Be Like Water

We spend a heck of a lot of time missing the impact of our own emphasis we put into things. We could do less with putting names, labels, and boxing things into categories. Our desires are less helpful than the ability we all have to step back and just let things happen. This immediate gratification spaces we live in has spoiled and ruined us. We need to develop a skill we probably at some time where good at, and return to learning how to clear out minds. The art of allowing ourselves to drift. To be present in the moments in front of us.

We’re at our best when we can just be in these moments that we pass through. Being effortless takes a lot of practice. It’s not being lazy, it is about being your natural self. Think of it like dancing. When you finally learn the steps and are in the swing of things after a while you forget about trying, you’re just dancing. You’re in this place of being at peace, playful, and less judgmental free flowing self. We need to remember that feeling again.

Part of us letting go and getting back to our free flowing selves is by reducing our tendencies to let ego drive us. Placing ourselves into a space of gratitude as well as generosity is a great practice to help us reduce our egotistical desires to show off. More money and power don’t make us happier. They might seem like they do for a few minutes, but as I have stated in the last post, happiness is result driven. With the money, as you get more, you get used to having more and then it’s more money that you think you need to return to a state of happiness you once enjoyed. You trick yourself into thinking you need more. And so on, and so on, and so on.

“It is more important to see the simplicity, to realize one’s true nature, to cast off selfishness and temper desire.”

The Tao

Tracking our ego through out the day when it spikes up or pops up is a great bets practice. Eventually your self-awareness of when this happens becomes more proactive in keeping you out of your own egotistical missteps. You will get to this place where you will decide that filling is not as good as stopping. Best practice here is spending 15 minutes each day living in your own void. Live in that space in- between. This is where you essential self resides. And, it’s a lot more important than how you look, what you have, and what your profession is.

Be more like water. Water is effortlessly and gently its natural self. Something we can all do better to emulate. Being effortless is a huge virtue when it comes to leadership. When you lead with trust, without ego, self-interest or interference, you will empower those around you. So rather than opposing your will in trying to force the point or will something to do what you want, be an active observer.

Checking on our motives and knowing when we’re doing something for selfish reasons can help us understand when to stop. Sharpen a blade too much and its edge will soon be lost. Rethinking your approach to life and your values will build in you admirable qualities like strength, generosity, and great leadership.

Be like water.

✌🏻 Shawn