If I want to act in integrity according to my true nature, I have to figure out what my true nature is. Is it the qualities I value, the beliefs I hold, or is it more expansive than that?
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I like the word Tao. It the All-That-Is that has no description. Words limit its every-thing-ness. I am Tao. You are Tao. All is Tao. If Tao is my true nature, how do I express that in my life? I’m just me, a human, with all the restrictions that go with that. How am I going to recognize, immerse myself in, express Tao through myself? I’m taking these definitions right out of Stephen Mitchell’s Second Book of Tao verse 24 in case you want to go to the source. His words are what got me thinking.
Tao is spontaneous, self-generating, free
Children have these qualities. They have not yet layered their responses with restrictions, fear, the beliefs of others, and jarring experiences based on their own youthful interpretation of a circumstance. But I bet I can get those qualities back into my life. Particularly if I consciously try to do so.
I can be “spontaneous” in my responses to others – genuine, from the heart, expressing what I think and feel. I can be spontaneous in my choices for the day – what I do and when I do it. I can be spontaneous when I shape things as they come rather than try to force them into a preconceived shape.
“Self-generating” takes some thought. Is that about being a self-starter? Is it about taking responsibility for my choices and how I respond to them? Probably. Self-generating means making stuff happen, being pro-active, moving through the barriers and trucking on down your chosen path.
“Free” is huge. For me the first thing I have to be free of is old, out-worn beliefs that no longer serve me. I need to be free from fear. I need to feel safe. I need to love myself. Yes, free is huge.
Tao doesn’t depend on motivations and isn’t concerned with efforts
This is where unfolding comes in. That serenity that allows me to simply let things happen, to shape things as they show up, and to let Tao do it’s work. It doesn’t make any difference why it shows up, only that it did show up. That’s what I have to work with – now, in this moment. And you know what, if all I’m doing is shaping them there is no effort.
Tao just wants to be itself, to express itself, to give itself utterly away
I have the luxury of not having to make a living. Not that I have so much, but I’m old and tucked in. However, the need to express myself is huge. The need to find meaning, to have impact, to share with others is overwhelming. I am totally immersed in exploring life and how to embrace Tao. And that IS the expression of Tao.
Tao’s nature is kindness, but there’s nothing moral about it
The more deeply I immerse myself in the cycles of nature, the more connected I feel, the more accepting I am of what shows up. That feeling of being connected makes me care, makes me concerned about the welfare of others, of the planet, of all animals, of walking softly through my life.
Act with integrity according to my true nature. Be spontaneous, shape things as they come, and fully express myself with kindness. I can do that.
To Sing a Deeper Song considers:
06– Unfolding And The Art Of Wu Wei (podcast, 20 minutes)/
04–How to Redefine Yourself and the 30 year plan (podcast, 20 minutes)
07- How to Find and Express Your Distinctive Voice (podcast, 20 minutes)
How To Set Values Boundaries That Express Your Self Love
Return to the Simplicity of The Uncarved Block
The Mudra That Made a Difference
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