The dictionary refers to alignment (among several other meanings) as the status of "proper positioning". When we seek alignment (internal, with something or someone) do we think it really exists a “proper positioning”? And can we achieve this status? I do not think it is a status to achieve. In fact, it is, to me, a sort of dance.
I have recently picked up surfing and I found my "wave of alignment". There is no reproducibility in surfing. Conditions constantly change and the only thing you can do is keep going up on the board after every falling out in the water. The only thing you can do (over and over again) is trying to find the alignment on the board together with the waves and the wind...and smile! Watch this inspiring video from a Silver Surfer who learnt creatively how to seek and find alignment in her life through surfing.
To seek for alignment we can only surrender to the call, balancing inquiry and advocacy.
Inquiry is the capacity to listen and observe from a neutral space. Advocacy is the capacity to ride the wave to the shore. How do we then align the "drive for results" with the ability to "listen in"? Cultivating an adaptive mindset and behaviour that allow us to adjust to changing conditions. Only then we find alignment to then lose it again, ready for another wave.
Inquiry becomes the wide space for practicing presence with all of our senses. It is not holding back. It is moving from "doing mode" to "receiving mode". This is the space from which innovation, insight and artistic creation come.
These are some of the lessons from a (newbie) surfer on alignment:
Before you speak, push away or, react to someone or something who comes rocking your "alignment" feel your feet.
Establish a felt sense of connecting your sight to the shore (your destination) and your feet to the board (what grounds you).
Then ask yourself "What do I need to let go to find the courage to stand up on the board and ride to the beach, where I can enjoy a moment of rest?"
You get the metaphor...and please don’t forget to smile and breathe!
As adults we feel established, we know things, we master tasks and, it is not easy to cultivate an adaptive mindset. We’d rather prefer others or circumstances to adapt to us or to how we like things. Do you remember when you were a kid and you were a beginner at everything? Kids master adaptation in a way that is light, creative, intuitive. Then we grow up and become less adaptive…more rigid. The only way I have to remember it is to pick up new things; like surfing. Have you recently picked up something new? Can it be something creative that stimulates your imagination and intuition? I invite you to give it a try.
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