From My Bookshelf — Day 69

 

If you want to become whole,
let yourself be partial.
If you want to become straight,
let yourself be crooked.
If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.
If you want to be reborn,
let yourself die.
If you want to be given everything,
give everything up.

The Master, by residing in the Tao,
sets an example for all beings.
Because he doesn’t display himself,
people can see his light.
Because he has nothing to prove,
people can trust his words.
Because he doesn’t know who he is,
people recognize themselves in him.
Because he has no goal in mind,
everything he does succeeds.

When the ancient Masters said,
“If you want to be given everything,
give everything up,”
they weren’t using empty phrases.
Only in being lived by the Tao
can you be truly yourself.

Tao Te Ching — 22nd Verse (translated by Stephen Mitchell)

The Tao Te Ching was written by Lao-tzu who was believed to be an older contemporary of Confucius back in 551-479 B.C.E. Needless to say, it’s very old and the wisdom found in the Tao is timeless. My fascination with Eastern philosophies and other cultures continues to guide my growth.

I would like to think I’m working toward becoming a Master much like is depicted in the Tao; however, I’m not naive enough to think I’m anywhere close to “arriving.” Yet, I do see aspects of my life where I have continued to improve and gain mastery over, while other areas of my life are still a hot mess.

Becoming a Master is no easy task.

It’s definitely a process and a journey.

Where I sit today on my journey is a place of contentment. I’m content where I’m at on my journey. I accept myself as I am, where I’m at, and how far I’ve come. By loving and accepting myself exactly as I am now, I am in a better place to make the necessary changes I realize I still need to make in my life.

I may never become the Master I desire to be, but by keeping an attitude of gratitude I find there’s a joy that accompanies me on my journey.

Have a blessed day.

Peace and Love,

~Travis