Gifts of the Soul February 2003	Gifts of the Soul
	by Laura Grace

Are You Going with the Flow?

I have a feeling I should paint what I am supposed to paint. So I sit.
And there my hand moves and I made a picture.
--Norval Morrijeau

A few times a week while walking to my favorite café, I have the privilege of crossing paths with someone who resembles a wise Native American elder. This woman possesses the look of infinite peace within her eyes and face. When I ask her, "How are you today?" she always smiles serenely and replies, "I’m going with the flow."

Going with the flow. Hmmm. This is something that is difficult for some of us, because there are times when we seem to struggle maintaining our peace of mind, keeping our balance, and feeling connected to our higher selves. With a myriad of external diversions confronting us from every direction, flowing with our soul’s natural rhythm and with the universal current can be very challenging, indeed.

There is a flow and cycle for all things including life itself: birth, death and rebirth. Emotions, creativity, and our bodies all have their own cycle, too. In the world, signs direct us on our way in life. Traffic lights tell us to walk (or not), geese fly south ushering in the coming winter, and our soul urges us to follow its calling in any given moment. We know how to read these signs of nature, weather and spirit; they help to guide us on our journey.

When you allow yourself to sink into the natural rhythm of life, you know it. You feel more connected with your soul, rejuvenated and inspired. This reminds me of the uplifting movie The Legend of Bagger Vance. Although the golfer, Randolph (Matt Damon), believes he has "lost his swing," his caddie, Bagger, who also represents his higher self (Will Smith), reminds him that he could get it back if he would only stop trying so hard and let it flow naturally. This, he pointed out, was how he would experience his "authentic swing," the swing that is desirous of finding him (not the other way around); the very swing that is inside all of us and connects us to one another. Bagger’s wise advice encouraged Randolph to remember one simple truth: to get himself out of the way.

Where do you need to "get yourself out of the way?" In what area(s) of your life are you blocking the natural flow of life? When do you feel you’re pushing too hard, or, perhaps, preventing yourself from receiving the opportunities or resources the universe wants you to have?

For example, when I’m not allowing life to flow through me, I sit down to write only to end up with paragraphs of ideas that I eventually delete. The deadline may be tomorrow and not even the first paragraph is written. If frustration surfaces for a length of time, I know it’s time to get up from my chair and take a long walk, preferably barefoot, along the beach. And often, after an hour of listening to the crashing waves, feeling the salt air against my face and the sand beneath my feet, I’m refreshed and inspired. Back at the computer, my fingers type, the words flow, and the task before me is successfully completed.

Sometimes we need to get quiet so the natural flow of life can move through us. Spending time in nature and breathing deeply can be very fulfilling and effective ways in grounding us. When you need to get quiet, try this simple yet powerful exercise: place your feet firmly on the ground so both of your feet are solidly touching from heel to toe. As you allow yourself to breathe deeply in through your nose and gently exhale out through your mouth, imagine white light flowing into the crown of your head and moving all the way down your body. Consciously move the light down through your feet and out the bottom of your soles. Imagine light-filled "roots" emanating from the bottom of your feet right into the earth. Experience yourself feeling centered, focused and whole.

Getting grounded allows you to receive the energetic flow of love and support that is yours to have. It enables you to remain balanced, poised and fully present. It empowers you to remain in your center and to maintain strong and healthy boundaries. In fact, breathing deeply, when coupled with getting grounded, allows you to release old wounds and trauma from the past so you can be present in your body, right here, right now. When we’re caught up in "pushing" to "make things happen" we tend to resort to shallow breathing. Breath, being the life force that flows through us, is a precious gift.

Trust that you are connected to a divine flow that is leading you to higher ground. There’s no need to push, and there’s no need to rush. Imagine how much more simple your life would be if you trusted that everything happening in your life are guideposts along a path that is naturally true and correct. Remember that you deserve to feel aliveness and harmony in your life and that requires means with the flow.

© Copyright 2003 Laura Grace. All Rights Reserved.

 Laura's Books:

Laura Grace is Co-founder of Infinite Wisdom, an organization dedicated to the highest human capacity, and a national author and speaker. As a regular contributor for publications across the U.S. and Canada, Laura writes about human awareness and spiritual growth. Laura is the author of the widely acclaimed books The Intimate Soul and Gifts of the Soul, and the creator and teacher of various programs including the Self-Mastery Program, The Art of Compassionate Forgiveness, Wonderful Women: Reclaiming Our Power, Passion and Purpose, and Cultivating the Intimate Life. Please visit Laura's web site at: www.LauraGrace.net.

As a spiritual counselor, Laura provides assistance in person and by phone. You may contact her for a free brochure at: laura@laurahyde.com.

Visit:
www.LauraGrace.net

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