The Boat
My life lately has demanded that I take a “go with the flow” attitude while things I can’t control are going on all around me.
In my practice, I have found many people having the same problem and wondering how to get back to a balanced state.
Currently, I’m listening to “Inner Wisdom by, Wayne Dyer”, which is a compilation of books and talks that he gave over his lifetime. Today he was singing and extolling the wisdom of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”. He broke it down word by word.
Row. Row. Row. This is a simple way of encouraging us to keep going and stay steady. Don’t worry about rushing. You’re in water, so skip the gas pedal or walking...just row, row, row.
YOUR Boat. Remember whose boat you’re in charge of – not your kid’s, your parents’, your co-worker's, your neighbor’s, your partner’s, or even your best friend’s boat...just YOUR boat. Row YOUR boat.
Gently. Again, no rush – no bother, just a gentle rhythm.
Down the Stream. Are you trying to row upstream??? Many of us do that too much. Why are we working so hard against the current? Getting in the flow of life is about paying attention to the signs. When life is slamming doors in our faces, why do we continue to pound on the doors? Look for an open window! KNOW that when you are following the path and purpose laid out for you in this lifetime that there is a natural ease and rhythm. If you aren’t experiencing that, perhaps you’re on someone else’s path?! Rejection is re-direction. Say, “thank you” and move along.
Merrily. Merrily. Merrily. Merrily. Wow! This word got emphasized – why??? Because it’s important! Life is not meant to be hard. It’s not meant to make us miserable. Buddha said, “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” We all have a choice when things get hard. Focus on the pain and ask, “why me???” or we can focus on wonder, awe, and gratitude for the lesson (which if we learn this go-round we don’t have to take the test again!) and all the wonderful things in our life. I know I can fold and put away clothes feeling like a grump or take the time to listen to my favorite music or call a friend and make it “merry”.
Life is but a Dream. What if...hear me out...what if life is merely a simulation that we are taking way too seriously? Right now – think back to 10 years ago today. What were you worried about? I know today is my brother’s birthday – so seems like a date I might remember better, but I can’t remember any specifics. There was general stuff going on in my life that I remember, but I also know that it all worked out and it’s so far back there, changing it isn’t an option or even necessary at this point. Truth be told, I can’t even give you specifics about my worries 10 days ago. Life is but a dream.
I think I’ll go back to merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily in my own boat, rowing downstream.
