Simple explanations of the Tao Te Ching and how to incorporate them into ordinary life.
Verse 10
Can you coax your mind from its wandering
and keep to the original oneness?
Can you let your body become
supple as a newborn child's?
Can you cleanse your inner vision
until you see nothing but the light?
Can you love people and lead them
without imposing your will?
Can you deal with the most vital matters
by letting events take their course?
Can you step back from your own mind
and thus understand all things?
Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue.
When I read over verse 10 of the Tao Te Ching there is one saying that springs to mind - get out of your own way.
This verse speaks to me of stepping out of the way of ourselves. Allowing the mind it's desire to drift, think, imagine, plan and scheme. Relaxing the body so that tension falls away. Being impeccable in our words, thoughts and deeds. Loving and accepting people without wanting to change them. Accepting each moment as it is without expectation or judgement.
Of course, all of this is simple to say and not necessarily easy to do but actually all of the above is relatively effortless in comparison to the exhausting work of following the ego, imposing our will, tension and stress, constant judgement and failed expectations.
The way of the world is a relentless battle of egos and survival, judgements, comparisons and desire, whereas the way of The Tao is a much simpler, calmer and more serene way of living.
Inside of us we know this too. We know what struggle and stress feel like and we have all experienced moments of peace and calm. It is our choice of how we move through life, and make our way in the world.
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