Our American culture teaches us to ‘go after what we want’, to ‘chase our dreams’, and to ‘manifest our destiny’. And yet, when we do this, life can be like an elusive game of hide-n-seek, as we actively chase after something, only to find it difficult to reach.
But what if we have it all backwards? When we look to the plant world, we don’t see an acorn going on a long trek to find itself and its ideal place to live. It simply falls wherever life puts it. The acorn doesn’t sit and ponder its purpose in life; instead it has an instinctual force that drives it to sprout and grow.
An acorn doesn’t decide in its little head about how big it wants to be or how many branches it would like to have when it’s a full-grown oak tree. Rather, life flows through the acorn, inspiring it when and as needed, to reach down with its roots, to reach up with its trunk and to stretch outward with its limbs.
And once the acorn has become an oak tree, it doesn’t reflect on what changes it needs to make and then seek out some process to create personal transformation. What it does is respond to the inner nudges and life-filled urgings that move through it. There is no analysis or process required; no thought or reflection is needed. And certainly, there is no planning, reaching, striving or grasping involved.
What if we applied this approach of flowing with life to our human experience? Instead of setting goals with our mind and working hard to accomplish them, we could tune into our inner knowing (our internal GPS) for guidance, direction, clarity and inspiration. And we could take action from the inspiration (rather than from our rational thoughts).
It’s a feeling of opening to receive life’s flow, rather than chasing after what we think we want; of being a witness to life’s grace and gifts, rather than setting intentions and goals.
It’s a way of being where inspiration and knowing inspire soul-centered action, and where we can then observe the miracles as life paves the way and smooths the rough edges.
And it’s a style of living that is filled with ease, as we listen for guidance, take action when inspired, and follow our soul’s passion. Our lives become effortless and grace-filled when we stop making things happen and simply let life flow.
Editor’s Note: There will be an interactive discussion about today’s post on the Center for Soulful Living’s Facebook page. To participate, please click on this link: Center for Soulful Living
Food for thought to stimulate discussion:
What about when life is hard and difficult? Where is the ease then?
What if I want to achieve something, like a college degree — shouldn’t I set a goal?
What if I don’t want to grow where I’m planted?
Are you saying I shouldn’t make efforts to heal?
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