Listen. Trust. Surrender. Flow. Embracing the mystical adventure

A serene connection unfolds as she gently touches the shimmering water, embracing a magical unity with the universe.

Ponder for a moment that amazing feeling of elevation when you are super-excited about a pending event or the plans you’ve made with a loved one or a new career or business opportunity. You’re over the moon about what is about to occur and all it’s potential. Then in a blink of an eye, everything takes a complete 180 turn? And you’re standing there thinking what do I do now? Standing there, feeling mystified not knowing whether to cry, scream, sigh or not react at all. It’s a befuddling moment and a seemingly powerless one too.

Personally, I start smiling and ask myself what do I have control over? Honestly though, it has taken me many years to master this response. And I can guarantee it is not my first response 100% of the time. I have also discovered since being clinically verified as an AuDHDer my reaction to unexpected change is more amplified due to the way my brain processes information and it immediately heads down the rejection/shutdown pathway. So for me, by smiling I’m reminding my brain to breathe and process the changes from a place of logic and not overwhelm.

After smiling I will allow myself to sense any emotions gurgling up. This could be sad or hurt or challenged or whatever it is that I need to experience in that moment and then I will return to the ‘what is in my control’ mindset and pivot. I’ll take a moment, centre myself and ask my soul for a nudge towards the glimmer or lesson in this moment of change. This is me giving in, not giving up. Surrendering to the now and my learned inner voice. Going with the flow. Looking for the glimmers which are inevitably right in front of you when these pivots occur.

And maybe it’s just me or the circles I roam in, but the concept of surrender and flow seems to be quite prevalent at the moment. And maybe it’s because we’re all trying to get our Zen on at the start of the year, or that ‘Surrender’ just happens to be my ‘what action do I need to take?’ Oracle card this month, but it definitely caused me to ponder. Even though I have strategies in place to navigate unexpected change, what does it actually mean to surrender to the flow of life?

Take a moment to close your eyes, take a deep breath and picture this: You're in a majestic forest, the kind where the sunlight filters through the trees, creating an ethereal glow. You’re sitting on a riverbank, dipping your hand into the water feeling the current move effortlessly around your hand. Your hand cannot stop the flow and nor do you wish to. The air around you is filled with the symphony of birds singing and the gentle rustle of leaves.

You decide to take a deep breath and let go, surrendering to the flow from deep within you and of the universe around you. Being present in your own mystical adventure, embracing all you are, embracing the art of surrender and flow. Being able to navigate all the rocks and rapids with compassion, ease, and grace. Sounds magical, right?

Sounds slightly too magical for this pragmatic Elegant Rebel® some days. And yet it’s 100% attainable. So what do we need to do, believe, or transform to live this reality every day?

The Mystical Dance of Surrender

Many of you know I have a passion for words and a belief they are magical – think spell-ing – and the need to take caution in the way in which we use our words. Surrender is one those words which requires consideration and thought before using.

It is often seen as giving up, but let’s reframe it to mean giving in. Giving in to the mystical dance between you, your soul and the universe.

Imagine yourself as a leaf floating down that serene river, easily carried by the current. Surrendering doesn’t mean we lose control; it means we trust that our soul and the universe has a grander plan, one that we may not yet see. Like a surfer riding the waves, we learn to flow with life’s ebbs and tides, gracefully navigating its ups and downs. Trusting our soul’s purpose.

Flowing Like a Mystical River

Flow is also a particularly magical word – if you allow it to be. It represents that enchanted state of being where time seems to stand still, and we become one with the moment. Mystics throughout history have spoken about this state as a divine experience, a connection with something greater than our physical beings. It’s about finding that sweet spot where our actions align with our inner knowing – our soul – and everything falls into place effortlessly.

How do we achieve this mystical flow? It starts with mindfulness. By being present and fully engaged in the now, we allow ourselves to tap into the infinite possibilities on offer. It’s like tuning into a cosmic radio station, where the frequency is set to joy, love, and harmony.

The Science of Surrender and Flow

Interestingly, science backs up the mystical experiences of surrender and flow. For example, research by Thomas B. Sease et al., published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science in 2024, explores the concept of the State of Surrender (SoS) and its relationship with well-being.

The SoS scale, measures the willingness to accept what is to come without resistance. The research found that folks who practiced surrendering experienced lower levels of stress, greater life satisfaction, feelings of thriving, flourishing, social connectedness and self-compassion. The study also showed that mindfulness practice increases these feelings.

Surrendering helps us let go of resistance and fear, opening ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities.

Flow, on the other hand, has been extensively studied by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He describes flow as a state of optimal experience where we are fully immersed in an activity, leading to increased performance and well-being. The key characteristics of flow, according to Csikszentmihalyi include:

1. Intense Focus and Concentration: Flow state brings deep concentration on the present task. Distractions seem to fade away, allowing for deep focus.

2. Merging of Action and Awareness: Folks feel united with their actions, as though they are "one" with the activity, making movements and thoughts seamless.

3. Loss of Self-Consciousness: Self-awareness fades, allowing full engagement without concern for external judgments.

4. Sense of Control: Folks feel confident and in control, leading to a sense of mastery.

5. Autotelic (self-purpose) Experience: The activity is intrinsically rewarding and enjoyable.

Actions to Surrender and Be in Flow

Merging the mystical and the science – as any Elegant Rebel® would – leads to pondering what inspired action can we take to be that leaf floating down the river, collapsing time and living in a state of peace, contentment and joy?

Some action ideas for you may include:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to be present. This could be through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your surroundings. Mindfulness helps you stay grounded and opens the door to surrender and flow.

2. Connect with your Soul: Take the time to understand how you connect with your inner knowing or you soul. How does it nudge you? What sense does it use to nudge you? Start by discovering what Clair is your superpower and then practice, practice, practice. Knowing how to sense and listen to your soul nudges will develop your trust for giving in to your soul’s plan. You may also wish to use tools such as Oracle or Tarot cards, pendulums or music to hone your ability to sense your soul nudges too.

3. Let Go of Control: Acknowledge that not everything is within your control. Embrace uncertainty and trust that your soul, and the universe, has a plan. This doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams but rather allowing flexibility and being open to unexpected opportunities.

4. Follow Your Passion: Engage in activities that you love and that make you lose track of time. Whether it's painting, writing, or gardening, finding your passion helps you enter the flow state more easily.

5. Stay realistically positive: Maintain a realistic positive mindset, even when faced with challenges. Which simply means feel all the feels and keep moving forward. Optimism can enhance your ability to adapt and flow with life’s circumstances.

   
   

Mystical mirth moments

Are your ready for the flipside of why my first response is to smile in surrender moments?

Interestingly, surrendering and going with the flow, may on occasion, contain an element of unexpected humour. Our souls and the universe do have unique ways of surprising us. For instance, missing a job opportunity could be an impetus to pursue one's true passion. Similarly, a relationship that failed might lead to a deeper understanding of self-love. This sense of humour can be interpreted by our egos as our lives ‘going wrong’ or we need to ‘fix’ something. However, this is where trusting your soul nudges and that they keep you on your soul purpose path is needed most. Listen. Laugh. Trust. Surrender. Flow.

Embracing surrender and flow means we become willing participants in the celestial sense of humour surrounding us – finding laughter and joy even in life’s unpredictability. After all, wouldn’t life be a little dull without its twists and turns?

So, as we journey through this mystical life, let’s remember to surrender to the flow. Let’s dance with the cosmic rhythms, laugh at the universe’s jokes, and trust that we are exactly where we need to be. Life is a beautiful, mysterious adventure—let’s embrace it with open hearts and playful spirits.

P.S. Not sure you’ve met your Clairs yet? Take the ‘Which Clair is your Superpower’ quiz now.

P.P.S. If you’re struggling to know the difference between your inner voice nudging you forward, and fear holding you back or you are always doubting your choices and not trusting your gut, I invite you to book a complementary Connection Call with me. In this 30min call, together we will uncover your top three blocks, preventing you from hearing and trusting your inner voice. And we will identify one key action to unmask your magic, ditch the fear and re-ignite your trust in your own inner voice. Are you ready to trust, listen and laugh? Book a Connection Call. Be bold. Choose to live differently.

P.P.P.S. Struggling to hear your soul nudges and inner voice? Looking for a coach in your back pocket 24/7? Make sure you grab my Re-ignite your Elegant Rebel Oracle Cards and ditch your inner doubter.

Peta-Ann is the Founder of Elegant Rebel® and is passionate about providing support for other soul-full rebels in unmasking their magic, and celebrate all that they are and can be. Elegant Rebels choose to follow their inner-knowing instead of societal norms and take heart-centred action filled with compassion, kindness and grace.

Late verified neurosparkly (AuDHD & dyslexic), Peta-Ann is also an International Best-Selling Author; Writer; Holistic Counsellor; Happiness Coach; Colour Therapist; Professional Psychic; Reiki Master; Certified Angel Tarot Card Read, and Soul Coaching® Oracle Reader.