Observing the flow of water can be an inspiration for our own lives. Just like a river flows inside its banks, meandering this way and that, we also go through our lives usually following along the path that was set for us at a young age, encountering our own twists and turns.
Water follows the path of least resistance and does not cling to the past. It allows itself to take the shape of whatever is containing it, yet it does not define itself by that container. Water flows on, not worried about whether there is an obstacle; it will just go around it, or if has gathered enough energy, it can go through it, such as when rushing water carves out a new path.
“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall; it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that my child. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”
Margaret Atwood
Sooner or later, a river reaches the ocean and merges with it. It does not hold back for fear of losing its individuality. It becomes part of the ocean, something larger than it was previously. When we serve in our communities, we also become part of something larger than ourselves.
If we can learn to flow along like a river, not resisting, not clinging to what was, we can get to where we want to go, and benefit not only ourselves, but others as well.
“The imperfect becomes whole. How true that is! To become whole and return to the Source, one must ever be in accord with nature. There is nothing in the world so weak as water, nor anything strong enough to overcome it. The person of great wisdom is like water which, though benefiting all things, never strives.”
Lao Tzu
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