what is the meaning of ( if we try to push the river , so to speak)?

Question

i read it in a book : ( if we try to push the river , so to speak)
the name of the book was HOW TO CALM DOWN

Answer 1

The river flows by itself and doesn't need to be pushed. Trying to force the river only depletes our energy. Wiser to go with the flow and enjoy the experience. Brute force isn't nearly as powerful as the most placid of rivers. When we work within life's natural flow vs trying to force issues we're happier, healthier, we enjoy more. Accept what is.

Answer 2

This is a metaphor, used by Fred Miller.

Basically, it refers to the fruitlessness and wasted energy of worrying and/or trying to change something that we have no control over. The river symbolizes what we can not control. (Literally, we can not move a river or push it out of the way--it would cause a lot of undue stress for someone to attempt that.) Don't waste time worrying about or trying to change what we can not. Accept the difficulty/hardship and learn to cope--don't allow yourself to get upset, breathe.

Hope that this helps, and hope that you enjoyed the book.

Answer 3

If your rowing a boat in a river, you are pushing the water behind you in order to move forward. In life, you have to maneuver away from whatever it is stopping you from elevating to the next level. Push until you get it right.

Answer 4

In what context was it used? It may mean something about trying to push away what would seem to be a never ending source. try posting this question in philosophy.