Essential kindness is an abiding truth

At times important things in our lives can become routine, boring and stressful. We may lose sight of—or fail to recognize--the deeper meaning in our work or of our daily path. At such times we need to reach beneath our natural complaints to connect with our core human values—the deeper meaning, the essential kindness that lies in the heart of our work and our routines.

Mind like a mirror

When meditating, sitting, or simply relaxing imagine your mind is like a mirror. It reflects back what it sees. But when you step away from the mirror, it reflects nothing. Only stillness. Let your mind reflect stillness and what appears in the mind is only a temporary reflection of the mirror.

Focus on one thing at a time

An abiding truth by Lao Zi: “Focus on a few, we accomplish; have too many, we get lost.” Verse 22 of the Dao De Jing by Lao Zi. The words of wisdom are: 无多，wú duō . No excess. By focusing on the one thing, we can be present for it, mindful of it, and able to enjoy it. Then, we move on to the next thing.

Do not go beyond your limit. - Use moderation always. – “No pain, more gain.”

It’s a common thinking in cultures, and popular in movies, as well as overall physical excursion— “NO PAIN, NO GAIN!” The opposite is the truth. We must understand our limits. Listening to that, and following the wisdom of “no pain, MORE gain.” Everything in nature has its limits. Pushing them past can create a lot of damage. Follow the limits, listen to your inner abilities—you’ll know how far to go with NO pain.

Building resilience through acceptance

While alive, I serve; when death comes, I rest." - Zhang Zai, 1020-1077

It is in life that everything in nature including people must “live.” We must undertake our inner calling. Share our abilities, love, share, explore, express, create—and just “live.” There is a time for rest, another part of the cycle of existence. So when we live, we serve—when the time comes, there is a time for rest. Trust in life, and follow your nature.

Building resilience with uncertainty

“When a thing develops to its extreme, it will revert.” - Chinese Proverb

Be patient. Be optimistic. The change will come. It is upon calamity where blessing leans. As we know, or should try to recognize is that everything is in a state of change. Just as no storm lasts forever, we can also learn from the extremes. What can we learn from the “storm?” What can we learn from the opposite on a beautiful day? In these days of the COVID pandemic, although naturally fearful, we can also learn a lot about ourselves and what’s important. We can reflect on what we might have taken for granted. But rest assured, this too shall pass! Be resilient, and await the changes— good and bad, with gratitude, confidence, and calm energy.

Flowing with Seasons

“Understanding the abiding truth, you will be enlightened.” - Lao Zi . “Life unfolds like four seasons.” - Zhuang Zi

As with nature, there are many seasons. 4 primary seasons of change. Each works with the other. The cold winter prepares the seedlings to sprout in the spring. The summer’s warmth brings the bees and birds together. The fall, providing it’s beautiful and radiant changes prepare nature for yet another beautiful change. As is such in life… If we embrace and flow with life’s “season’s” we are one with nature. Flowing with it.

BE the peace of the Soul

The wise man, ... being conscious by a certain eternal necessity of himself, of God, and things, never ceases to be, and always enjoys the peace of the soul.” - Spinoza

The deeper, more profound, and truthful essence of a person is that of the soul. It’s what’s behind the thoughts— the thinker of the thoughts. Being consciously aware of and seeing the deeper more spiritual place your true nature resides allows to live more peacefully— gracefully, and with calm and loving energy.