Navigating Turbulent Waters

I think that most of us would agree that we are navigating turbulent waters right now. Whether in our personal lives or in the life of our collective humanity, these times are challenging each and every one of us to draw upon all the inner resources we have at our fingertips. If we consider the metaphor of a boat at sea, there are many necessary components to ensuring a safe journey across open waters.

First of all, we want to make sure that we have a seaworthy vessel. Well, if our precious human body is our personal vessel, what makes us seaworthy? I would  suggest that sleep, nutrition and exercise are very important factors to consider. Are you getting enough sleep? How is your sleep hygiene? What are you eating? Are you consuming as many nutrient dense foods as you can? Are you moving? Do you take time everyday to walk, stretch and go outside? Taking care of your primary physical needs will only benefit you. These factors are so basic and so common sense that sometimes we forget that they are the foundational timbers of our vessel.

The next question to consider is whether or not we have a navigation system that is up and running. On any boat today that is journeying out into open waters for any length of time, having a functional navigation system is imperative. I think that it is important to remind ourselves that even though these are quite unstable times, this is not the first time in history that humanity has faced overwhelming challenges. As far as having a good navigation system, it can be really helpful to look to the teachings of the many different wisdom traditions that can offer us guidance in meeting our trials and tribulations. For example, the Buddha taught the Noble Eightfold Path to help all beings navigate the waters of life and eliminate suffering. 

Also, reading and reflecting on the stories of remarkable humans who, despite all odds, were able to follow the map of their soul and find the course that was theirs to traverse  can be incredibly helpful, as well as inspirational.

 A good navigation system can let us know where the hidden rocks or objects in the water might be. Paying close attention and practicing mindfulness is definitely part of our intuitive navigation system. 

And, finally,  if we are using the metaphor of a sailboat, I love the symbol of the centerboard. According to definition, “a centerboard is a retractable keel or fin that extends downward from the hull of a sailboat, providing stability and lateral resistance to prevent sideways drift”. As a spiritual mentor and guide for so many, I have found that having a strong sense of one’s connection to Source, the all that is, God, a power greater than yourself, however you choose to define it, is akin to having a strong and deep centerboard. The winds of life blow hard and strong sometimes and if our centerboard is absent or weak, we are at risk of capsizing or drifting in a direction that we don’t necessarily want to go. By identifying and cultivating practices that are in alignment with your unique spiritual needs, you are much more likely to be able to stay steady on your course and keep your boat safe when the winds of change blow in your direction.

May your journey be blessed and may your vessel be seaworthy!