Sailing and steering a boat is an excellent analogy with living and governing life. Here is a brief explanation of how the concepts of winds, currents and navigation can be applied to navigate life and make the most of the conditions we encounter.
Define a destination: Just as navigators have a destination in mind when they set out, it's important to have goals and aspirations in life. Define what you want to achieve and where you want to go, as this provides direction and purpose. It never hurts to remember Seneca's maxim – “whoever does not know the port he seeks will never find favorable winds, and ends up wandering as the wind takes him”.
Understanding the winds: The winds can be unpredictable and are constantly changing, as are the circumstances and opportunities we encounter in life. Observing and understanding the winds around us is identifying the external factors that condition our progress. Similarly, being aware of external influences and the people we surround ourselves with, who can also be unpredictable, and others who appear by surprise, lead us to be cautious or take advantage of opportunities or avoid disappointments.
Adjust the sails: To sail effectively, we have to adjust the sails to better harness the power of the wind. Likewise, in life, adaptability is crucial. Being flexible and being willing to adjust plans and strategies when necessary is imperative. Accept the change and use it to your advantage. As a rule, a boat has a life of its own in the face of the winds, turning the bow towards the wind line, if we do nothing, it can tilt steeply until it stops sailing when it is aligned with the wind. We call it the budget bias. Lighting the sail when it is too budgeted is called bearing away. What is certain is that we cannot leave the boat unguided by systematically having to luff or bear away by adjusting the sails, just as in our lives, we must continually loosen or hunt the sails and not let them flow out of control. Let's always remember that when sailing, we can't always take the direction we want or would like, but rather run with the winds or steer in a Z, to reach our destination safely.
Understanding Currents: Currents can help or hinder a boat's progress. Likewise, life presents various currents such as trends, social norms and cultural influences. Understand the currents around you and decide whether to flow with them or chart your own course. Use the currents to propel you forward instead of being dragged by them. Always remember that it is hard to overcome the currents and that you often have to navigate obliquely to go straight.
Seizing Opportunities: Sailing requires taking advantage of the right opportunities. When favorable winds and currents arise, experienced sailors take the opportunity to make significant progress. In life, recognize and take advantage of opportunities that align with your goals and values. Be prepared to take calculated risks and step out of your comfort zone when necessary. And be prepared to wait patiently for the winds and currents to change. Going against the wind and current is a waste of time.
Patience and resilience: Navigating life or a boat often requires patience and resilience, especially in adverse conditions. In life, there will always be challenges and setbacks. Cultivate resilience to bounce back from failures and setbacks, and exercise patience in times of uncertainty. Remember that storms eventually pass and calm waters are ahead. And also remember that no bonanza lasts forever. Adopt the stoic maxims Amor Fati and Premeditatio Malorum. amor fati translates as “love for destiny”, and teaches us not to complain about what happens, but to accept challenges with courage and determination. The Premeditatio MalorumI is the “premeditation of evils”, a stoic exercise in imagining what could go wrong or that could be taken away from us. So that we are never taken by surprise.
Enjoy the trip: Navigating is not just about getting to your destination; as Antonio Machado Ruiz once taught us “the path is made walking”, it is also about enjoying the journey. Likewise, Mia Couto also expresses this idea by stating that “it is not the destination that counts, but the path”. Likewise, in life, focus on the present moment and find joy in the experiences along the way. Appreciate the beauty, learn from the challenges, and value the relationships and experiences you build.
By relating the principles of navigation to life, you can gain insights into navigating your own journey. Embrace the winds and currents, adjust the sails and make the most of the conditions you encounter, heading towards a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Comments