Looking back on my journey, there have been plenty of times I’ve felt stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to see a way out—kind of like being trapped in quicksand. It’s easy to panic in such moments.
I remember watching a survival show with some good advice for getting out of quicksand: the first step is always to stay calm and relaxed (easier said than done), especially when it feels like you’re sinking too deep too quickly.
Accordingly, instead of flailing around, the trick is to gently wiggle your feet to free them and create pockets of space around them. Then lie on your back and swim – backstroke style to help get your feet out. It sounds pretty simple.
So, when I look at it this way—during times when I feel stuck in a stifling situation—I will apply my quicksand method:
- Breathe through the present situation.
- Be open to new perspectives or insights that often emerge from exploring resistance.
- Realize that fighting to prove worth or strength only tightens the viscous grip.
- Pause and explore the pockets of universal space where answers already exist.
- Find a position of support and balance.
- When the timing is right. Swim through it. Choose strokes of ease.
After following these steps, simply dust my feet off and walk away from the quicksand.
