Drift and Flow

The Difference

 Sand drifts when it is pushed by the wind. In our own journeys, we drift by not making our own intentional choices, by letting outside factors determine where we go. If ,for example, we are in a job that is not right for us we may lose confidence or think that it is our fault, rather than a bad fit., We lose our sense of self and let an organization define us.

A river flows setting its own direction. The water in the river finds its own force. It has a source and a destination. It may hit a rocky patch but can still flow, sometimes smoothing out the rocks it encounters and travelling on easily. It can change direction, often affecting what is in its way, like creating a turn in the banks that confine it. When we flow, we are in charge. We can set and reset our direction. We reach for our goals with intention.

Let’s take some time to think of examples of when we drifted and when we flowed in our journeys and begin to clearly discern the difference between the two. We may have drifted when we did not have clarity, before we found our next direction. Or, when we needed a rest after a challenging time. We may have flowed when we had strong intention and set out for where we wanted to go next.

Right Timing

Right timing is always challenging. We may want something to happen, but nothing is falling into place. Uncertainty surrounds us and, as much as we want to set our intention, we don’t know what to go for. In this situation, there’s no point in trying to force things. It won’t work. It can be challenging, in these situations, to discern if it is right timing or our own resistance at play.

Sometimes we need to drift and other times flow is called for. We need to develop the ability to know which one is at play. It may take some time, but with focus we can eventually know. We get more familiar with how drift and flow feel and how they serve us. Essentially, this ability relies on inner self development – strengthening our intuition and knowledge of self.

Awareness

 This awareness of when we need to drift and when we need to flow is essential to our journeys. Otherwise, time can be wasted, wrong directions pursued and confusion can set in. Let’s take some time and focus to understand the energies of drift and flow in our lives and how to maximize our use of them.

Now I am flowing and feeling a bit of relief. It has been challenging to stop drifting but I am doing it. I have set three goals – to do more writing, develop a new coaching package I call A.L.I.G.N. and to pitch two media outlets a day. – Ann

 

Photo:  Jakson Moura, unsplash.com