Ride The Wave

Ride the Wave is a technique that allows an individual to pause, step back, gain perspective and be in
control of their emotions.  Ride the Wave is to be aware and non-judgmental of oneself during stressful
situations.  It is a metaphor for the ebbs and flows in daily life.  During uncertain times, an individual  
may feel anxiety or depression.  Emotions have the power to make a person feel sad or tense.  Ride the Wave allows one to keep their head above water, breathe and let go of negative emotions.

 How do I Ride the Wave?

 Close your eyes.  Picture the ocean’s wave and notice the waves never stop.  This visualization is central to Riding the Wave.  The ocean waves can be compared to our emotions.  The waves can appear calm, flat and crystal blue. Then, they become grey, intense swells. The ocean waves are continually changing and so are emotions. The waves in the ocean are never the same.  One’s emotions are never identical.  Weather can forecast the waves and their patterns. However, waves can be set off out of nowhere.  In life various factors impact emotions such as current events, health, family finances, relationships, work, etc. As like the ocean, emotions can be triggered without any warning.

 Envision yourself as a surfer trying to ride a wave in the ocean.  As you stand at the shore, paddle out into the water, wait and watch for a wave.  As you lie on your board, notice how the waves are always in motion.  They never stop.  If a wave is too big for you to surf, then let it pass.  Another wave will come. When you find the perfect wave, start paddling towards it…Catch the wave.

 The wave may increase your speed as you get up on your board.  The wave may cause your board to get slippery. Do not let the wave knock you down! Do not let it pull you under!  You do not want to wipe-out. Ride the wave until its natural end.

 Riding the Wave is an expression for learning how to surf emotions.  An individual does not want to get knocked down by their emotions.  Riding the Wave is learning how to control, navigate and not getting caught in the undertow of emotions.