23 How to swim with life, by evolving and resolving our splits
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23 How to swim with life, by evolving and resolving our splits
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About: The origin and outcome of splits
When we live in a state of contraction, it’s impossible to float. We’re like a swimmer who is scrunched up into a tight ball. The result? We sink.
This chapter explores what it really means to move with life instead of constantly fighting it. At the center is the idea that much of our struggle comes from inner “splits”—parts of us pulling in opposite directions.
We want something on the surface, but somewhere deeper, we’re resisting it. That tension creates confusion, frustration, and a sense of being stuck.
The path forward isn’t about forcing change from the outside. It’s about turning inward and getting honest about what’s actually happening beneath the surface—especially where we’re saying “no” to what we think we want.
The chapter walks through a process of recognizing these patterns, letting go of blame, and facing the underlying drivers: pride, fear, and self-will.
The metaphor of swimming brings it all together. Living well isn’t about controlling everything or giving up completely—it’s about finding a balance between effort and trust.
When we stop thrashing and start moving with more awareness, something shifts. Life begins to feel less like a fight and more like something we can actually flow with.
Jill Loree is the founder of Phoenesse and a longtime student of the Pathwork teachings. She has studied the Pathwork Guide’s material since 1997 and completed four years of training to become a certified Pathwork Helper.
When she first encountered the Pathwork teachings, she described the experience as “walking through the doorway of an AA fourth step and finding the whole library.”
Through Phoenesse, Jill writes and teaches about personal transformation using the spiritual psychology found in the Pathwork lectures.
Her books present these teachings in clear, accessible language to help readers apply them in everyday life. Her work focuses on helping people move from the struggles of duality toward the peace of inner unity.
Raised in northern Wisconsin, Jill began her professional career in technical sales and marketing before discovering that her true calling lay in spiritual teaching and writing.
She lives in New York with her husband, Scott Wisler, who now works with her in sharing these teachings around the world.
