Warning: Rough Road Changes Ahead. |
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
- Lao Tzu
Sometimes the pavement road of life turns to gravel. Or dirt.
There is no use cursing and complaining that the rough road is not smooth, especially if it is the only route that takes the traveller to their destination.
When the going gets rough, one must pick one's way through the potholes and mud slowly and carefully, like water flowing to the sea.
"Be like water." - Bruce Lee |
Those on the road less traveled move forward fully aware and accepting of come what may, therefore experience much that might have otherwise been lost in the autopilot blur of speed.
You can't fight the rough road without making matters worse. Yield to the change, accept it fully. Be one with the road.
Warning: Rough Road Changes Ahead. Will we navigate them rigid and brittle, or will we flow like water?
When we accept the situation we are in, and are committed to being adaptable, we can do what we must to survive.
With clear goals in mind (with the ultimate goal being reaching the sea of self-awareness), we are free to flow towards satisfying outcomes unhindered by inefficient behaviours, like worry, fret and denial.
"In the world, there is nothing more submissive and weaker than water. Yet, for attacking that which is hard and strong, nothing can surpass it."
- Lao Tzu
I feel these ideas are very compatible with what my minister was saying yesterday about floating in the Holy Spirit. My mantra since I quit my job has been "trust in the Lord". Saturday our ladies group held an event to raise money to help women and children. I love working together for good. Our little drops joining in a good flow toward a good goal create joy.
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteI am happy to see progressive churches taking a stand on things like living simply, as Jesus did. I am also seeing more parishes actively caring for the environment, and helping members make more sustainable decisions in their lives. Doing this, and continuing their good work in helping others in the community and farther abroad, is helping to make them more relevant in a time when people are looking for guidance, and support.
It takes many small drops to make a river flow. Each of us makes a difference, and together we are an unstoppable force.
Gregg, I hope you and Linda are travelling well and that Spring is making a welcome appearance in your part of the world.
ReplyDeleteMadeleine.x
Madeleine,
DeleteSpring is taking its sweet time here. But the bird life confirms that seasonal changes are indeed taking place, with nice weather or without it. We are impatient to get into our garden and get our hand dirty. I still have not checked to see how our garlic is coming along.
Happy Fall to you.
"There is no use cursing and complaining that the rough road is not smooth, especially if it is the only route that takes the traveller to their destination".
ReplyDeleteI'm working very hard at not cursing the rough road. To surrendering to "what is" and letting go of trying to change the path. Not always easy, but the way forward is the way, no amount of cursing will change that.
Thanks for this post, it may of resonated with me in a way that it won't for others. But it was needed and heard.
Marla,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you found this useful. Learning to go with the flow is definitely a lifelong process, and one that I am constantly working at myself. It is hard to know how to respond to things in these troubled times. Add on personal hardship and it can indeed be a rough road to travel.
But life is precious, and each day a gift to be cherished. We hope you and your mom are doing well. We think of you often.
Your thoughts are appreciated. I think of You and Linda all the time a hope that you both are coping well. Things here have been rough, but each day is indeed a gift to be cherished.
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