Chapter 1: A Journey to Clarity

Recently, I donned a cozy jacket, a hat, and gloves, and ventured up the hill behind my house that offers a view of the North Sea. I settled onto my favorite bench at the top, soaking in the scenery.

At low tide, the seabed revealed a patchwork of mud, stones, and remnants of WWII-era concrete structures, far from picturesque. However, high tide transforms this landscape into a breathtaking expanse of blue, with waves crashing in a rhythmic dance.

I reflected on the therapeutic essence of water, a timeless symbol of healing, purity, and renewal. It’s no surprise that we seek to swim in it, live by it, sail upon it, quench our thirst with it, and wash our faces with it each morning.

After a while, I rose and strolled down a labyrinth of cobblestone paths leading to a river that flows into the sea. The crisp afternoon air filled my lungs as my boots crunched over twigs and pebbles, sunlight filtering through the trees.

My thoughts drifted aimlessly, my body moving with a natural ease. I contemplated ideas for an upcoming article, and suddenly, six words emerged in my mind: Flow on the river of life.

Repeating those words in silence brought me a profound sense of peace and relaxation.

Why might this phrase be beneficial for you?

Imagine waking up to a mental checklist: getting the kids ready for school, feeding pets, brewing coffee, catching up on the news, and tackling that tedious report for your boss.

The stress begins to mount, and the sense of gratitude you felt earlier is overshadowed by tension.

This may not reflect your daily experience, but when frustration clouds your vision, life can seem like a relentless struggle.

It’s akin to swimming against the current—exhausting, and it leaves you feeling low.

However, you have the power to change your perspective.

Consider “Flow on the river of life” as your mantra.

Let’s explore how it serves as a calming presence—through its imagery, sound, and rhythm.

The phrase conjures the image of a flowing river. When I say it, I envision the rivers I’ve canoed and swum in, picturing gentle blue-green waters cascading over rocks, carrying leaves downstream.

The word "flow" brings forth delightful imagery as well—think of ice skaters gliding effortlessly, dancers swirling gracefully, or birds soaring high above.

Next, consider the soothing sound of the words. Try saying “flow” aloud; it’s gentle and comforting. The rest of the phrase rolls off the tongue just as effortlessly.

Finally, examine the rhythm. "Flow" is a single long syllable, followed by the staccato-like consonant sounds of "on the river," and concludes with the soft vowels of "of life." This natural cadence is pleasing to the ear.

I propose this mantra as a tool to help you navigate from low to high tide, moving from agitation to acceptance and peace—flowing with the current instead of fighting against it.

Will this phrase change the fact that you have an uncomfortable call scheduled? Will it ensure you arrive at the airport on time? Will it resolve your financial difficulties? Of course not.

However, it can serve as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and breathe before reacting in ways you might later regret.

It can also remind you that you’re part of a larger journey. While you can't control everything, you can control your responses and thoughts.

So, beyond adopting this soothing mantra, what else can you do to align with the flow of life?

Consider practicing meditation to help ease tension. Regular practice builds a “muscle memory” for entering a state of flow and experiencing those high-tide moments.

Incorporate a gratitude practice into your daily life. Gratitude shifts your focus away from ego and towards your heart, inviting love and compassion into your experience. It opens the door to more positivity by connecting with your higher self.

Trust your intuition more—listen to your feelings rather than overthinking. Intuition is filled with wisdom, guiding you when you’re tempted to swim against the current.

Let go of the need to control what is beyond your grasp. When faced with a challenging situation, ask yourself whether you can control it. If not, stop acting as if you can.

This is where the mantra “flow on the river of life” comes into play.

Silently repeat it to yourself, allowing it to soothe your mind. Visualize yourself floating down a serene river, letting the water carry you forward. Trust the process, do what is necessary, and release what you cannot change.

“People who learn to control inner experience will be able to determine the quality of their lives, which is as close as any of us can come to being happy.” — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

The next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, remember:

Flow on the river of life.

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Chapter 2: Embracing Mindfulness

In this video, we explore the difference between "A Piece of My Mind" and "Peace of Mind," illustrating how our thoughts can shape our emotions and experiences.

Here, we delve into the contrasting concepts of "Peace of Mind" and "Giving Someone a Piece of Your Mind," shedding light on how our interactions impact our inner tranquility.