Emotions are like Waves but we can choose which ones to Surf

In life, our emotions come and go, sometimes like gentle swells, other times like crashing waves. For most of us, emotions are central to our experiences, but they often feel uncontrollable, leading to reactions that we may regret or wish we could change.

What if, instead, we learned to surf our emotions—choosing the right waves to ride and letting the others pass by? 

Understanding the Nature of Waves

Emotions are like waves in the ocean. They are created by our thoughts, shifting constantly, rising and falling based on what’s happening in our minds in any given moment. Just as waves don’t last forever, neither do our emotions; they’re always in motion, and their intensity will eventually subside. The key is realizing that emotions aren’t something we need to hold onto or control. Instead, we can observe them, experience them, and allow them to move through us naturally.

When we start to see emotions this way, we gain a new level of freedom. We don’t need to react to every wave. We can let many of them roll by and choose the right ones to ride.

Low Moods: When to Let the Waves Pass

It’s human nature to try and fight against negative emotions—stress, sadness, frustration—especially when they appear intense and insistent. But fighting them is often like trying to swim against a strong current. In a low mood, our thoughts tend to be clouded, and it’s hard to see things clearly. Reacting to our emotions during these times is like surfing in a storm; it rarely leads to the best outcomes. So instead, try and notice when we’re in a low mood and choose to ride it out rather than act on it.

By simply observing the feelings without resisting them, we allow the emotion to pass naturally, knowing that better waves are ahead.

High Moods: Riding Waves of Clarity

When we’re in a good mood, it’s as if the ocean is calm and the waves are smooth, allowing us to surf with ease and confidence. In these moments, our thinking is clearer, our intelligence (IQ) feels higher, and we see life from a broader, wiser perspective. Decision-making in a positive emotional state is like catching a wave that takes us effortlessly toward our goals; we feel aligned, focused, and creative.

High moods are when we want to make important decisions, take action, and set new intentions. These waves provide us with clarity and insight, allowing us to move forward with wisdom.

Becoming an Emotional Surfer

To become an emotional surfer, one who rides only the waves worth taking, we need awareness. This means:

• Recognizing Our State of Mind: By noticing whether we’re in a high or low mood, we can gauge the quality of our thoughts and adjust our responses accordingly. Low mood? Let it pass. High mood? Consider taking action.

• Trusting the Temporary Nature of Feelings: Knowing that feelings are fleeting helps us avoid getting caught up in the intensity of the moment. By the time one wave has passed, another—often better—wave is on its way.

• Cultivating Patience and Perspective: Patience is key. Sometimes, the waves aren’t worth surfing, but by waiting a little longer, we find the perfect one to ride, saving ourselves a lot of unnecessary struggle.

  
  

The Freedom in Letting Go

The freedom that comes from understanding emotions as waves is transformative. Instead of being pulled in every direction by our emotions, we gain control not by changing our feelings but by changing how we respond to them. We learn that we don’t have to surf every wave, and we don’t have to react to every emotion. We can let go of the need to control and simply observe, knowing that by riding the right waves—those grounded in clarity and peace—we can navigate life more effectively and enjoyably.

Surfing our emotions isn’t about denying or ignoring them. It’s about embracing their fluid nature and trusting that we have the wisdom to choose our response.

Emotions will always come and go, just like waves in the ocean. But with awareness, patience, and practice, we can choose which waves are worth our time and energy. And, in doing so, we allow ourselves to move through life with greater ease, resilience, and joy.