This is from "Reality Creation Technique" and "Levels of Energy" by author, seminar leader and coach, Frederick Dodson. This is an analogy of life, that many of us, often through our subconscious mind programming, "swim" upstream in life...or side-stream...anywhere but the more relaxed method of floating downstream naturally. 

Both books talk about how to achieve that more natural flow-state, as well as many of Fredrick's other books and audiobooks. 

Fredrick's audiobooks are available on Apple Books, Audible or Amazon.