Relief to have permission – an assignment even – to loosen my grip. Anxiety over what would happen if I weren’t behind the wheel 24/7.
I didn’t just kick back and take a complete vacation from responsibility. What I did do was spend more time each day listening. Listening to my heart, my inner guidance, to nature, to people. I slowed down and spent a bit more time in silence.
A month later I’m surprised to discover that the sky did not fall. In fact, without effort or strain, I have attracted more of what I desire in my work and personal life — openness and honesty in relationships, new opportunities in my work and fresh ideas for artistic expression.
Let’s not mistake receptivity for being passive. I remain loyal to my vision and intention. What’s different is an ease in my approach. I’ve discovered a deeper level of self-trust and a finer degree of discernment in making choices. I’ve eased up on the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s – trusting what feels true for me and taking action from that place.
I would love to live
Like a river flows,
Carried by the surprise
Of its own unfolding. – John O’Donohue
The dynamic and magnetic energies are always present in our lives. At certain times we may need more of one than the other. Launching this blog earlier this year took dynamic energy to get it up and going. Listening for where it wants to go next calls on the magnetic.
Receptivity strengthens trust in your creativity. Ask for what you want. Allow it to flow naturally. Be open and accept what shows up.
As for me, I’m continuing the dance with the magnetic into the New Year.
Happy Holidays to you and all you all hold dear. May joy abound in 2012.
PRACTICE
If you are a fan of affirmations, this is a reliable favorite that I’ve used over the years:
I work without strain, walk without hurry, and live without tension, for I am in tune with the rhythm of the Universe. All that needs to get done will get done in the right and perfect time and in the right and perfect way. – Eric Butterworth
For more on Ask, Allow, and Accept see Abraham Hicks’ The Law of Attraction
If you haven’t seen it yet, rent Andy Goldsworthy’s Rivers and Tides for a view into a master of impermanence, working with what shows up and being in a continual state of learning.
One Response to “Let it Flow, Let it Flow, Let it Flow”
Leave a Reply
I am a speaker, teacher, writer, and artist working at the convergence of self-care, spirituality, and self-expression.
A Creative Conspirator - an inciter of whatever makes you come alive, an excavator of buried gifts and talents, a fresh breeze that fans the smoldering embers of abandoned creativity. Read More>
Perfect for this time of year. Not to be in a state of not doing but be open to what comes my way, without stress about having something positive happen. Know that I will be taken care of in this world. The fear does lift when I let go and let God. In the process of closing this year and preparing for next year I’m ok and not stressed about having something wonderful show up. The wonderful has shown up and will be with me, in me, around me, all over me. To stand still for a moment and feel and breathe, the magic does come.