Sailing is an excellent metaphor for our lives, where the wind and the sea constitute the reality of our lives.
It may be for some of us, we stay close to shore, perhaps even choosing not to venture out of the harbour (yet).
Our ‘yacht’ is the ‘Self’ we created / built. If you like it is the ‘Self’ we learned / we were taught.
We are the sailor in charge of this ‘yacht.’
What starts to become apparent after we leave the harbour and set our course is, the more we respond to the wind and the waves, rather than react and try to ‘force’ our way forward, the more we begin to understand what the ‘yacht’ really needs us to do, in order to follow the course.
For example tacking, because that’s what the conditions demand – we cannot go straight there. What we also begin to realise is: ‘Oh its me, I’m in charge of this ‘yacht’, where it’s going and how well or badly it’s going to navigate there.’
We cannot make demands of the winds and waves to follow our bidding, we can only respond to what is.
This may also trigger us into thinking, perhaps this ‘yacht’ / ‘Self’ could use some design tweaks.
What are those?
How shall I incorporate them?
As we begin to recognise the ‘power’ of responding, we learn to let go of a lot of what we thought was required in life / what we learned.
Then we begin to unlearn and relearn, this time though with an inner wisdom that says all we can control is our attitude and our response.
Thus we learn to be at one with who we are and the fluidity of the life we have.
Life is 10% what happens and 90% how we deal with it.
Show up, connect, respond to what shows up.
As you think about being the one in control of your ‘Yacht.’
- What are you doing well?
- How clear are you on what needs to improve?
- What’s missing on the voyage?