So I must admit that I am not familiar with the works of Lieh-Tzu, another master of the Tao. I have not found his works at the bookstores, and haven't yet delved deep enough to order one from an online resource. That being said, I have to trust that these quotes are actually from him, but both are great quotes either way.
“To be truly happy and contented, you must let go of the idea of what it means to be truly happy or content. ”
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Day 21: A Tao Te Ching Verse that is Relevant to you Right Now
I am currently being comforted and contemplating the 5th verse of the Tao Te Ching. Let me give you two translations.
Version 1:
Nature is not kind;
It treats all things impartially.
The Sage is not kind,
And treats all people impartially.
Nature is like a bellows,
Empty, yet never ceasing its supply.
The more it moves, the more it yields;
So the sage draws upon experience
And cannot be exhausted.
- Verse 5, based on multiple translations
Version 2:
Heaven and Earth are impartial
And regard myriad things as straw dogs
The sages are impartial
And regard people as straw dogs
The space between Heaven and Earth
Is it not like a bellows?
Empty, and yet never exhausted
It moves, and produces more
Too many words hasten failure
Cannot compare to keeping quiet
-Verse 5, Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained by Derek Lin, Skylight Illuminations.
FYI - Straw dogs were little dog figurines made out of straw that were discarded after use.
The impartiality of nature (or heavens and earth) is something that brings great comfort to me in times of grief and hardship. As opposed to many religions that teach you that things happen as a result of your actions and only being a good follower will save you from tragedies, this verse suggests that good and bad things happen randomly, not by divine choice. This helps me when trying to figure out why death finds some so quickly and others so slowly. And personally, why life finds some quickly and others slowly.
I also really love Lin's translation of the last line.
Version 1:
Nature is not kind;
It treats all things impartially.
The Sage is not kind,
And treats all people impartially.
Nature is like a bellows,
Empty, yet never ceasing its supply.
The more it moves, the more it yields;
So the sage draws upon experience
And cannot be exhausted.
- Verse 5, based on multiple translations
Version 2:
Heaven and Earth are impartial
And regard myriad things as straw dogs
The sages are impartial
And regard people as straw dogs
The space between Heaven and Earth
Is it not like a bellows?
Empty, and yet never exhausted
It moves, and produces more
Too many words hasten failure
Cannot compare to keeping quiet
-Verse 5, Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained by Derek Lin, Skylight Illuminations.
FYI - Straw dogs were little dog figurines made out of straw that were discarded after use.
The impartiality of nature (or heavens and earth) is something that brings great comfort to me in times of grief and hardship. As opposed to many religions that teach you that things happen as a result of your actions and only being a good follower will save you from tragedies, this verse suggests that good and bad things happen randomly, not by divine choice. This helps me when trying to figure out why death finds some so quickly and others so slowly. And personally, why life finds some quickly and others slowly.
I also really love Lin's translation of the last line.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Day 20: Favorite Tai Chi Movement
I enjoy Tai Chi very much. I wish there was a place near me to learn from a master, but I haven't found one. I guess small town Iowa is not the best place for such things. This means that I depend on videos for most of my learning. I'm sure there's more to the experience than I am currently getting, but you do what you can.
So far, my favorite Tai Chi movement is perhaps one of the simplest. Scott Cole refers to it as Monkey Bear. It basically involves letting your arms hang limply at your sides and then swinging them back and forth using their own momentum. It's simple, but I feel the energy flowing when I do, it's a pretty cool feeling.
So far, my favorite Tai Chi movement is perhaps one of the simplest. Scott Cole refers to it as Monkey Bear. It basically involves letting your arms hang limply at your sides and then swinging them back and forth using their own momentum. It's simple, but I feel the energy flowing when I do, it's a pretty cool feeling.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Day 19: A Lesson Learned From Animals
This is an interesting task, deciding on a lesson that can be learned from animals. So many people I know view animals as inferior beings not worthy of our notice. I happen to be an animal lover, owner of two of the most spoiled kitties you will ever meet (my furkids!). I truly believe that there are many lessons of Taoism that can be learned by observing nature, especially animals.
A lesson I am in the process of learning has to do with self identity. I look at my cat and realize that she is perfectly content to be the cat she is. I don't see her longing to be thinner or wishing to have longer hair, etc. She is just a cat and is content with that. I highly doubt she ever wonders if she is a good cat, or if her life has been worthwhile, or even what others may think of her actions.
We as people tend to identify ourselves with these types of labels. They may be necessary for certain parts of life, but in my own head, can I just be a person without regards to these labels? Nature says I can. As I sit here, unemployed, unsure of myself, and childless, I often get down on myself. I wonder if I am a good person, if I am worthy of having those things, or what others will think if I don't get a job soon.
Today I will take a lesson from my cat. I will attempt to be who I am in that moment, and not worry about the rest.
A lesson I am in the process of learning has to do with self identity. I look at my cat and realize that she is perfectly content to be the cat she is. I don't see her longing to be thinner or wishing to have longer hair, etc. She is just a cat and is content with that. I highly doubt she ever wonders if she is a good cat, or if her life has been worthwhile, or even what others may think of her actions.
We as people tend to identify ourselves with these types of labels. They may be necessary for certain parts of life, but in my own head, can I just be a person without regards to these labels? Nature says I can. As I sit here, unemployed, unsure of myself, and childless, I often get down on myself. I wonder if I am a good person, if I am worthy of having those things, or what others will think if I don't get a job soon.
Today I will take a lesson from my cat. I will attempt to be who I am in that moment, and not worry about the rest.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Day 18: A Way You Try to Exemplify Humility
Humility is an amazing trait that I hope to exemplify one day, though I know I have a long way to go to get there. As of now, I think the best way I show humility is in my willingness to learn and grow. I am constantly trying to change myself for the better, acknowledging room for improvement. I also avoid boasting whenever possible, as I've never been a fan of arrogance.
In my opinion, there is a self-confidence that goes along with humility that I am sincerely lacking in. When meditating, I refer to this version of humility as quiet confidence. This has been a goal of my Tao cultivation for over a year, and although I've made some good strides, there is a lot of room left to go.
In my opinion, there is a self-confidence that goes along with humility that I am sincerely lacking in. When meditating, I refer to this version of humility as quiet confidence. This has been a goal of my Tao cultivation for over a year, and although I've made some good strides, there is a lot of room left to go.
Monday, April 30, 2012
A Complaint Free World
Recently I heard about an organization known as Complaint Free World, their website isn't totally functional at the moment, but its enough to give you the gist.
Most people realize that complaining isn't a good thing, but this organization is dedicated to creating a world where complaining is no longer the norm. I picked up Will Bowen's audio book on the subject, and I decided I was going to go for it.
The challenge is this. Put a bracelet (they sell purple bracelets for the purpose but any will do) on either wrist. Each time you catch yourself complaining, criticizing or gossiping, switch the bracelet to the other hand. This will make you aware of just how much of this negative activity you participate in. The goal is to make it 21 days with the bracelet remaining on the same wrist, meaning not a single complaint in that entire time. The reason is, it takes 21 days to make a habit, so if you succeed, you have broken the habit of complaining.
I haven't purchased one of their bracelets (thought being purple makes me more likely to) so I opted for a blue Ravenclaw bracelet that I got at the release of the final Harry Potter book. It's made of the same material, so I figure it will serve the purpose well enough. If I see a purple one for sale at a gas station or something, I may pick it up, but the bracelet's not really the point.
The people who have succeeded in this challenge, are happier, more peaceful, and more content than they were when they started. I'm hoping if this challenge works for me, it will also work for others whom I care about.
Wish me luck!
Day 1.
Most people realize that complaining isn't a good thing, but this organization is dedicated to creating a world where complaining is no longer the norm. I picked up Will Bowen's audio book on the subject, and I decided I was going to go for it.
The challenge is this. Put a bracelet (they sell purple bracelets for the purpose but any will do) on either wrist. Each time you catch yourself complaining, criticizing or gossiping, switch the bracelet to the other hand. This will make you aware of just how much of this negative activity you participate in. The goal is to make it 21 days with the bracelet remaining on the same wrist, meaning not a single complaint in that entire time. The reason is, it takes 21 days to make a habit, so if you succeed, you have broken the habit of complaining.
I haven't purchased one of their bracelets (thought being purple makes me more likely to) so I opted for a blue Ravenclaw bracelet that I got at the release of the final Harry Potter book. It's made of the same material, so I figure it will serve the purpose well enough. If I see a purple one for sale at a gas station or something, I may pick it up, but the bracelet's not really the point.
The people who have succeeded in this challenge, are happier, more peaceful, and more content than they were when they started. I'm hoping if this challenge works for me, it will also work for others whom I care about.
Wish me luck!
Day 1.
Day 17: A Way You Try to Exemplify Simplicity
Simplicity can be taken into every aspect of your life. For me, there are a few distinct categories that simplicity is key: food, home, and time.
For food, I have really come to believe that the less processing a food has, the better it is for me. This results in a lot of raw fruits and veggies, but also in simplified cooking. I drink more water than any other beverage, or sometimes tea because they are simply made and my body uses them effectively. The more processing a food goes through, the farther it gets from the way nature made it, and that, in my opinion, is a very bad thing. Nature knows what she is doing, always making food in the perfect proportions.
Keeping home simple has become so easy in the new house. We live out in the country, where life is peaceful and nature is all around us. I spend every morning watching the birds in our yard, or just enjoying their songs before I wake for the day. Everyone who visits our place compliments us on the house (it is a beautiful house) but they almost always mention the serenity they feel when they are here. Most may dismiss this as easy since we have no children to liven up the place. It was interesting though, that recently we had 21 people here (including 5 kids) at the same time, and still there were comments about the peacefulness. Some people may not see how this relates to simplicity, but for me, it is.
Time is something that can be very difficult to manage, and most tend to guard their time away from work. The Captain and I don't like to over plan things. It happens, mind you, like this weekend where we have many different demands on our time that all happen to fall at once. But in general, we never plan more than one thing (besides work) a day. This allows us to pay proper attention to the thing we have planned, but also usually gives us time to relax together in the evenings. Again, some will say this is easily done without kids, but I have a feeling there is more to it than that. Captain and I have spent 10 years developing our own lifestyle, and I think a child will fit well into that lifestyle, rather than it changing everything about how we do things. Don't get me wrong, I know adjustments will have to be made, but I know people that were able to keep themselves while being parents so I feel it's possible for us to. Remaining flexible is the key to it all.
For me, simplicity is appreciating nature in all its glory and not becoming so hurried that I miss the truly important things in life. I won't just stop and smell the roses one time, I want to smell them each time I walk by.
For food, I have really come to believe that the less processing a food has, the better it is for me. This results in a lot of raw fruits and veggies, but also in simplified cooking. I drink more water than any other beverage, or sometimes tea because they are simply made and my body uses them effectively. The more processing a food goes through, the farther it gets from the way nature made it, and that, in my opinion, is a very bad thing. Nature knows what she is doing, always making food in the perfect proportions.
Keeping home simple has become so easy in the new house. We live out in the country, where life is peaceful and nature is all around us. I spend every morning watching the birds in our yard, or just enjoying their songs before I wake for the day. Everyone who visits our place compliments us on the house (it is a beautiful house) but they almost always mention the serenity they feel when they are here. Most may dismiss this as easy since we have no children to liven up the place. It was interesting though, that recently we had 21 people here (including 5 kids) at the same time, and still there were comments about the peacefulness. Some people may not see how this relates to simplicity, but for me, it is.
Time is something that can be very difficult to manage, and most tend to guard their time away from work. The Captain and I don't like to over plan things. It happens, mind you, like this weekend where we have many different demands on our time that all happen to fall at once. But in general, we never plan more than one thing (besides work) a day. This allows us to pay proper attention to the thing we have planned, but also usually gives us time to relax together in the evenings. Again, some will say this is easily done without kids, but I have a feeling there is more to it than that. Captain and I have spent 10 years developing our own lifestyle, and I think a child will fit well into that lifestyle, rather than it changing everything about how we do things. Don't get me wrong, I know adjustments will have to be made, but I know people that were able to keep themselves while being parents so I feel it's possible for us to. Remaining flexible is the key to it all.
For me, simplicity is appreciating nature in all its glory and not becoming so hurried that I miss the truly important things in life. I won't just stop and smell the roses one time, I want to smell them each time I walk by.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Day 16: A Way You Try to Exemplify Compassion
The three treasures of Lao Tzu are often translated as compassion, simplicity, and humility.
Because compassion tends to come naturally to me, I probably don't try as much as I should to exemplify it. My greatest tool in compassion is empathy. I am really good at understanding how another is feeling, or at least given them the benefit of the doubt when needed. Trying not to judge others is the key for my compassion.
There is a part of me that has recently realized that I tend to have more compassion for those that I don't know than for some that I do know. There are people in my life I've known for years, and others my entire life. I think I tend to lack compassion for those whose journey I have shared in such a way. I judge myself with a harsh microscope most of the time, and those closest to me are likely to also receive such unscrupulous judgement. This is a flaw in myself that I hope to rectify soon. My friends and family deserve the best of me, not the least compassionate side of me.
Because compassion tends to come naturally to me, I probably don't try as much as I should to exemplify it. My greatest tool in compassion is empathy. I am really good at understanding how another is feeling, or at least given them the benefit of the doubt when needed. Trying not to judge others is the key for my compassion.
There is a part of me that has recently realized that I tend to have more compassion for those that I don't know than for some that I do know. There are people in my life I've known for years, and others my entire life. I think I tend to lack compassion for those whose journey I have shared in such a way. I judge myself with a harsh microscope most of the time, and those closest to me are likely to also receive such unscrupulous judgement. This is a flaw in myself that I hope to rectify soon. My friends and family deserve the best of me, not the least compassionate side of me.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Day 14: Your Chinese Astrological Sign
Although not strictly a Taoist activity, I am very fascinated by the Chinese astrology, and thought it would be fun to explore it a little more.
I am a white monkey. Monkeys are problem solves, though they don't seek power. Then tend to be charismatic and fun, always the life of the party. They combine cunning like the snake and sturdiness like the ox. In love, monkeys are known to have steamy love affairs and long epic marriages of the "plate throwing variety". (Not sure my love life is dramatic enough to qualify for this one.) The white stands for the element of metal. Metal people are orderly and calculating. They live by their principles and should avoid dry places.
I don't really feel like the general monkey description fits me, but I'm sure there are some similarities there somewhere (I don't match my Zodiac sign either).
So, how does the white monkey fare in the year of the blue dragon (2012)? Dragons and monkeys are very attracted to each other, meaning this will likely be a good year for the monkey. Many career ideas are in store for the monkey this year (that fits totally!) while arrogance needs to be avoided or loneliness will occur. In love, the year of the dragon shows single monkey's attracting good mates, however married monkeys should beware of potential trouble causers. Health wise, monkey's need to be aware of potential problems this year, especially taking care to avoid bloody accidents. (Always a good idea).
I am a white monkey. Monkeys are problem solves, though they don't seek power. Then tend to be charismatic and fun, always the life of the party. They combine cunning like the snake and sturdiness like the ox. In love, monkeys are known to have steamy love affairs and long epic marriages of the "plate throwing variety". (Not sure my love life is dramatic enough to qualify for this one.) The white stands for the element of metal. Metal people are orderly and calculating. They live by their principles and should avoid dry places.
I don't really feel like the general monkey description fits me, but I'm sure there are some similarities there somewhere (I don't match my Zodiac sign either).
So, how does the white monkey fare in the year of the blue dragon (2012)? Dragons and monkeys are very attracted to each other, meaning this will likely be a good year for the monkey. Many career ideas are in store for the monkey this year (that fits totally!) while arrogance needs to be avoided or loneliness will occur. In love, the year of the dragon shows single monkey's attracting good mates, however married monkeys should beware of potential trouble causers. Health wise, monkey's need to be aware of potential problems this year, especially taking care to avoid bloody accidents. (Always a good idea).
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