Finding Flow in the Real World

There have been so many times in my life that I’ve tried to force things to move forward. Even when something clearly wasn’t working, my tendency was to try to push it forward anyway (usually out of fear, or stress, or a desire to have things “my way”).

What I’ve been trying to embody more and more is the concept of actually going with the flow. Recognizing that, if something isn’t working, there might be another path I should take or another task I should focus my energy on for the time being. It sounds simple, but it can be challenging and a little scary to live this way.

Society has ingrained a belief in most of us that we have to work hard and push through in order to succeed. We may have been taught to ignore our feelings and stay in situations that don’t feel quite right because it’s what’s expected of us by others. While I believe that hard work is certainly necessary for making progress in our lives, it’s the mix of hard work and inspired action that most of us are missing.

When we find ourselves repeatedly grinding away at something that doesn’t feel good, or that never seems to make progress, it’s usually a sign that our energy would be better spent elsewhere. If we’re feeling stuck and uninspired, whatever we’re doing is likely draining our energy and will leave us feeling depleted. When we spend time on things that fill us with energy and excitement, we are much more likely to create something meaningful or valuable to others. When we love what we do, our unique contribution to the world gets to shine through us and our final products.

However, in reality, we may not have the luxury to work only on the things we love. In this case, we can at least set boundaries around the time we spend on the things that drain us. When I’ve applied this concept to my work, I’ve found that stepping away from whatever blocks me leads me to a new solution, a new way of doing things that I previously couldn’t see. I also find that whatever I do instead — whether it’s going for a walk, meditating, or working on something else — ends up having a quality of “divine timing” or synchronicity. 

I believe this is because I’m allowing the flow of the Universe to lead me. I’m showing the Universe that I’m willing to listen and act in alignment with what wants to be created through me, instead of forcing my will onto the situation. By surrendering and opening myself to be a channel for something greater, I more often find myself with end results that feel truly authentic to my heart.

So how do we bring more flow into our lives? It requires regularly examining how we really feel within the tasks we spend our time and energy on. When I feel blocked, I ask myself, “Why am I really doing what I’m doing?” Is it out of fear or stress? Is it because of my ego’s desire for success? Is it because I feel like I HAVE to do it this way?

I then step away, zoom out, and ask, “What else could I be spending my time on?” I try to let go of my ego’s desire for control and ask, “What wants to be created through me now?” I surrender my will to the Universe and ask that the next right steps be revealed to me. 

At this stage, we can’t force an answer. If there is no clear path forward, no passion at the forefront of our minds, or things still feel murky, choose to wait and stay receptive instead of forcing a decision or action. I find that clarity comes when, instead of dwelling on my confusion, I surrender and turn my attention to something else that brings me ease or relief (e.g., a walk, journaling, or a creative task). Spiritual teacher Abraham Hicks calls this “taking the path of least resistance” — in other words, going with the flow.

While we may not understand the bigger picture in the moment, taking the path of least resistance, following our ease and passion, and being receptive to our inner guidance will lead us to heightened creativity, new solutions, and more clarity around our purpose. When we trust the flow and open ourselves to feel what wants to be created through us, we allow something completely new and authentic to be born. While our minds may try to force certainty or progress, may we all have the patience to allow our paths to become crystal clear and inspired.

by Marina Harmon