Going with the flow is something that is thrown around a lot as the way to “be”. While I’m not against this notion, I do think we need to first define what exactly this “going with the flow” means or looks like. One might conjure up an image of a free-flowing, stress-free, worry-free life, doing things as they come or feel right to do. But does life really play out that smoothly?

Going with the flow can be difficult. Our tendency is to fight the current. Pun intended. It’s hard to stay in the present. We resist allowing ourselves to just go where we might because we fear losing control. Going with “the flow” is not about loosing our identity, it’s about accepting it.

There have been many times that I thought I was going with the flow only to find out that I was paddling against it.  Trying to prove something to myself or to others.  Going with the flow to me is about being present, noticing what is before you and trying not to get pulled into the past or the future worries.  When we give too much importance to criticism our focus becomes worry oriented and our fears (such as fear of failing), can keep us disconnected from our creative selves.

So how does one go with the flow more readily? That is a very good question. Just as we all have our own unique creative expression, and need to go at our own pace, it is also important to recognize that going with the flow is a very individual process which we each need to figure out.  Some of us may be fast paced, full of energy and take a “go-go-go” stance. That may just feel right for some but for others the pace may be more turtle like, slow and steady.   So the real question is what are some ways that personal flow can be honoured.

Flow happens when we find our own voice. Flow happens when we recognize what blocks us or makes us stumble so that we can be prepared for any falls, and accepting of them as part of our path.  Tapping into our flow is a practice. Something that once you have given yourself the space and permission to explore will come as your awareness of self deepens.

Flow happens with creative practice.  We need to take the space for our creativity because it is ours to take, and won’t be given to us.  Excuses will only serve to slow the flow, and keep us disconnected from our creative wisdom.  But we need to make that move, whatever it is to get the flow started.  Movement inspires movement and prevents stagnation.

At first it may feel awkward, particularly if you have been out of your creative flow.  But as you keep going back to your creative practice you will begin feel, intuit what feels right for you. It won’t feel forced, but rather will naturally flow.  There will be bumps along the way, you may fall, but if you allow yourself to roll with the falls then you are still in the creative flow.

Need some help developing or maintaining a creative practice? Why not create in community? Art journaling or creative visioning available online and in Toronto.