Lessons Learned from the ancient book of wisdom; The Toa Te Ching: Verse Eight
The highest goodness resembles water. Water greatly benefits myriad things without contention It stays in places that people dislike; therefore it is similar to the Tao Dwelling with the right location, feeling with great depth Giving with great kindness, speaking with great integrity Governing with great administration, handling with great capability Moving with great timing, because it does not contend It is therefore beyond reproach
Lao Tzu
We are encouraged in verse eight to adopt the manner and nature of water. Water moves in response to the tides. It supports and nurtures all life forms. It follows the path of least resistance while shaping everything it encounters along the way. It is relentless. It sparkles in the sun and moon light. It responds to its environment by morphing into steam with heat and ice with the cold. It always remains its authentic self.
These qualities should come easily to us because 60% of the human body is water. Yet we seem to need structure far more than fluidity. We are shaped by our belief systems or managed by someone else’s belief system. All too often these are ridged and judgmental. Perhaps this is the moment to get quiet, reflect and decide if it is time to make a course correction.
Deciding that it is time to change the way you think is not sacrilegious although it can dredge up feelings of guilt. Having the courage to decide that it is time to change the way you think signals growth. You are honoring your Right to free choice. The key is to acknowledge the value of your old beliefs and the role they played in getting you to this point on your path. Gently smile and say thank you to the things that have anchored you thus far. Then turn, walk on and begin to flow.
Respectfully submitted by:
Phyllis Quinlan, PhD, RN-BC www.mfwconsultants.com mfwconsultants@gmail.com 718 661 498 http://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllisquinlan
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