‘Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force’ Lao Tzu
I have been reflecting on flow, the life force that guides our journey as humans experiencing this world.
To go with the flow is a wonderful intention yet sometimes we resent, or resist, what flow brings!
And there are times, perhaps for creative people especially, it seems flow dries up and we are gasping fish.
The thaw comes eventually, as surely as snow and ice turn to meltwater on mountain slopes. Swollen burns flow to sea past obstacles, through whirlpools, rapids and eddies.
Sometimes flow is in a rush, and sometimes it’s deeply smooth too.
And though we may wander from connection with our flow, perhaps distracted, or tempted away from the tune that carries our soul purpose, ultimately we feel the loss of what calls us and is deeply significant.
To reconnect, to feel the energy and joy of flow, we may be required to step outwith our comfort zone. No easy feat. Yet every time I observe this favourite river, from the perilously rickety wooden bridge, with gaping holes that make every crossing a daredevil mission, I am reminded of Neil M Gunn’s evocative book about life journeys, Highland River (1937) and this quote from Rumi, a 13th century Islamic scholar, jurist, theologian and Sufi mystic;
‘When you do things from your soul you feel a river of joy‘
brigid benson 