Which Would You Choose?

Literature is full of scenes depicted by the words, "adrift on a sea of....." or "adrift on the ocean".  A quick look into my favorite tome, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, reveals the following definition for adrift:  1 :  without motive power and without anchor or mooring   2 :  without ties, guidance, or security   3 :  free from restraint or support.  One can be literally adrift in a life raft on a great body of water or, metaphorically speaking, adrift in the great sea of life as in the second meaning.  Perhaps a good antonym for adrift would be grounded.  One who is grounded is probably not feeling adrift.  It may not be uncommon for any one of us to feel adrift at some point, or points, in time. 

Another word closely associated with adrift is afloat, although afloat carries with it a more positive connotation.  Again, my dictionary........1 a:  borne on or as if on the water  b:  being at sea   2 :  free of difficulties : SELF-SUFFICIENT   3 a :  circulating about   b : ADRIFT

"To be afloat" is a term that a former yoga instructor would use in a visualization technique to help her class leave their worries and stresses at the door and move into a state of Zen where our bodies were encouraged to "melt into the floor".  Now, if you have never tried letting your body "melt into the floor", you are missing one of the great sensations of life.  With proper training, execution and state of mind, you can truly feel your body become one with the floor.  (Of course, a good yoga mat is helpful, too.)  As you concentrate on each body part or area and "let it go", it is as if you release it to somewhere mystical and you do become "afloat".  This is far different from being adrift in the world - having no control over where you are going and who you are going with.  Being afloat is intentional.  Allowing oneself to become adrift - while perhaps initially being intentional - becomes more haphazard and capricious.  

When Capt. SO and I are afloat on Das Boot, the feeling is one of being unrestricted with great freedom.  Being adrift on Das Boot would indicate great failure of either equipment or human frailty, neither of which is desirable.  

I choose afloat.  Get a yoga mat and try it.  You'll never go back to adrift.  

Ancorfloata imparo