If you were an alien who just landed on Earth, you might think that as a tide recedes — moves from high to low tide — the waves would move away from the shore.
Of course, that’s not how it works.
Waves are always moving toward the shore, even when the tide is receding.
This phenomenon highlights the difference between waves and tides.
Waves vs Tides
Waves = Surface Energy Disturbance
Waves are movements of energy created by wind. The water doesn’t actually travel much; instead, the wind causes water particles to move in place, which creates a ripple effect that travels toward the shore.
Waves are a surface disturbance.
They are a sudden, frequent shifting that is driven by the wind, which is an unpredictable force.
They are often chaotic and they can feel intense when you’re caught up in one, but they don’t move anything of substance.
Tides = Deeper Rhythmic Forces
Tides are the slow, rhythmic rise and fall of the sea level. The tides are controlled by the gravitational force of the moon (and the sun), which shifts large masses of the earth’s water on a predictable, 12.4 hour cycle.
Tides are slow, deep, and powerful. They are governed by a constant and predictable force that we can’t see, but that actually moves things in a substantial way, over time.
How to Work With Waves and Tides
The first thing to understand about waves and tides is that both are created by forces beyond our control, but we can learn how to work with both.
Because they are different energies, the way we work with them will be different.
Here are the key distinctions and how to work with these energies.
Tides Are About Timing
Tides are the primordial rhythms that control your energy.
Tides are the rhythms of seasons, cycles, and energy levels. They form the larger container in which everything else plays out.
The key to working with “tides” is to respect the timing of outer forces and inner rhythms to align with what you want to do. Mastering timing is about doing the right thing at the right time.
If you’re taking a boat out, you want to do it at high tide. At low tide the boat won’t get traction to get out of the harbor.
If you’re traveling by car, you ideally want to go at “low tide” — the times with less traffic.
Similarly, you have “tides” in your energy rhythms and cognitive function. Working with tides means doing things at the right time for you based on your “tidal rhythms.”
Waves Are About Skills
Waves are temporary disturbances to your inner or outer environment.
Waves show up at pings, notifications, external attention seekers, noises, social turbulence, emotional triggers, and the voice of your inner critic.
Working with waves is about learning how to surf or ride them in a way that allows you to maintain equilibrium, balance, and equanimity.
- Once you’re out on the boat, are you able to maintain equilibrium as the boat starts rocking on choppy waves?
- Even if you’ve picked a low-traffic time to travel, you might find yourself stuck in traffic. Are you able to maintain calm?
- When someone tries to interrupt your peak focus time, can you maintain your boundaries with equanimity?
Working with waves entails developing the skills of honing focus, maintaining equanimity, and finding grounding in turbulent environments.
A Metaphor For Life
Understanding the difference between waves and tides won’t just help you navigate the beach; it can help you navigate your day with more ease and flow.
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