In celebrating my 82nd birthday this week, I decided to “jump” in the ocean in Malibu for some body surfing—something I hadn’t done for many years. I was very quickly reminded (after a few tumbles) that the waves are in control, not me.
Accepting that undeniable truth over thirty-five years ago began my journey in learning how to embrace, rather than resist, the waves in my own life, and eventually led to sharing my successes and failures in my new book this year, The Way of the Wave: Nature’s Model for Navigating Life’ Currents.
The short time in the water also reminded me of two important, interlinked factors to enjoying more expansive and fulfilling rides— both in the water and our lives: Fear and Trust.
Fear is the primary catalyst for harmful controlling actions. Fear causes us to resist and grip and hold on tight to life, thus preventing us from recognizing and pursuing opportunities and paths that could vastly improve our lives.
As I’ve expressed many times, a “fear-controlled life is a serenity-deprived life.”
Trust is key to countering fear. When we trust that we will be okay, that we can find a way, whatever the circumstances or outcome, the less fear we will have. We need only remind ourselves that despite our past trials and tribulations, we are still here. And will likely be tomorrow, as well!
(For other ways to defuse fear, see “2 Keys to Letting Go of Fear.”)
Thus, as I was thrown asunder by the waves that day, I trusted that I would find a way to protect myself—and did. I placed my arms and hands around my head and surrendered to the powerful force of the currents. The worst thing that happened was that I ended up with sand in my hair and all over my body.
In the book’s chapter “Trusting the Flow,” I express: “Trusting my life currents has enhanced my life in so many ways. Simply put, it makes life easier. Trust effectively counters fear, limited thinking, high expectations, and the need to control.”
That’s even more true at 82!
In the meantime,
May you go with the Wave!
Danny
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