It is the 4th day of the month and I have not yet published a Monthly Message. This weighs heavily on me for a number of reasons, but the weight, the crushing weight of the water that covers me slows me down, leaves me gasping, and caused me to spend the better part of my day clicking links in my Facebook stream, is a stronger source of concern.

Wait, what? Facebook? Oh, did you think I meditated for five hours a day? Ahem.

I am not the only one feeling this inertia, feeling like I am under water as thick as molasses, upside-down, trying to get somewhere. Friends feel this too. Clients. It is as if we collectively dropped down into low gear, slow motion. In the past I would have persevered, pushed on, kept up like a bulldozer. Sometimes that works and you break through, but sometimes it is more like repeatedly hitting your head against a brick wall. Ow. I would rather look at what gifts the feeling of being under water is giving me -- I know there are some, but since I am still immersed I cannot yet see them. Still, it would feel better to be productive and to change the flow of energy gently, if I can. So I thought you would like to know what I am doing about it.

Writing. Creation is movement. By writing I am creating an opening for flow. I may also find clarity through the writing process, because often I process through writing. Win win. Plus, writing is doing something, and I can add it to my Facebook stream for other people to click on. Win again.

Getting out. It's a simple thing, but I went outside. Unglued my eyes from my laptop screen. Felt the rain on my face. Looked out at the mist over the bay. Feeling stuck? Get up and get out. It will move your energy and create space for an opening. Try not to use your time stewing about what you're not getting done and instead breathe, look around, and enjoy the sights, smells and tastes around you. This opens you to possibility and guidance.

Talking it up. I have so far talked with three people in my life about my sense of being under water. One commiserated. He is there too and was hoping for advice. One laughed with me about the misery of feeling like we are underwater. And one offered simply that I and others could benefit if I wrote my experience. Whatever you are feeling in a given moment, someone you know may be feeling it as well. Or did once. Or knew someone who did. And whether or not this person has any insight for you, the simple act of sharing where you are will help you find clarity. Plus, connecting with someone else by opening up fully to where you are is incredibly intimate and trusting. None of us are islands. We all crave connection. Feed your need for community by trusting your experiences with someone else.

Self care. I took a bath. By pulling in and taking care of my physical needs, I am switching gears. Opening to the sensuality of the body. Giving myself space as well as the gift of self care. When you feel stuck, care for your physical needs in a way that is significant for you and that feels nurturing. This helps you allow for perceptual shifts and to stop resisting, pushing, or trying and to start allowing. While in the bath I created the structure for this post as well as the next one. Win!

Letting go. In my woman's singing group we sing a song that goes, in part, I lift it up/ I ask for guidance. I sing this when I want to let go, to offer myself, to release into being. When all else fails and you can no longer bulldoze your way through your personal underwater tsunami, just let go and float. Let the water take you where it will. You won't lose anything -- YOU will still be there! -- but you will be in a new place as a result. With a new perspective. Ready for a fresh start, or at least a fresh look at what it was you were trying to accomplish when the wave of inertia hit.

There. I already feel I am more open and that energy is flowing differently. Win.

What do you do when you feel stuck?