When the Living is (Suspiciously) Easy

I value going with the flow. It’s all about being in sync with the universe and recognizing right timing. It’s about being patient and waiting for the right time to act, so I work in concert with everyone else’s efforts, the timing in my life, or when an idea is ripe. Working in the flow is much easier than against the flow, which is like swimming upstream. When I look back at times I was in the flow, I was flexible and recognized the “right” time to sleep, work, or enjoy my family. Everything seemed to happen in divine timing and with great results.

This last year has been great as I shifted to pursue inner work that required comparatively less structured work than in the past. I relaxed and came into a new type of fullness which promoted emotional growth and maturity. This phase concluded several months ago, and it was time to plan what to do next. I proceeded with lots of activity but little progress.

If I want to achieve my life’s work and contribute to the community, I need to set my goals and work my plan. After the growth and reflection of this past year, my path is clearer, and I have a long list of my next steps. I just don’t happen to get much done. I track my activities and see actions that look like I’m focusing where I need to. I carve out time for my business, meditation, clients, etc. Yet I never seem to make progress. I finally had to admit that I wasn’t going with the flow anymore; I was taking the path of least resistance. Part of being your own change agent is being aware of when things are in sync – and when they aren’t.

That was my clue. Although I’ve been “busy,” my actions either were distractions or at the wrong time; they weren’t helpful for my path. I finally admitted I wasn’t going with the flow anymore. I was taking the path of least resistance. I spent time doing things that pleased everyone but contributed little to my quality of life or that made a real difference.

I’m refining my list of goals and schedules. I’m weeding out things that are unnecessary distractions and adding some things that keep me healthy and happy. I’ve done my inner work and set down my project plan and goals, but there comes a time when I actually have to DO some work. That action must meet my intentions, but it must also honor the energetic flow of right timing. It’s time to roll up my sleeves and focus on not just the work, but also its flow. I’m leaving the path of least resistance and rejoining the flow.

This article was first published in the January edition of Sibyl Magazine along with many brilliant authors. Check it out here on page 35.