Elif Shafak quote: 'Do not go with the flow. Be the flow' encourages breaking passivity

British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak, celebrated for her ability to blend Eastern and Western narratives, offers a powerful piece of advice: "Do not go with the flow. Be the flow." This quote, originating from Shams of Tabriz in Shafak's acclaimed novel "The Forty Rules of Love," challenges the conventional notion of passively accepting life's circumstances.

Shafak, an advocate for human rights and freedom of speech, uses this quote to illustrate a fundamental shift in perspective. "Going with the flow" implies letting external forces dictate one's path, akin to driftwood in a river, often driven by fear or a sense of helplessness. In contrast, "being the flow" signifies taking the initiative, embracing responsibility for one's actions, and recognizing oneself as an active participant in life's unfolding.

The quote delves into a central paradox within Sufism, the interplay between active agency and surrender. While Sufi philosophy often speaks of surrender to a higher power or the universe, "be the flow" emphasizes proactive engagement. It suggests that one need not foresee every detail of the future; instead, the focus should be on taking the immediate, necessary step. Once this action is initiated, the outcome can be entrusted to a larger process.

This philosophy profoundly impacts the characters in "The Forty Rules of Love." Rumi, a respected scholar, is transformed when Shams encourages him to embody God's love actively rather than merely observing it. Similarly, Ella, a suburban housewife, is prompted to break free from a stagnant marriage by embracing this principle of active engagement, moving beyond a life of passive acceptance.

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Fret not where the road will take you. Instead, concentrate on the first step. That’s the hardest part and that’s what you are responsible for. Once you take that step let everything do what it naturally does and the rest will follow. Do not go with the flow. Be the flow.