“Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rest can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.”
I finally got back to reading The Tao of Inner Peace today after too long an absense. Much of the current material is mostly common sense backed up by Taoist and scientific reasoning. One of the most facinating things about Taoism is how well it can works with most genuine world views.
I’m a bit behind on the reviewing of my readings, but perhaps the extra time to reflect has proved beneficial. I’ve dived into Section III, “The Way of Nature”, the section that I have been most aware of, yet I don’t act upon that knowledge as often as I should.
“Natural Harmony” was the first chapter of this section and focused on learning from nature, that peace is harmony with natural laws, the principle of dynamic balance, the principle of oneness, living in harmony with others, transcending dualism and becoming one with nature. It made me increasingly aware that I and most people in this world are unaware of what is happening locally and globally in our world. Taoism is strongly rooted in environmentalism, and for good reason. To see the world as interconnected is to know that harming any part of it is dangerous.
The second chapter, “Natural Cycles” explored cyclical rhythms in nature, our own cycles, cyclical work (such as gardening, cooking, and cleaning) as spiritual exercises, the water cycle, not ignoring the cycle (as most of western civilization does), and pollution. I have become aware of certain cycles in my own life over the past years. My “summer growth” is one I consistantly notice each year. Even things such as recognizing peak and low times during the day can be greatly beneficial. For instance, I am very much a night person, so it is beneficial for me to undertake creative activities during this time and save menial tasks for the day. Taoism teaches conservation of resources, and that is one area I need to work on. Creating less waste in my life is important to focus on.
Affirmation:
I now know my life is peaceful and harmonious.
Each day I learn more about the life around me.
I am more aware of the cycles within and around me.
I watch the changes in the sun, the moon, the water and the earth and cooperate with them.
I am one with nature.
I honor its principles.
I respect myself and the process.
I harmonize with nature and all others in my world.
I accept greater peace in my life now.
And so it is.
[ Music: Collective Soul – In Between ]