I am back refreshed from one of my favorite pastimes—kayaking—in Algonquin Park, nearly 8,000 square kilometers (3,000 square miles) of pristine wilderness in Ontario, Canada. Nature’s energy in a river or a Northern lake is deeply nourishing to my soul—a meditation and connection with the essence of the Earth. And it provides a metaphor for leadership.
If you study whitewater enthusiasts, especially those with great skills, you’ll notice that they never argue with the water. One of the earliest lessons kayakers and canoeists learn is that there is no gain in opposing the natural forces of the water—water has far greater power than most humans can muster. Mastery of whitewater skills does not mean “mastering” the rapids—they cannot be overwhelmed by force or controlled. Instead, whitewater experts learn how to read the authenticity of the water—interpreting the innate energy of the rapids—and then they learn how to ride the power of the water, using the muscles of the rapids to carry them safely forwards. This is a metaphor for life. Whitewater is a permanent condition for most of us. We can attempt the futile: trying to overwhelm the energy; or we can harness and ride it: flowing with the energy. Flowing with the energy requires less effort and engages the powerful forces that are moving in the direction in which you wish to travel anyway.
Authenticity is like the whitewater: read the original, authentic source of power, recognize it, and ride it. When we try to fight it—as in life, when we try to fight our inner truths, our authenticity—it simply becomes an obstacle course, and eventually it will undo us and spill us into the turbulence.
The rule for life is to follow the energy—this enables us to become authentic.
We all yearn for authentic leaders who can be trusted to do as they say, who flow with the natural energy of their inner truths. Authentic leaders have an air of transparency about them. And followers want conscious leaders who are clear about what they stand for, what their values are, and who live these values consistently. These are leaders who follow “The Whitewater Rule”, reading, then following the energy and the result is authentic leadership.
Glad you’re back safe and sound Lance!
And thank you for the whitewater analogy. I’ve just changed jobs and I used the “flow energy” to guide the entire process! What’s more, I’m claiming (and sharing) the inspiration gained during my HG Coaching Course with you. I’m also changing my “diet” and making more healthful lifestyle choices, and the best part of all is that it “feels” natural!
You are an inspiration, Coach Lance, and I know in my bodyspirit that am one too! Thank you for igniting my spark!
You are very kind Caroline. You are the kind of coach I love to work with, because you are making a difference, and because I am able to learn from you while teaching – enriches our experience – see https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151852827075907&set=a.10150139515495907.331707.50637020906&type=1&theater
Lance, Waterful story with a waterfall of truth but what f The kayak has a hole? Nature provides for the best inspiration and metaphors.
I think that’s called “Planning”! Don’t go kayaking with a hole in the boat!
Magnificent. And the “whitewater” is our best “teachers” and reflections of our unconscious self. Being present and listening to the unconscious learning… is the most powerful insight.
Great point Kathy – the power of the “Unconscious Mind”.
Go with the flow; be real. These are lessons that can be learned by being in the waters.
While my idea of physical exercise, is fishing in a boat with a motor so I have a free hand to hold my cigar, I understand the theme, which is valid.
I can feel your inspiration as I read this.
…and that’s Trish paddling!
What if the energy is corrupted or misleading…no use fighting…just find a trustworthy flow that releases an authentic experience. Navigation is the skill required to optimize your energy with the intention to enjoy synergy as the best outcome to your adventures. Namaste David.
Good point. The energy of whitewater is never “corrupted or misleading” and can always be trusted. It is our interpretation of that energy that is sometimes faulty.
Fantastic post Lance. You brought to life a memory…
A bunch of years ago, I had direct experience of ‘attempting’ to control swimming rapids during a white water rafting trip.
My guides’ instructions were to point my feet down water and maintain equanimity.
My ego took hold and I tried another way. I didn’t trust him or the water. I tried to ‘force’, and I got myself in trouble.
I wanted to ‘trust’ I would live. I didn’t, so instead I attempted to force an outcome, and to try to take control the situation.
If I had trusted the water, the guide and myself to be in the flow – I probably would have enjoyed the experience.
Instead – It just became a whole lot of exhausting work trying to resist it all.
In the end, It was one of the best leadership lessons I have learned.
I am much, much better with water these days. 🙂
QED?
yes.
As the eastern philosophies mention there is the universal energy “Chi’ (In Chinese) or “Ki” (in Japanese) and we need to align ourselves to this energy and be in the flow. When we are in the flow, life unfolds effortlessly with grace.