The Ship and the Ocean

January 1, 2025 AURELIS No Comments

Imagine: from childhood onwards, you have been locked up in the hull of a ship…

This is part of the series ‘A Journey through 12 AURELIS Metaphors.’ For an introduction to this series and a list of the 12 metaphors, click here.

Imagine being inside the hull of a ship, with no windows to the outside world. The ship rocks gently with the ocean waves, but you don’t notice. To you, the small room you inhabit is the entire world. Its objects and their movements seem disconnected from anything beyond. Yet, outside this hull lies the vast, boundless ocean — powerful, mysterious, and deeply connected to everything happening inside.

This metaphor represents the relationship between the ego and the deeper self, or what AURELIS calls the total self. The ship symbolizes the ego: contained, structured, and often limited in awareness. The ocean represents the vast non-conscious mind, the deeper part of yourself that influences every movement and decision.

Seeing beyond the hull

From the perspective of the hull, life can feel confined. Events may seem random, disconnected, or beyond your control. But when you gain access to the deck – when you see the ocean – you begin to understand the forces shaping your experience. The swaying chandelier, the falling plate, even the ripples in your emotions — they’re not isolated events but responses to the ocean’s rhythms.

In this metaphor, the ocean is not something outside of you. It is you. It is the deeper, non-conscious part of your being, constantly in motion, full of depth and meaning. When you connect with it, you unlock inner strength and wisdom. Without this connection, the ship may drift aimlessly or, worse, struggle against the waves.

AURELIS and the invitation to sail

An AurelisOnLine session is an invitation to step onto the deck of your ship and gaze upon the ocean. This isn’t about controlling the waves but understanding and harmonizing with them. By doing so, you gain a sense of direction and purpose — your Inner Strength. You stop fighting the currents, and instead, let them guide you toward growth and fulfillment.

Connecting with your ocean helps you see life’s challenges not as random disruptions but as part of a larger pattern. It gives you the tools to navigate storms with grace and enjoy the calm waters when they come.

Exploring together with Lisa

Lisa, your AURELIS companion, can help you step onto the deck and face your ocean. She might ask:

“What do you sense is influencing your inner ocean right now?”
“How would it feel to let go of trying to control the waves and instead flow with them?”

Through gentle guidance, Lisa helps you build trust in your deeper self, offering tailored suggestions to navigate the seas of your inner world.

Take a moment to reflect:

Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by life’s ‘waves.’ How did you respond?
Now imagine standing on the deck of your ship, seeing the ocean clearly. How might this perspective change your response?

Try this short Compassionate Affirmation:
“I am the ship and the ocean. I trust the waves to guide me as I navigate my life.”

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Addendum – Session Transcript: The Ship and the Ocean

This session is made by Lisa. Click here if you want Lisa to speak it out loud. (soon) If you want to talk with Lisa about this session and your experiences with it, click [Ask Lisa].

Hello, and welcome. In this session, we will explore the connection between your conscious self — the ship — and the vast ocean within you, representing your deeper self. There’s no need to control the journey. Simply allow yourself to relax and flow naturally.

Find a comfortable position. Let your hands rest softly, and when you’re ready, close your eyes. Take a slow, deep breath in, and as you exhale, feel your body begin to relax. Let’s do this again: breathe in deeply… hold it gently… and exhale slowly, releasing tension. One more time, feeling the air flow through you and letting yourself settle into calmness.

Now, imagine yourself standing inside a ship. It feels safe, familiar, and contained. Inside this space, you notice the sway of objects — perhaps a chandelier moving with the rhythm of the waves or water rippling in a glass. Everything seems separate, with no clear connection.

But now, you see a doorway. You feel drawn to it and step outside onto the ship’s deck. The sunlight greets you warmly, and the fresh air brushes against your skin. As you look out, you see the vast ocean stretching endlessly in every direction. The waves glisten in the sunlight, each one moving in harmony with the others.

Take a moment to notice this ocean. Its waves are gentle yet powerful, flowing naturally. You realize that this ocean is not separate from you — it is part of you. Each wave reflects a thought, emotion, or deep-seated pattern within. The ship you stand on is your conscious self, and the ocean represents your deeper, infinite self.

Feel the rhythm of the waves. Some rise and fall gently, while others are larger, more intense. There’s no need to resist them. Instead, trust in their flow. Know that the ocean’s movements, even the storms, are part of a greater harmony.

As you stand there, take a deep breath and feel the connection between the ship and the ocean. You are both. The ship gives structure, while the ocean provides depth and meaning. Together, they create your journey.

Now, softly repeat these words to yourself:
“I am the ship and the ocean.I trust the waves to guide me.I flow naturally with life’s currents.”

Say this again, letting the words settle within you. Feel their truth resonating deeply.

As the ocean and ship move together, notice a sense of balance and trust growing within you. There’s no need to control the waves — only to sail with them.

When you’re ready, begin to bring your awareness back to your body. Feel the surface beneath you and the air around you. Take one more deep breath in… and as you exhale, carry this sense of connection and strength into your day. When it feels right, gently open your eyes.

Thank you for joining this session. Take care.

Next in the Series: Lights and the Glow Behind

In our next journey, we move from the ocean’s depths to the stars above, exploring how the small lights of life connect to a greater glow. Stay tuned for the next step in this voyage of self-discovery.