BEING ALIVE

One of the most important teachings is that when things are alive, they are soft and pliant. When they are dead, they are stiff and brittle. Thus, softness is central to life. Having flexibility not only means you are alive, it is also the best strategy for you to thrive.

Those who do not heed this teaching end up with unyielding stubbornness that can manifest as a dogmatic mind-set or a self-righteous harshness. They live a life that is full of frustration and anger. They may be alive in a physical sense, but they have chosen the stiff and brittle way of death.

Choose the path of life for yourself. When you incorporate a soft touch in your interactions with others, life becomes more harmonious because conflict is minimized naturally. When you incorporated a flexible approach in solving problems, life becomes more fun as you try different solutions and different ways of negotiating the obstacles. Be fully alive, not just physically but also spiritually.

The Tao Today

When you interact with others today, make use of diplomacy and courtesy. You will find that working together harmoniously gives you far better results than demands and criticism.

When you encounter an obstacle today, see it not as blockage but as an opportunity to exercise your creativity. There is no need to fume in frustration when you can have fun exercising your flexibility. Widen your perceptions, and possible solutions wil begin to suggest themselves.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin