What to do?

January 18, 2010 · Posted in Tao · Comment

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We have all had those moments of indecision. Some are trivial, such as what to wear to the party. Then others are life changing such as buying a new house or taking a new job across the country. Often we feel pressured to make a quick decision. Our society tells us things like, “when opportunity knocks” or “don’t miss the boat” and my favorite, “Act now! Operators are standing by!”

Maybe though, our indecision is not an inability to make a choice. Consider that “not choosing” is in itself a choice.

Certainly there are times when we do make quick decisions. We do so with confidence because we are sure of the choice we want to make. There are also times when we have doubt or simply need to look closer at the choices available to us. These times do not make us indecisive or weak. The decision to not decide is the one that may require the most strength.

Embrace the opportunity to not act when you feel it’s appropriate. Listen to yourself and if you aren’t sure what to do, then wait.

Thus you can do, by not doing.

Tags: <choices, decisions, wu wei>

Walking With Laozi: Chapter 2

December 30, 2009 · Posted in Essays · Comment

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The better part of the day had been spent walking in silence, which gave me time to think. Then I would remember that I think too much and I would try to walk without thinking of anything. This led to me thinking about keeping my mind empty and that wasn’t working at all. However it did serve to distract me from the sights along the road as I passed by them. I began to think that the more I tried to get the point, the more I was missing it.

Tags: <beauty, daodejing, good evil, Tao, ugliness, wu wei>