Go with the Flow or Swim Upstream?

Hello and happy Monday!

How are you doing today?

Before we continue, I invite you to take a slow breath in through your nose, followed by an exhale through your nose or your mouth.

Feel free to explore a few more breath cycles at your own pace, feeling the expansion with each inhale and the gentle release of air with each exhale.

Once you’ve taken a few cycles of breath, I welcome you to reflect on the following: Which felt more effortful, your inhale or exhale? Did one feel more effortless and natural?

Your response to these questions is unique to you and your experience, meaning that there’s no right or wrong answer. This is an opportunity for exploration and self-reflection.

Okay, now I invite you to visualize yourself floating down a calm river on a warm, sunny day, sitting in an inner tube. Allow the current to take you, surrendering fully and letting go–quite literally going with the flow.

As you visualize yourself floating along this calm river, take a moment to tune into your body. What sensations–thoughts, feelings, and emotions arise?

Now, imagine yourself in a canoe, paddling against the current, making your way upstream toward your destination.

What sensations arise as you bring this visualization to life?

Have you ever been told to just let go, trust the process, and go with the flow?

These phrases are meant to bring a sense of calm, comfort, and peace when we’re going through tough times.

Well, a couple of decades ago, during a family outing, I found myself quite literally going with the flow.

My brother and I were in a canoe together, and I remember just sitting back, taking in the scenery, soaking up the sunshine, and letting the current guide us wherever it wanted. I felt completely relaxed, safe, and at peace.

Everything was going smoothly until, all of a sudden, we started drifting toward the shoreline, heading straight for several massive overhanging trees.

Panic set in as I realized that we were in too deep. No amount of paddling could steer us away from the looming tree branches ahead.

My brother and I braced for impact, and went right through the branches.

I breathed a sigh of relief once we emerged on the other side without a scratch, but that relief didn’t last long.

I looked down and saw about 20 massive spiders walking creepily around in our canoe!

They fell from the tree branches!

And yes, in case you’re wondering, I’m terrified of spiders–beyond terrified! Everything about them freaks me out.

My body instantly shifted into full ‘fight-or-flight’ mode.

I was seconds away from jumping out of the canoe when, thankfully, my rational mind took over–or perhaps it was my dad, calling from his own canoe, telling me to sit down.

Either way, I realized how dangerous a hasty exit would be for both my brother and I. The water was shallow, with slippery, jagged rocks beneath the surface.

Instead of flight, I chose to fight.

My brother and I spotted a place that we could paddle to so we could both exit the canoe in a safe manner.

The spot that we located was slightly upstream from where we were, meaning that we had to fight against the current in order to get there.

I remember shaking from head to toe, hyperventilating, and crying as we paddled towards the shore. My brother, calm and collected, kept encouraging me to keep going.

The battle against the current felt long and exhausting. It felt like I poured every bit of my physical, mental, and emotional energy into pushing forward.

I reminded myself that this discomfort was only temporary, and that soon, I would be safe on solid ground, far away from the spiders.

As soon as we reached our destination, I jumped out of the canoe and collapsed onto the ground.

It was over!

Whether it was the adrenaline pumping through my veins or pure relief (maybe a mixture of the two), I felt like a warrior who had just won an epic battle.

Looking back on this experience, I realize there are many important life lessons to take from it.

At first glance, it may seem like I completely abandoned the idea of ‘going with the flow’ when my brother and I decided to paddle upstream.

After all, going with the flow feels effortless, light, calming–like a soft and gentle exhale.

On the other hand, paddling against the current feels completely different–heavy, draining, and full of resistance. It may even feel similar to the feeling you get when you take a deep breath in through your nose–where the first inhalation may be met with resistance.

I view the canoeing experience as a blend of both approaches.

Once we decided to paddle upstream, I trusted our plan, surrendered my doubts and fears, and had faith that things would work out.

We were literally going against the current, yet still going with the flow.

Neither path was easy or effortless.

Both stirred up physical, mental, and emotional discomfort in my body in their own way.

And both served a purpose in my journey.

Through my own experiences, I’ve come to see inner resistance as a valuable teacher, often sparking reflection and serving as a catalyst for necessary change.

I remember feeling a strong inner pull to change my career, drawing me toward a path rooted in health and wellness.

Instead, I chose to suppress this calling and opted for what felt familiar and safer–the path of least resistance.

But the longer I held on to a path that no longer aligned with my values, the more my chronic symptoms intensified.

It wasn’t until I chose to let go, surrender, and trust that I was being guided toward a new path that my mind and body began to relax, and my symptoms gradually became less frequent and less severe.

Still, going with the flow didn’t come easily or naturally. Every day felt like I was swimming upstream as I worked to unlearn old habits and patterns that had affected my mind, body, and spirit. I reassured myself that this discomfort was temporary, and a necessary part of the growth and healing process.

The more I surrendered, the more I noticed a sense of ease returning to my body. It felt like I was returning home to myself after being away for a long time.

Reflecting on times I fought to control situations and force specific outcomes, I realized: what if, instead, I let go of my need for control and embraced what is, practicing outcome independence?

Yet, even in surrender, fear will likely surface, because letting go challenges what feels safe. Control often gives us a false sense of security. So, even when we choose to surrender and let go, we might still feel like we’re swimming upstream as we unlearn deeply ingrained protective patterns.

It can be tempting to push resistance away when it stirs up feelings the body perceives as threatening.

Likewise, ‘going with the flow’ might feel like giving in and letting the universe take over.

One is not better than the other; each serves a unique purpose.

I believe that both going with the flow and swimming upstream can work in harmony, guiding us toward learning, personal growth, inner healing, and transformation.

I would like to acknowledge that what I’m saying isn’t a universal truth. This is my perspective based on my lived experiences. You may have a completely different viewpoint, and that’s wonderful!

My reflections come from a place of love and compassion.

You are invited to take what resonates and leave what doesn't. With that said, there's an invitation to explore with curiosity what arises for you–whether that be thoughts, feelings, emotions, and/or beliefs–if you choose to reflect upon this topic.

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Alright, let’s switch gears and talk about today’s somatic yoga practice: Somatic Yoga for Lower Back and Psoas.

If you’re interested in learning more about the psoas muscle, kindly read this blog post: https://www.yogawithrachelmarie.com/post/somatic-exercises-for-the-hips​

This post will explain why the psoas is commonly referred to as the “fight-or-flight” muscle, and how trapped energy in this area can lead to hip and lower back tension, discomfort, and pain.

Exploring somatic exercises that encourage a release of tension in the psoas muscle can be beneficial for relieving hip and lower back pain and discomfort, enhancing core stability, as well as cultivating a sense of openness and safety within the body. Opening up this area is also believed to boost self-esteem, as it allows us to stand taller and more confidently.

I encourage you to return to this routine often! Repetition helps the brain create new neural pathways, supporting healthier and more functional movement patterns over time.

Click on the image or the button below to join this class! I look forward to moving with you soon!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this letter!

As always, I love hearing from you–whether it’s through comments on YouTube or via email. Your thoughts, experiences, and feedback are always welcome!

Keep shining bright!

With love,

~Rachel

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P.S. Here’s your October yoga calendar: https://www.yogawithrachelmarie.com/calendar​