Normally we think of a body or an object resting on top of water when we use the word float. It is supported by the water but has no control over the direction it is moving. In this instance, I am using the word float to mean “to remain suspended, not knowing, not doing”.

Here’s an example. So here I am in the middle of a project. I have to make numerous phone calls. People are slow to return my calls. Then, they comfort me by saying they will do what I need. But the reality is it takes much longer than I expect. Meanwhile, I am waiting, waiting, waiting for their response. I am in the dark as to how long it is actually going to take, how many people are involved to implement what I need, how many obstacles have to be overcome, what more I can do to move the process along, etc. Ego thrives on a situation like this. It gets angry, frustrated, annoyed, you name it. All fuel for ego to feed on. The consequences of indulging ego are it raises my blood pressure, elevates my stress, erodes my good health and makes me unhappy.

But wait, there is an alternative! Floating! If I so choose I can switch from ego’s position of why isn’t it getting done faster, to floating, a position beyond ego where I remain suspended, not knowing, not doing. I know it will get handled eventually, so why get all upset that it is not going fast enough to please ego. I know there will be obstacles to overcome so why not calmly handle them as they present effortlessly and patiently? For the person that can ignore ego’s rants and allow Life to unfold on its own timetable, it feels like floating on a placid lake. When I am floating, I am relaxed and patiently waiting for resolution to appear. I am not responding to ego’s voice inside my head.  It can yell all it wants, but I’m not listening.

“Floating” is not a practice I grew up with. This way of doing Life is something I had to learn. When I am in my strong self, I can remember to “float”. When I am in my weak/tired self (better known as my unconscious state), I allow ego to rule because of practiced habits from my past. But to recognize I am doing it, catch myself, let go and begin to float is the key to creating a new habit. In time, repetition will make floating my new habit.

Humans are pliable, flexible and changeable. All they have to do is decide they want something more than anything. Then they will put 100% of themselves into going after it. Anything less than that, they really don’t want it more than anything. Think about that. It’s true. When you are relentlessly dedicated to what you want, you get it.

So my resolution for 2012 is to practice floating and overcome ego’s habit of getting upset. I will know I have integrated it as a new habit, when I can remain suspended, not knowing, not doing as each new obstacle presents. What a blessing to my body, mind and emotions.  

Until you return, fill your days with GIGGLES, JOY, and APPRECIATION!

Sylvia Silk, D.D. Director of the Institute For Balanced Living, Los Angeles,CA, USA
DoctorofDivinity, SpiritualCoach, ReconnectiveHealingPractitioner, Writer