Abraham on “The Stream”

Imagine you’re taking your canoe to the riverbank, where a fast-moving stream awaits. Your oars are already attached to your boat, and you place it in the water, deliberately turning it upstream, paddling hard against the current. We often ask, why not simply turn and go with the flow? However, many would consider that lazy. They might say, “My mother would never approve of that,” or “My teachers always encouraged me to go the other way.” In fact, every plaque on my wall was earned by paddling upstream. The more effectively we fought the current, the prouder others were of us, and the bigger the trophies and monuments we received. We even hear that when we pass, there are even more accolades waiting.

But here’s something you should remember: nothing you desire is upstream. We know this because we’ve witnessed the cycle of life. Source extended itself into what we call “you,” and through your unique experiences, you continuously ask for more. Source is becoming that very more you seek and is calling you toward it. This is the true essence of the Stream.

When you turn and align with the Stream, you experience a profound sense of well-being. That’s what positive emotion is—varying degrees of it, but it’s all positive emotion. On the other hand, when you fight against the current, it can wear you down, and that’s what negative emotion feels like. It’s important to understand that there’s only one Stream—whether you’re going with it or against it.

When you’re taught to go against the Stream, you may perceive it as evil—streams of sickness, badness, or poverty. But in truth, there’s only one Stream. If you’re struggling, it’s because you’re not aligning with it. You might wonder, “If this Stream is of goodness, why is it beating me up?” And the answer is simple: you’re clinging to the bottom. It’s the resistance that causes the turmoil.

This Stream of Well-Being is a powerful force, taking you downstream whether you go with it or not. Take a look around—well-being is abundant. Your planet continues to orbit, and despite challenges, well-being is always present. Even when you reach what’s called physical death, remember there’s no such thing. We like to refer to it humorously as “croaking,” but in reality, when you “croak,” you’re rapidly flowing with the Stream of Well-Being.

The Stream of Well-Being is not just dominant—it’s all that exists. While you’re in your physical body, you may struggle, fight, and resist, questioning the existence of the Stream due to life’s difficulties. But we encourage you to let go of resistance and go with the flow. You’ll experience the true potential of the Stream.

A river guide once told Jerry and Esther’s friends, “That rock isn’t moving with the flow.” He explained that if their raft were to get caught sideways against one of those immovable rocks, it could lead to trouble—tipping them over, trapping them in the rocks, and the Stream would continue to beat them up. He assured them that if they listened to him, he would guide them around the rocks. But if they ignored him, they might end up in a dangerous position.

The same applies to the Stream of Well-Being. When you allow yourself to flow with it, the ride is glorious. But when you paddle against it or cling to the bottom, you experience fear, depression, and a sense of losing control. This feeling of disempowerment is the result of resistance.

Finally, remember this Stream is not assigned to you by anyone else—whether by Source, God, or any benevolent being. You are not being controlled or directed in a harmful way. The Stream is simply there, always flowing toward your well-being.