Mar 6th, 2009
Loving the Ebbs
Since the new year, I have felt like my creativity and inspiration have been shut off. Deep down I know this isn’t true, but content and new ideas for my teleclasses, blogs and coaching have not been pouring out of me like they were last year. My motivation and creativity are not at the level that they were last year. What gives?! I have found myself saying “That’s the way it goes. It’s just the ebbs and flows of life.” But it didn’t feel good to believe it. A bit of panic is actually more of what I felt. “What if I’m in a continuous ebb? What do I do in the meantime? I should be on the ball and moving forward with the same focus and speed that I was six months ago!”
When I hear of “ebbs and flows”, my mind automatically wants to make the ebb the more negative of the two words. After all, the definition of an ebb is a point of decline. Sounds dreadful. With the word flow (in this context), I think of success, production, movement, action, inspiration, creativity. Ebb sounds like an unproductive lull. And who wants that?
But as I was talking to a friend today, it dawned on my that the ebb is just as important as the flow. Without the ebb, there could be no flow. We are not robots that are wired to go go go all day everyday forever. The ebb is our downtime; our time to recharge for the next flow. My perception of this downtime was working against me. My thoughts that I should be in a flow were dragging down my attitude and sending me into a state of concern, which shut off any opportunity for that quiet time of growth that the ebb offers. The ebb is the time to be still, to recenter, to turn inward and refocus, to set intentions. I do think it is important to consistently practice these things whether you are in an ebb or a flow, but during an ebb – it is essential.
My belief that an ebb = bad was not working for me, but against me. When I did some work to unwind my attachment to this and realize the importance of an ebb, it completely shifted my thinking. And in turn, I feel good about where I am and where I’m headed.
A belief is a thought that you have told yourself over and over and you are attached to. Some beliefs work for us and some don’t. When you question your beliefs: Write down a belief or a painful thought. Now write down the opposite of that thought/belief. Does the opposite feel just as true or truer than the original? Sit with it for a second. You may surprise yourself:)
Original beliefs (success strangler):
An ebb is an idle and useless lull.
The ebb is in my way.
Belief’s opposite (gateway for success):
An ebb is a useful opportunity.
The ebb is my way.
It’s all in your thinking. I feel much better and am much more effective as someone who believes that this ebb of mine is a perfect opportunity and is my perfect path. To think otherwise drags me down and sends me into a vicious cycle of ineffective and painful thoughts that will keep me stagnant. Stating the opposite and considering it is a very easy way to change your tune.
Love the ebb.
Oh, and happy painful-thought destroying:)
Loving my ebb,
Melissa
You wouldn’t have the ebb without the flow or the flow without the ebb. Thank you for reminding us of our belief patterns and how they impact our lives.
Tonya