I know nothing about surfing. I’ve only seen it on rare occasions (not much surfing in southern Minnesota.) I’ve never tried it. But I imagine…

Looking out at a rolling ocean. Smelling salt air. Grabbing a well-waxed board and paddling out. Watching the water. Feeling the board as it rises and falls with the water surface. Seeing the wave beginning to build. Hopping up and getting my feet under me. Finding my balance and adjusting it as I feel the power of the water moving me forward. My own energy moving from observing to waiting to experiencing to thrilling.

That is how I would like to move through change in my life: watch it gathering, jumping up to meet it, finding my balance, and going with the flow.

I don’t want to worry about the changes that might come. I do want to have a board and prepare it well. (This is where I spent time watching surfing videos. I learned that the point of waxing the board is to get a better grip with my feet. A metaphorical parallel might be training my mind to stay rooted in the present moment.)

This metaphor assumes vulnerability. I am not in charge. I might influence the direction in which the board is moving (and me with it), but it’s the ocean – the wave of change – that’s doing the pushing.This metaphor assumes vulnerability. I am not in charge. I might influence the direction in which the board is moving (and me with it), but it’s the ocean – the wave of change – that’s doing the pushing

Rooted in this moment

you feel the power of change

gathering beneath you

don’t panic

hop up on your surfboard

find your balance

and let the rushing water

carry you home

In your journal:

  • “For me, change feels like…” (Find a metaphor that works for you.)
  • Can you prepare for change?
  • How do you find your balance?