This is my very first post on my brand-new
blog! I am still setting it up so enjoy the different stages it will go
through.
I will start with one of my favorite
quotes by Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher and writer.
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do
your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
I like this line – “Do your work, then step back.”
How often do we actually step back? How often do we allow ourselves to be
in the moment, to do nothing, while our mind and body and soul recharge and
re-balance? How often do we find joy here and now? Most of us have goals and milestones
that we work towards but what about little everyday moments that shape our
being and bring joy?
Sometimes I feel that we are the “When” society – when I graduate, when I buy the house, when I get a promotion, when I get married, when the kids go to college, and my favorite – when I retire! What about now?! What if those big things never materialize or materialize differently from what we expected and hoped for?
Sometimes I feel that we are the “When” society – when I graduate, when I buy the house, when I get a promotion, when I get married, when the kids go to college, and my favorite – when I retire! What about now?! What if those big things never materialize or materialize differently from what we expected and hoped for?
How about finding more balance and joy
in the present moment? Everyone is busy, and the usual excuse is “I do not have
the time.” I say – make the time! Put away your gadgets, pause the Game of
Thrones (or your current Netflix obsession), and find 5 minutes to sit quietly
and listen to your inner thoughts.
My apartment complex has roses pretty
much all year round. Every time I go to my car, I smell a rose. A bit trite but
it always brings a smile to my face and a spark of joy into my day ahead.
What gave you joy today?
Today’s blog hits the nail on the head. I write this with a smile because my thoughts this morning were along the same lines... how about allowing myself to enjoy stepping back without guilt, stepping away from the rat race, slowing down a bit, instead of giving in to what keeps driving us to a continuous pursuit of one thing or another. Where does life factor into that pursuit transaction we submit to? Life is the journey while the pursuit puts it on hold until we reach that goal ... that is not logical!
ReplyDeleteThat’s a thought-provoking idea. Doing nothing is typically frowned upon, and we feel guilty if we are doing nothing, if we just “are”. Some people carry a badge of honor because they are so busy all the time. But are they happy? I say let’s try to “be” more. Because “do” and “go” are always there waiting for us.
DeleteI can put my gadgets away. I can make time. But I can't pause GoT. Its sparks too much joy.
ReplyDeleteSparks joy - AND teaches us patience as we await the final season...
DeleteThis beautiful blog, as the rose in your complex, brought up a smile on my face. Glad that Lao Tse resonates with you so deeply. Sometimes we see people clearer in their articles. Alma
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope you join me in my journey and continue reading!!!
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