ONLY DEAD FISH GOES WITH THE FLOW?

 



“I don’t go with the flow, nor do I go against it.

I create my own.”

Laurie Buchanan


The very thought  of ‘Going with the flow’  has a very calming effect on our minds. I am talking about very simple situations in our daily lives (like arriving at some consensus), as well as complex situations which are beyond human control (like calamites such as Covid, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes etc.) While the former offers us the options to go or not to go with the flow, the latter  (calamities) offer no options to us, but to go with the flow…

But, wait a minute: Even when calamities like floods, tsunamis, earthquakes or Covid strike us, do we passively declare, “Take us – Thy will be done?” Or, do we try, with all that we possess, to fight, to survive and to outwit the current?

That’s where, I think, we need clarity on the idea of ‘Going with the flow’. When we use this phrase, we should be aware of what we are saying…





In all life-situations, whether within our control or beyond, we try our best to defend us.

When it comes to calamities, we try our best to protect us and our possessions. When it comes to our ideas and plans, we try our best to  carry them across… We try to be as persuasive as possible, as intense, diplomatic, tactful, lighthearted and even forceful or blunt. We do so, because we are humans… we have a heart that feels and a mind that thinks.  So, we feel happy and good when our ideas are accepted…

But, do we see it from other persons’ point of view, too? As much as we try, don’t they try, too?

And, when the friction happens – do we see our ‘egoes’ coming into play?

With calamities, Nature doesn’t care how mighty are egoes are. Whether we like it or not – She takes us along with her flow. When we see that truth, we understand why and when we should surrender… “Whatever happens, happens!”

There is peace in that acceptance… There is tremendous strength and energy… If we survive the calamities, all our possessions gone, we find enough strength to build our lives all over again, right from the scratch…That’s grace… That’s ‘Going with the flow’, Sir.

In our day-to-day ‘calamities’ – ego battles – the early we understand when to  hold on and when to let go – yes, the better it is for our peace of mind…






Sarah Palin dramatically says, “Only dead fish goes with the flow!”

She makes a point. You and I are living beings, not dead fish… And, all living beings try to defend themselves till the point of breaking…

I think, knowing our breaking points and making way to what is ‘divine’ is what the essence of  Laurie Buchanan’s statement is:

“I don’t go with the flow, nor do I go against it. I create my own .”

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic’s: pixabay

Video: Karl Hohne

 

 

Comments

Anonymous said…
What a lovely piece sir :) Thank you for sharing you such beautiful thoughts and videos. It's very calming to read. Need these in stressful times!
- Dolphin
July 21, 2021 at 8:09 PM
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