The Word Is Spreading - The Way of Phi in Practice -

Co-creation in action

Dear friend,

Transitioning from one phase to another brings its own set of possibilities and challenges. Possibilities to embrace the new, but also the challenges of leaving what is known. This calls for discernment – what do you want to leave behind? And what are you curious about welcoming?

This is a transitional period for The Way of Phi in many ways. People are not only learning about the concept, but I find myself practising it together with others more and more. This brings me great joy and this is certainly something that I am embracing fully. However, at the same time, this means leaving something behind. Perhaps a sense of control. Or surrendering into something that is bigger.

The other day I was visiting my friend Sky. One of the roles he plays in life is that of a yoga teacher. Just as I play the role of a musician from time to time. Now, for the first time ever, I was going to support his yoga class with live music. This meant a transition into something new. However, it also meant navigating familiar territory, as we have both been doing our respective things for a very long time. And we have both been working with other people before in similar ways. Even so, this was the first time that we did this together.

Sky's system is called Sama Yoga and mine is The Way of Phi. Both draw from various traditions. Both emphasise balance. And this came into play during the class itself. As I was supporting, I was focusing a lot on listening and following Sky's lead. However, at times, my playing inspired the direction that he was taking as well. And so, at times, there was a sense of Dynamic Balance coming into play between us.

As Sky is a surfer in the literal sense of the word – he proof read and verified the story about Robert in The Way of Phi – we had very interesting and initiated conversations about the finer aspects of surfing, both literally and in the sense that I use the word in the book, as a metaphor for practising Dynamic Balance. One thing that we got into discussing was that sometimes it is advisable to swim underneath the approaching waves and thereby evade them. And at other times it is best to evade them by paddling away. And then there are those moments when the waves cannot be evaded... and you might end up in the rip current. All of these are parts of surfing. And all of them have to be considered.

And yet, the surfing itself, I find, is that thing that happens, when the various distractions do not get in the way. One aspect of this, as Sky pointed out, is to know when not to surf. On some days, simply being at the beach is enough. Other days, getting in the water, paddling, but not catching even one wave, was all that was supposed to happen. And therein, I think, lies a key to the deeper awareness of the Circular dimension of surfing: to be able to meet reality as it is. To meet the ocean, the waves, the wind, the weather as they are, rather than as I might want them to be.

And so, as I see the waves spreading outwards from the initial stone that I have thrown into the water, I allow myself to meet them as they are. And now that they are forming a new circle, I become more receptive. At times waiting for the next wave. And then, as it comes, I assess it, and make my decision about whether to swim underneath it, paddle away from it – or to get up on my surf board and ride it all the way.

Still here,

Christopher

PS Click here to get The Way of Phi