Navigating the River of Life: Choices and Empowerment
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Life's Journey
Life is akin to a river, where each individual must decide whether to swim, float, flow, or sink.
Photo by Murray “MJ” Blehart
Over a decade ago, I made a conscious choice not to let life dictate my path. I wanted to steer my own direction and take charge of my life experiences. This led to the creation of my Pathwalking philosophy, which began taking shape in early 2012.
Over the years, this philosophy has undergone significant evolution. While many of its original principles remain intact, they have been refined through experience. This evolution is a natural facet of existence; we all grow and change, whether we acknowledge it or not. Evolution, whether viewed through a scientific lens or not, represents change, which is the only constant in the universe.
Since embarking on my Pathwalking journey, I’ve faced numerous setbacks and missteps. I’ve encountered challenges and taken wrong turns, often feeling bewildered by the twists and turns of my path.
Nevertheless, the person I am today is not the same as who I was at the outset. My belief in Pathwalking remains steadfast, and I am continually exploring new avenues to share this philosophy with a wider audience.
Why? Because while Pathwalking is not the only way to live, it is an approach that anyone can adopt. At its core, Pathwalking is about making deliberate choices and decisions, which directly influences how we navigate the river of life.
Section 1.1: Understanding the River of Life
What exactly is the river of life? Just like a river, life ebbs and flows. At times, the current is gentle, while at others, it rushes rapidly, occasionally filled with obstacles. Life can be slow and winding or swift and exhilarating, reflecting the nature of water itself.
Many writers, artists, and philosophers have drawn parallels between the river and life, as the dynamics of a river serve as a profound metaphor for our existence.
I recently encountered a thought-provoking book, "The Big Questions of Life" by Om Swami. It resonated deeply with me, not necessarily because it introduced new concepts, but because it reaffirmed ideas I sometimes overlook. One particular quote struck a chord:
“The river of life flows independently of one’s preferences. Whether you flow, float, swim, or sink, it’s your personal choice.”
This aligns perfectly with my belief in the three ways to experience life:
- Let life carry you (flow or float)
- Withdraw and await an end (sink)
- Embrace life’s challenges head-on (swim)
Thus, we all have the power to choose how we navigate the river of life. Are you flowing, floating, sinking, or swimming?
The first video, "Youth Work Activity: The River of Life," explores the metaphor of the river as a life journey, emphasizing the choices we make along the way.
Section 1.2: The Dynamics of Life's Choices
Everyone is thrust into the river of life, and we all engage with it in various ways. In truth, we never adhere to a single mode of existence. Just as I may choose to swim or float while in the water, we can experience life through different modes at different times.
This flexibility isn’t inherently negative. Sometimes, when we swim against the current, we may find ourselves resisting rather than progressing. There are moments when resistance is necessary—fighting against injustices or harmful situations is vital.
However, life is personal. My choices shape my experiences, and this reality may sound selfish but is, in fact, empowering. Pathwalking involves discerning when to swim, float, or flow.
What about sinking? While sinking generally leads to drowning, there are instances when we may choose to submerge ourselves—perhaps to escape discomfort or to find peace. The key takeaway is that every action is a choice, and through our choices, we empower ourselves.
Chapter 2: The Fluid Nature of Life
Life’s river is not a linear pathway. Rivers merge and flow into larger bodies of water, signifying that our journeys are rarely singular and often filled with challenges and diversions.
Unlike a solid road, which remains consistent in its form, a river changes states. Water can freeze, evaporate, and shift in response to external influences—much like our lives can transform based on circumstances beyond our control.
As Om Swami notes, "The moment we start seeing life as something we flow with as opposed to something we have to make, our perspective changes naturally." Embracing this fluidity can alleviate unnecessary struggles and help us identify when to surrender or take charge.
The second video, "The River of Life - Exploring and Understanding Your Life Story," delves into the significance of understanding our personal narratives and how they shape our choices.
Ultimately, the most crucial aspect to remember is that you can only control your own journey. Despite our desires, we cannot dictate how others navigate their lives. Each person is responsible for their own choices, and attempting to control another’s path leads to frustration.
Recognizing this truth empowers us to focus on our own experiences. It’s not selfish to prioritize our own needs; rather, it’s an essential aspect of self-care.
Life boils down to choices—whether we engage with them actively or passively.
We all traverse the river of life, and we possess the ability to float, flow, swim, or sink at any moment. This reality is truly remarkable.
How do you choose to navigate your river of life?