Waves?

Air Temperature; 7 Degrees             Time: 10.00am

Waves?

 

Today chose a hike over swim but feet found their way to a gurgling stream that feeds into one of the major moor rivers. Couldn’t help it – found myself dipping in a lovely spot, no swim involved, just a deep pool under moss tree roots and rocks – really magical spot – can only imagine what it would be like on a summer’s day!

So no swim and definitely no waves…yet what was on my mind was of how we have the choice to ‘pause’ panic, doubt, fear and worry and to experience these things without them bowling us over. I have often used the analogy of waves. Of two surfers out on the sea (The Sea of Emotion)

Here they are, our surfers. You or I, on the sea waiting, bobbing about afloat, but actually ‘going’ nowhere. When an enormous wave starts to form, a wave that is going to ‘hit.’ The surfers feel panicked, they hadn’t perceived that this wave could be so big and fierce. They are faced with a choice, to go for the wave or to just cling to their boards and hope that they don’t get washed off.

The first surfer feels the panic. Fear and doubt take hold. He thinks ‘this wave is just too big, too fast for me. I may drown.’ As such he misses the wave, not even trying to ride it. Consequently he stays in the same place, bobbing on the sea and actually feels a little frustrated as a result. He starts to be disparaging towards himself, ‘If only I hadn’t been such a coward. There may not be another wave…aren’t I just useless…why didn’t I just give it a go…I may as well just quit trying to surf…’

The second surfer had also had the same panic. Fear and doubt had started to rise up in him just like they had for the first surfer. However, he had recognised that he could make a choice. He could chose to have these emotions, but not to let the emotions ‘have’ him. So he had paddled with the direction of the oncoming wave and had managed to ‘ride’ it. He knew that he may well fall off at some point, but he chose to ‘travel’ to enjoy the exhilaration and motion. Plus through his choice he learnt new skills that developed his expertise at surfing. In effect this surfer faced his fears, felt them but rather than listening to the fear, he chose to put his focus onto something else and actually used the experience to empower rather than dis-empower himself.

So what’s the point of my story?

To remember, even when you are feeling really crappy that you always have the power to choose. You can re-act in panic and give into the doubt and fear…or you can simply act, feeling the feelings but choosing to put your focus onto something that supports the direction you wish to go… If you are not sure of a ‘direction’ then simply chose something that changes the ‘direction’ of your emotions. Focus on something that makes you feel calmer and puts a smile on your face. ‘Reschedule’ your panic for another time…And ride the wave!

Let curiosity be your guide: Where can this situation and experience take you? What new shores would be in reach if you went with it and embraced the change…?

Enjoy your journey X