Positive Power In Action…
Trust the Wisdom of Flow

By Judith Orloff, MD

Flow is perfect attunement with a larger-than-self energy that carries us through our lives. I view this energy as Spirit, compassionate and wise. Trusting the wisdom of flow means going with what’s presented to us as gracefully as possible, rather than flailing around in opposition. Our life’s flow propels us in certain directions. Of course, we do everything possible to create optimal outcomes, but we also must know when to ease off. The art is learning to go where the current takes us rather than maniacally mico-managing every detail of our existence.

Going with the flow safeguards our life force. Here’s a basic law of energy: to realize our dreams, we must give them some breathing room. We must do the footwork but also stand back a little and let the universe work its magic. Paying close attention to these signs about flow gives us a choice of behavior.

INTUITIVE SIGNS WE’RE IN THE FLOW

We’re happy, or at least able to accept what is, without engaging in an unrelenting internal battle.

We go after what we want, but back off if pushing too hard—that tense, obsessive sense of being in overdrive.

Our energy is high; we have an ease in relating with people and ourselves. If conflicts arise, we breathe deeply, work towards resolution instead of getting rigid or retaliating.

Hours pass, and we may not even notice. Kids get into flow-consciousness when playing, artists when creating.

We evaluate the timing of situations, rather than simply trying to break doors down.

Flow can feel like coasting, a deeply spiritual state because we’re trusting the energy of the Now.

INTUITIVE SIGNS WE’RE PUSHING AGAINST THE FLOW

There’s an energetic line we cross here between happiness and misery that we must recognize. It’s when we go beyond being healthily assertive to forcing the flow—a form of insanity in which we do something over and over again with the same negative results.

The giveaway is that our well-being suffers: our energy is frazzled, physical symptoms are aggravated, we’re impatient or desperate. A constant uphill battle can make us sick, instigate a cycle of frustration, blockages, and emotional pain.

Giving the issue we’re fixated on a rest may feel intolerable or evoke tremendous anxiety.

Typically, others are irritated by our pushing, and relationships linked with the desired outcome are strained.

We deal with conflict by fighting it and clenching, instead of working toward the best possible compromise. In unavoidable, stressful situations we hate every minute of the ordeal—rather than flowing with it—and thus inflict suffering on ourselves or others.

Overall, going against the flow feels horrible and it is a life force drain. It’s about fearfully clinging to self-will, and losing temporary touch with a compassionate intelligence, that of our Higher Power.

Judith Orloff M.D. is a psychiatrist, author of Positive Energy, Guide to Intuitive Healing and Second Sight. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA, has a private practice in Los Angeles, and is an international workshop leader on the interrelationship of intuition, energy, and medicine. For more information visit www.drjudithorloff.com .

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