[Action] A Way of Living That Lets Go of Stagnation: Creating Small Outlets to Restore Natural Flow

Life, the body, and human relationships are all within a "flow." When things stop and become heavy, misfortune, fatigue, and awkwardness arise from that. Therefore, what is important is not a single big breakthrough, but rather "creating a tiny outlet" in your daily life.

Today, I would like to talk about specific ways to restore that flow.

Noticing when you feel like there is "no outlet"

When things aren't going well, when your body feels heavy, or when you feel a sense of discomfort in your relationships with others, it is a sign that an outlet for the flow has been blocked somewhere, causing stagnation. For example, working hard but seeing no results, swallowing words you want to say to others, or having pent-up frustration in your heart—these are all states of "not flowing." I also often find myself packing too many things to do into every day, only to realize that my mind and life have become tightly clogged. At times like that, no matter what I do, it feels heavy and doesn't move forward. Have you ever had an experience like that?

Adjusting the flow of body and mind

Body outlets: Don't stop movement and circulation
• Stretch your body lightly first thing in the morning. By moving your body slowly, you create an "outlet" for blood and energy. Even just stretching while taking a deep breath when you stand up can make you feel suddenly lighter inside. • Drink water frequently. The flow within the body is deeply related to water. Especially when things tend to stagnate due to heat, avoid extreme temperature differences and drink room-temperature to slightly cool water little by little. • Meals that "let things flow" rather than "stuffing them in." If you continue to eat heavy foods, digestion will stagnate. Incorporate seasonal vegetables and fermented foods to support the flow from within. 心の出口：受け止めて、手放す • Write things down when you overthink. By putting what is going around in circles in your head onto paper, you create space for it to "flow" without forcing a solution. • Say out loud, "It doesn't have to be perfect." Obsession and searching for the right answer block the heart's outlet. Even just repeating "This is fine for now" in a small voice can help you loosen up. • Create an outlet for awareness by talking to others. Having someone listen to you has the effect of releasing the weight of one-way traffic. Try gently sharing your current "clog" with someone you trust.

An attitude of "opening a path for flow" rather than forcing it through

If you try to force an outlet, you might end up clogging things even more. For example, if you blame yourself for needing to do things and pack your schedule with actions, the internal flow will only harden further. The important thing is to find "what is blocking the flow" and let it go gently. • The lightness of knowing that "there are things you don't need to know." The world is overflowing with material that makes your heart feel clogged because you try to know everything. Take only the information you need when you need it. Allow yourself the realization that you can move forward just fine even without knowing everything. • The same applies to relationships with others. If you pile up too many small expectations and interpretations, stagnation will arise in the relationship. First, create space to "listen" to the other person. By loosening your own perspective a little, the mutual flow will return.

Even if there is a clog, you can always create a new outlet

Even if you feel stuck somewhere, it is not the end, but a chance to open the next outlet. Life and the body are not in a state of "complete stop," but rather in a mix of a little stagnation and flow. By not blaming yourself and taking small steps, that natural, smooth feeling will return.

What is your outlet for today?

Instead of aiming for perfection, please try to be conscious of one "small outlet you can create now." Saying something out loud, taking a short walk, letting go of something you don't know, having someone listen to you—those small outlets will gradually create a big flow. Perhaps because a typhoon is approaching, it's a restless night, isn't it? On a night like this, let's take good care of ourselves and rest early. Thank you for your hard work this week as well.

Good night 🌙