A follower of Tao would recognize that phrase as being an exclamatory statement of a principle from the Tao Te Ching.
We can make the negative events be our teachers. They can be turned into positives, when we ask ourselves, "what is it that I am to be learning from this unpleasant situation?"
Walking in Tao is a deliberate way of appreciating, learning from, and working with whatever happens in our everyday life. The result from such deliberations? Happy serenity! This is a deep, satisfying celebration within us as we successfully learn that which was meant to instruct us.
Taoist understanding changes what others may perceive as negatives to having them transform into positive changes for us as we grow in our spirituality.
Slowly learning to switch my thinking,
j
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Contentment: how?
"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are."
Self-satisfaction is certainly a rare commodity. A satisfied countenance will begin when you learn that we all already have plenty of stuff. We need to stop wanting other things, and realize that we have added quite a bit of materials into our lives already: TV screen bigger than 19 inches, what about a cell phone, or do you have a microwave? Take an inventory as if you were starting off in a new apartment, suddenly what you already have will multiply itself---be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are---don't go running around desperately seeking to add more to your stockpile.
As you accept that you are well-stocked: greed, dissatisfaction, envy, pining for more ("other" is hell, Satre tells us: wanting it and fighting for it is not pleasant!), relax in the Tao, be thankful for what you have. Appreciate it and suddenly contentment replaces the lust for materials slips away. As the Tao opens the way to peace, accept it and be pleased with where you are materially and continue your spiritual evolution.
Rejoice in the way things are materially, seek spiritual growth and it will become your source of a happy countenance,
j
Self-satisfaction is certainly a rare commodity. A satisfied countenance will begin when you learn that we all already have plenty of stuff. We need to stop wanting other things, and realize that we have added quite a bit of materials into our lives already: TV screen bigger than 19 inches, what about a cell phone, or do you have a microwave? Take an inventory as if you were starting off in a new apartment, suddenly what you already have will multiply itself---be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are---don't go running around desperately seeking to add more to your stockpile.
As you accept that you are well-stocked: greed, dissatisfaction, envy, pining for more ("other" is hell, Satre tells us: wanting it and fighting for it is not pleasant!), relax in the Tao, be thankful for what you have. Appreciate it and suddenly contentment replaces the lust for materials slips away. As the Tao opens the way to peace, accept it and be pleased with where you are materially and continue your spiritual evolution.
Rejoice in the way things are materially, seek spiritual growth and it will become your source of a happy countenance,
j
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Fortune or Misfortune
We may have great fortune or bad cirmcumstances, whichever we have we should patiently bear them both. No matter what, we must always be true to our inner selves. (365 Tao)
This speaks to daily confidence that by walking in the Tao--nothing comes to us from the universe which we cannot handle. Our inner spirit must be built upon the tranquality of the Tao.
We all have courageous spirits to face the whole of life. Whether we walk in the bleak winter of adversity or bask in the summer sunshine of good fortune, like a tree handles both extremes, we too--come what may--are given confidence that through it all we are all participants in the Tao.
Walk in the Tao & be at peace,
j
This speaks to daily confidence that by walking in the Tao--nothing comes to us from the universe which we cannot handle. Our inner spirit must be built upon the tranquality of the Tao.
We all have courageous spirits to face the whole of life. Whether we walk in the bleak winter of adversity or bask in the summer sunshine of good fortune, like a tree handles both extremes, we too--come what may--are given confidence that through it all we are all participants in the Tao.
Walk in the Tao & be at peace,
j
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
With the storm comes promise
"Thunder and rain at night. Growth comes with a shock.
Expression and duration appear in the first moment."
The positive growth for us in Tao requires some negative circumstances: yin & yang. Let the shock of the storms of life not overwhelm you. Look beyond the circumstances of the day for the expression of our potential growth whick is embedded within the storm. From the very beginning of the storm, Tao offers us a light at the end of the tunnel. Seek it, grasp it, and it will give you srength and courage to endure the thunder and rain.
Comfort and power in Tao to you,
j
Expression and duration appear in the first moment."
The positive growth for us in Tao requires some negative circumstances: yin & yang. Let the shock of the storms of life not overwhelm you. Look beyond the circumstances of the day for the expression of our potential growth whick is embedded within the storm. From the very beginning of the storm, Tao offers us a light at the end of the tunnel. Seek it, grasp it, and it will give you srength and courage to endure the thunder and rain.
Comfort and power in Tao to you,
j
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Power in silence
"Wind in the cave: movement in stillness. Power in silence."
Following the thoughts of the stillness and silence, sound in a cave is quiet when no one is talking, or shifting their gear, just listening to the silence. For in silence, we are able to draw near to Tao. Quieting our minds to be quiet, as if hiding from others in a cave.
Movement in stillness points to spiritual evolution, I believe. In the stillness of our minds, contemplative thoughts and ideas enhance, nay, generate advancement toward Tao. We advance in our faith, our philosophy, our way of life as we listen to ourselves and to nature.
Power in silence. We can draw from the example of Gandhi and Jesus. Neither would join the self-righteousness of their persecutors. The power of silence is that it allows us to focus our thoughts on the presence of Tao in all living things. To that end, as I tend the nursery of trees and shrubs, I talk to the plants and the insects. I notice the call of the sparrows, the bark of a dog, the business of the bumble bee. I fear not getting stung for I mean no harm, as they discern my calmness so they continue with their nectar-gathering inches from my face.
Tao is all around us: power is ours to decide to focus our attention on the life Tao manifests through nature or to be an echo in the cave, a disruption of stillness, a member of an angry mob.
Comfort & power in Tao to you,
j
Following the thoughts of the stillness and silence, sound in a cave is quiet when no one is talking, or shifting their gear, just listening to the silence. For in silence, we are able to draw near to Tao. Quieting our minds to be quiet, as if hiding from others in a cave.
Movement in stillness points to spiritual evolution, I believe. In the stillness of our minds, contemplative thoughts and ideas enhance, nay, generate advancement toward Tao. We advance in our faith, our philosophy, our way of life as we listen to ourselves and to nature.
Power in silence. We can draw from the example of Gandhi and Jesus. Neither would join the self-righteousness of their persecutors. The power of silence is that it allows us to focus our thoughts on the presence of Tao in all living things. To that end, as I tend the nursery of trees and shrubs, I talk to the plants and the insects. I notice the call of the sparrows, the bark of a dog, the business of the bumble bee. I fear not getting stung for I mean no harm, as they discern my calmness so they continue with their nectar-gathering inches from my face.
Tao is all around us: power is ours to decide to focus our attention on the life Tao manifests through nature or to be an echo in the cave, a disruption of stillness, a member of an angry mob.
Comfort & power in Tao to you,
j
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