I find there is a predominate ebb and flow in this world that is always present. Just like the waves in the ocean or the orbiting planets in the sky, there always seems to be an underlying backward and forward movement to this world. This can be found on both the macro and the micro levels. Even within personal transformations, I find we sometimes need to pause, reflect and take the time to determine our next move hence the ebb cycle. Other times we are guided to move forward by taking a step towards making our dreams a reality, allowing ourselves to go with and into the flow of all things.

What I have observed over time is that most people get stuck in the ebb, waiting for the right moment, the right sign, or the right confirmation that they are on the correct path before moving forward. From my perspective, if it is already within your heart, dreams or inspirations – it is the right direction, period. In fact, following your heart can be equated to following the flow of your soul. On the other hand, not following your heart is like moving further backwards into the ebbs of all time. What people don’t realize is that waiting beyond the natural ebb cycle restricts the momentum and allows fear to immobilize you.

If you are wanting to create the life you truly desire, do take the time to pause and reflect, but never forget to also make your move back into the flow when guided. After all, do you think the ocean considers reaching towards the beautiful sandy beaches and yet hesitates and pulls back even further into the ebb, too afraid to move with the flow? Do you think the leaves on the trees resist changing colour, questioning if it is truly being guided to free fall into the next season of time?! Or perhaps the moon never moves from beyond the shadows, too afraid to wax or wane?! Silly examples I realize, but my point is simple. We are instinctual beings and therefore need to follow the natural rhythms of our personal universe held within. Too often we get stuck in the ebb, reflecting on the changes we would like to see in our lives and yet too afraid to move within the natural rhythms required to incorporate that flow.

Flowing through life is actually way easier than you think. Inspiration is the key. If you are inspired with an idea, move on it – even if it takes many small, cautious steps to get there. Don’t mull it over forever-and-a-day. Don’t ponder if you saw the inspiration correctly. Don’t worry about whether the timing is off. Just release all your fears and allow your soul to take that leap of faith. Forward movement is forward movement and will always be profoundly beneficial, often on more levels then you ever realize. Putting your thoughts into motion is what creates change no matter how insignificant the movement may seem at the time.

Do you realize your inspiration comes from your own soul? I find for the most part, our spirit provides inspiration on two levels. First by providing the bigger picture vision or idea of personal growth. From there we are provided guidance on an “as needed” basis to move towards the bigger picture. When the small inspirations arrive yet we decide to stay within the safety of our status quo, it is like adding one more thing to your “bucket list” with no intention of ever pursuing the change. Instead, try thinking about your inspiration as a minute-by-minute telecast from your soul providing the promptings to create motion.

Still having trouble? Then start even smaller. What are you inspired to do today? This hour? This very moment? There is no right or wrong way to create change in your life. Read a new book, go for a walk, change an old habit, respond with a different perspective, book that holiday or even just clean your house! With focused intent, all actions put change into motion. The secret is to deliberately create movement.

The definition of Ebb and Flow is a recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going much akin to a perpetual movement from decline to regrowth. From my perspective ebbs are a time of inner reflection and are actually needed so that we can go within and determine what is truly in our hearts. The problem arrives when we get stuck in the backwards motion spending far too much time worrying about how we will ever get from A to Z once we have identified what direction we truly desire. My advice is to keep the visual of Z in your sights but instead of worrying about how you will get there, simply follow the smaller inspirations that take you to B, and then C, and so on. Sometimes we don’t even see the connection at all, but I assure you, if you are inspired to do something there is always a very good reason regardless of whether you are consciously aware of it yet or not. What you will find is that when you step into the flow as it surfaces, you build momentum and eventually arrive at Z not only before you thought possible but also in the most miraculous and synchronistic of ways.

I believe change happens in our lives at the exact moment we are completely ready to seize the day and take a leap of faith, regardless of knowing the outcome – moving away from the ebb and into the flow of all things.

On a universal scale, we are standing at a very interesting time in our history. I believe we have just entered a time of massive change and from a global perspective some of the bigger changes we have been thinking about and working towards are about to take shape. This wave of change is a great time to also undertake your personal transformations, riding the bigger wave of global momentum. Question is, are you going to keep treading water within the greatest ebb of all time fearing the unknown or are you going to catch the wave and allow your soul to carry you towards its own unique adventure. I think you know the answer to that question. It is time to catch the wave, free fall into our collective new season of time, and come out from beyond the shadows even if it takes a multitude of baby steps to get there.

Namaste,

Lauren Heistad