BREAKTHROUGH!

“Maybe these things need to be a lot less structured than I think they have to be.”

Yes! And here’s a thought: What if there is already a structure in place? A perfect structure that’s been in place since forever. I mean, have you ever thought about how nuts it is that everything seems to just happen, whether you like it or not? Ever try to keep tomorrow from actually coming? The sun comes up. The seasons change. The bills don’t stop. The dog wants to be fed.

Here’s some wisdom. (No charge.) Planning is fine. Planning is great. But when I get attached to having to have a certain outcome happen the way I want things to happen— that’s when the pain comes. That’s when I get to ask myself, “Okay. Now, to what extent is all my planning and thinking and worrying really just a way I try to wield control over life?” Busted!

Here’s where “Go with the flow” starts to make better sense. Because things frequently do unfold in unexpected ways. And if I’m more relaxed, in the flow, I am better prepared to respond to what is actually happening. I might even enjoy the process.

I just thought of rollercoasters. Some people like them, some don’t. But no matter, they do provide a service. They offer us an opportunity to try “going with the flow.” With little or no risk. Because the path of the rollercoaster is pretty much locked in. It can give you the sensation that everything’s out of control, but it’s really not.

Daily living has its similarities to riding rollercoasters. I’ve come to believe that there actually is a path, like the iron rails of the ride. I just can’t see them.

Want to practice this stuff more? Take an improv class. Great training.