I appreciate the Tao te Ching and reading through the wisdom it holds. I think this passage below is especially poignant right now and is what I wish would take shape in the minds & actions of our political leaders. If only…

When a country obtains great power,

it becomes like the sea;

all streams run downward into it.

The more powerful it grows,

the greater the need for humility.

Humility means trusting the Tao,

thus never needing to be defensive.

A great nation is like a great man:

When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.

Having realized it, he admits it.

Having admitted it, he corrects it.

He considers those who point out his faults

as his most benevolent teachers.

He thinks of his enemy

as the shadow that he himself casts.

If a nation is centered in the Tao,

if it nourishes its own people

and doesn’t meddle in the affairs of others,

it will be a light to all nations in the world.

Reflecting on a Saturday afternoon, I thought I’d share these thoughts of mine with you:

I’ve been working through some personal things in the past month of this new year and as January comes to an end, I’m feeling better and trying my best to get rid of things and thoughts that don’t serve me. Daily I’ve been setting aside time to: pay attention and be fully aware of my body (through yoga & meditation); shut off the mind from tangential wandering; breathe intentionally and focus on mindfulness. There is no need to worry about the future and the uncertainty it brings, instead enjoy the now and hold on to the gratitude and wholesome thoughts. Patience, remember, for this too shall pass.

Trying to remain above the cynicism.