Sometimes we find ourselves feeling like we’re in a race – following a straight line from point A to point B. I recently read of a person who noticed the speed by which sea turtles cover great distances in the ocean.

In an effort to duplicate their speed, this person tried to follow a sea turtle; all the while, striving to consistently paddle through the waves. Sometimes he made great progress; and at others, he was exhausting himself by straining with each stroke he made to fight the power of the waves.

Interestingly, the sea turtle kept pulling away from him. How was this possible?

Did the sea turtle have superpowers?

Upon closer study, the sea turtle was actively swimming only part of the time!

Putting its paddling strokes to good use when the tide was with him, and it just went along for the ride when the waves pulled against him – thus, maximizing his efforts moving forward by harnessing the power of the waves – and saving his strength, rejuvenating himself when the waves went against him.

This image and its meaning have given me pause and have greatly influenced my summer activities and the expectations I have placed upon myself.

I am emphasizing small rituals throughout my day that allow me to float with the backward pull of events, so I can mindfully reenergize with simple stillness or with taking a walk at the same time each day, while absorbing the nature around me.

Whatever chaos may be moving through your external life, use the wisdom of the sea turtle who has learned to match the ebb and flow of the waves, with its own cycles of actively paddling and floating.

Whether you linger over your morning cup or pause to look and listen at nature when you step out the door, embrace these moments for the empowerment they give you before returning to your strivings.

In health –

Deidre