Folks, there are a lot of misconceptions about what “go with the flow” means. The answer can be found in the ancient (pre-Buddhism) philosophy or religion called Taoism. Tao (pronounced “dow”) literally translated is “The Way”. And the way is actually all kinds of ways!
The basic premise of Taoism is “go with the flow”. Contrary to some beliefs, that doesn’t mean to give up and passively accept whatever happens.
Consider the stream. It is flowing down from its source towards the sea. It encounters a rock. It still flows in its own course, but at the same time it is both going around the rock and wearing the rock down.
One thing I’ve always liked about Taoism is the teaching that says “leave no trace”. Taoism teaches you should react to anything that challenges or threatens you, but when you are done you should leave no trace. It is basically warning you against overkill.
My interpretation is: if someone threatens violence toward me … and it is only a threat (i.e. no credible or present danger) I can walk away, etc. If someone threatens me and presents a real danger, I will react with just as much violence as is needed to neutralize the threat… then walk away.
I digress. The point is, Taoism and going with the flow does NOT mean you are a passive observer of your life. It means something very much like the “Serenity Prayer”.
... the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…
... the courage to change the things I can ….
... and the WISDOM to know the difference.
You might also meditate on the overused phrase “wherever you go, there you are”..........
