As I reflected on my life near the ocean in Bali, watching the waves crash upon the beach, I found myself reflecting on the profound analogy that life is much like the relentless ebb and flow of the ocean. In that moment, a realization washed over me, much like a wave breaking on the shore. It struck me that our experiences in life are not only about enduring the crashing waves but, more importantly, about the choices we make in response to them.
Life, like the ocean, is filled with unpredictable waves. Some are gentle, caressing the shore with a soothing touch, while others crash with an unyielding force. It occurred to me that our ability to accept these waves and choose how to frame them is a powerful capacity—one that shapes the narrative of our lives. However, I recently discovered that dwelling too close to the crashing waves can leave us a little beaten up.
Picture this: standing waist-deep in the surf as the waves relentlessly crash around you. It's invigorating at first, feeling the power of the ocean, but soon you realize that this constant barrage takes its toll. That's when I began to understand the importance of venturing beyond the tumultuous surf and swimming out to calmer waters.
In a conversation with my podcast guests Janette and Tom this week, I was reminded I could go deeper. When we find ourselves in the deeper waters, the chaos of the crashing waves diminishes. It's a space of tranquility, where the sea is more serene and we can navigate with greater ease. But the revelation didn't stop there. Just a couple of feet down, I was reminded is a profound stillness—no waves, no turbulence, just peace.
It struck me that living a created life is akin to choosing where we position ourselves in the ocean. We have the agency to decide whether to stand on the beach, face the crashing waves head-on, or float above the surface on a surfboard, riding the highs and lows with grace. Alternatively, we can choose the calm beneath the surface, a space untouched by external turmoil.
The beauty of this analogy lies in the power of choice. We are not passive observers, but active participants in the dance with life's waves. The ability to decide where we want to be in the ocean—on the shore, in the surf, or beneath the surface—is a gift of personal responsibility.
Living a created life means recognizing that we have a say in the waves we create and the waves we accept from the external world. It involves acknowledging that, just as we can't control the ocean, we can control our response to it. We can choose to ride the waves with resilience and poise or seek solace in the peaceful depths below.
Here are three actionable steps to embrace this newfound wisdom:
Find Your Calm Waters:
Take a moment to identify the aspects of your life that feel like turbulent waves crashing on the shore. These might be stressors, toxic relationships, or situations that drain your energy. Once recognized, make a conscious effort to distance yourself from these tumultuous areas. Seek out the calmer waters, the spaces in your life where you feel more at peace and in control.
Action Item: Create a list of activities or environments that bring you a sense of calm and make a commitment to incorporate them regularly into your routine. Whether it's a daily meditation session, a walk in nature, or a creative outlet, intentionally carve out time for these moments of tranquility.
Dive Beneath the Surface:
Recognize that there's immense power in stillness. Just as the ocean has a serene depth beneath its surface, so too does life. Take the time to explore practices that promote inner peace and mindfulness. This could include meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities that allow you to disconnect from external chaos.
Action Item: Dedicate a few minutes each day to dive beneath the surface of your thoughts. Practice mindfulness through meditation or simply focus on your breath. Create a mental sanctuary where the external waves can't disturb your inner calm. Consistency is key, so start small and gradually increase the time spent in this introspective space.
Consciously Choose Your Waves:
Life will always present us with waves—some gentle, others turbulent. However, our power lies in the conscious choice of which waves to ride and which to let pass. Reflect on your priorities, values, and long-term goals. Align your choices with the waves that propel you forward rather than those that pull you under.
Action Item: Develop a habit of intentional decision-making. Before reacting to a situation, pause and consider whether the response aligns with the life you want to create. Set clear boundaries that protect your well-being and choose the waves that contribute positively to your journey. Remember, personal responsibility begins with the choices we make.
In the grand symphony of life, the melody is shaped by the choices we make and the waves we decide to embrace. So, let's take a moment to appreciate the vastness of our own personal ocean, recognizing the power we hold to surf the waves, float on the surface, or find serenity in the depths. After all, in the ebb and flow of life, our choices become the currents that shape our unique journey.
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