That is a scary thought, losing control. And yet I have turned it into an imperative for you. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately it is an imperative.

What if someone tried to be in complete control while navigating whitewater? To stop their vessel in the midst of the rapids and completely control its motion in every direction. Depending on the rapid it is likely impossible, or requires an unsustainable amount of effort. What if someone tried to do this over the course of an entire river?

I think I would either limp to the edge of the river and stop, or give up paddling entirely and let the river take complete control. In the non metaphorical space that lines up with my reality.

What are the possibilities after losing some control? People intentionally spend time on rivers and in whitewater for fun.

How much control? Expert whitewater navigators have experience. Are you tired? Maybe a little less. Have you ended up somewhere you do not want to be? Maybe a little more.