LIFESTYLE | A Year of Flow
flow | flō | verb [no object ] 1 (of a fluid, gas, or electricity) move along or out steadily and continuously in a current or stream: from here the river flows north | ventilation channels keep the air flowing | a cross-current of electricity seemed to flow between them. • (of the sea or a tidal river) move toward the land; rise. Compare with ebb.2 [with adverbial of direction ] go from one place to another in a steady stream, typically in large numbers: the firm is hoping the orders will keep flowing in. • proceed or be produced smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly: talk flowed freely around the table. • (of clothing or hair) hang loosely in an easy and graceful manner: her red hair flowed over her shoulders. • be available in copious quantities: their talk and laughter grew louder as the excellent brandy flowed. • (flow from) result from; be caused by: there are certain advantages that may flow from that decision. 3 (of a solid) undergo a permanent change of shape under stress, without melting.
To live in ‘flow’ for the year 2021 has opened my eyes to what it means to honour my own values over not just a moment, but over a long period.
It’s easy to say our values, and it’s a lot harder to live them.
Over this year, I have written, produced and even ended long-standing projects and collaborations.
The process of ending long-standing projects and my own involvement in a handful of collaborations allowed me to truly understand what following ‘flow’ and its unique rhythm can do.
Authentic rhythm creates long-lasting and sustainable momentum.
We often think that it’s how much we are being seen, heard, and understood that makes us valuable in our lives and work, yet so much of what makes us valuable is the unseen moments.
That moment on the phone listening to a good friend share their burdens.
That moment of sitting at your desk despite tiredness and finding a reply in your inbox that makes you smile.
That moment of laughter at the end of the day over a silly observation in life.
That moment of knowing that what matters most is the two faces you wake up to in the morning.
That moment you pass a plate to someone who needs an excellent tasty something, and you get to rest in their enjoyment of being nourished.
So much of the world wants to tell us that we have to force it.
Ignore our feelings.
Fit in more hours.
Sleep less.
Hustle more.
But Flow says
You can move steadily along
From here to there.
There to here.
There is no one perfect shape.
But your shape.
No one perfect way.
But your unique way.
Not one particular pattern.
But the one you are still learning to make.