CRITICS

Chuang Tzu wrote that when the giant Peng bird soared high in the sky on its epic journey, little birds on ground level took notice, but could not understand what they saw. The limit of their ability was to hop from one branch to another. Shouldn’t that be enough for anybody? why fly so high?

The little birds are the critics of the world. When you are engaged in a goal grater than their mundane concerns, you go beyond their comprehension. They may mock you, not because they are subject matter experts in what you do, but because they assume their own limitations should apply to everyone.

It would be futile for you to explain. In order to do so, you must interrupt your journey and descend to their level. You will then discover that while you can understand their perspective down on the ground, they can never understand yours up in the sky. They will only understand if they take on their own great journey. Until then, no amount of words will get through to them. It may be best for you to simply ignore the ignorance and continue your flight.

The Tao Today

Gauge yourself by your reaction to your critics. Are they getting to you? Do you feel irritated and annoyed when they express criticism or ridicule? If so, it only means you are not flying high enough. Elevate your altitude and let the little birds disappear from sight far below you.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin