As I was planning this article, I read the following quote from an ancient Chinese warrior in one of my client’s offices,

“Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow…they have form but are formless. They are skilled in both planning and adapting.” So although I am not the first to notice the fantastic analogy provided by a running river, I feel the lesson we can all learn is as pertinent today as it was in 100 BC.

We CAN learn from what occurs around us in nature to navigate changes in life, but still get to our desired result.

1. Know Your Desired Result
   A river goes to the bottom of the mountain, so this decision is a given. But for you, imagine you are supposed to be at a meeting. Are you more likely to arrive at the meeting if you know you are supposed to be there? Of course! You almost surely will NOT be at the meeting if you don’t know your attendance has been requested. Will you get there faster if you know the address? Of course you will. This application is true in all areas. Knowing what you desire and where you would like to be—whether physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally—is the first step to making it happen.
2. Know the Path to Get There
   Rivers go to the bottom because they must follow the path of gravity—they don’t have a choice. But you do have a choice! So you know the address of the meeting. Will you get there faster if you choose to know the directions before you get in your car? Absolutely! Your chances of driving aimlessly and finding the correct building are not very likely. You can choose to find a path to arrive at your desired results by planning effectively.
3. Be Willing to Adjust
   Rivers don’t stop at boulders—they flow around them. They don’t stop and complain about rafters using their energy to get down stream or a tree root being in their way…they just keep flowing. Yes, some obstacles are bigger than others, but ultimately your ability to first recognize your obstacles and second to adjust, adapt, and overcome your obstacles will help you to arrive at your desired result as effectively, as quickly, and as comfortably as possible. I’ll say that again, ultimately your ability to first recognize your obstacles and second to adjust, adapt, and overcome your obstacles will help you to arrive at your desired result as effectively, as quickly, and as comfortably as possible.

Of course I understand that rivers do not set these goals or devise their plans consciously. However, we CAN learn from what occurs around us in nature.

As a wise Chinese warrior once said, “Maintain your course, but adjust your flow. Be skilled at planning and adapting. You will be victorious!”

Be Free!

Leah Simpson
Instructor