Verse 13

This passage touches on an important aspect of human life - that of success and failure. In the case of Success, it always seems to come with a hint of fear. Fear of Success can come in many forms - it could be a fear of losing said success, the jealousy it arouses in others, or just the unexpected level of responsibility that comes with it. In the case of Failure, we fear that we will never succeed and will remain a failure FOREVER. Or we may fear what others think of us, deeming us as failures within our families or communities. What I got from this passage is the power of personal integrity and learning to love/trust our selves, regardless of the outcome of our endeavors. When we live from a place of authenticity, we can confidently revel in our success, and forgive ourselves when we fail, choosing to learn from our mistakes.

I recently watched an interview of Maya Angelou by Bill Moyers, where he asks her if she belongs to anyone, and I think her response encapsulates the message Lao-Tzu was conveying in this passage. She said, “I belong to myself. I’m very proud of that. I am very concerned about how I look at Maya. I like Maya very much. I like the humor and the courage very much. And when I find myself acting in a way that isn’t — that doesn’t please me, then I have to deal with that.” It’s imperative that we cultivate a strong sense of self that will carry us through the highs and lows of our lives. We have to live, think, see for ourselves, from an independent mind that sees beyond the veil - the veil of mediocrity, inferiority and a lack of self awareness.

 

 

Verse 12

This was such a simple passage to grasp but one that proves to be ‘difficult’ to live. As a human being, we’ve associated our existence with our sensory perceptions, that the idea that we can somehow live beyond the 5 senses seems hard to comprehend. In the book, The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav, he introduces the concept of us shifting from living as five-sensory humans to multisensory humans. 

It’s obvious to see how the world can be in the state it’s presently in because we’ve deviated so far from our spiritual nature, losing touch with our inner vision. Lao-Tzu mentions that thinking weakens the mind, as we can see in the “monkey-brain” activity that we’re all suffering from. The mindfulness business is booming right now because we’re in a desperate need for a cure to our schizophrenic disposition. We’ve allowed reason to trump over feelings/intuition and we can see that in the mass anxiety/depression that’s robbing us of a life well lived.

As we raise the collective consciousness and gear up to enter what has been called “The New Earth”, we can’t solely base our sense of self upon our 5 senses, on logic. We see where over-intellectualization has led us. We live in a world that’s so detached from each other, how can we not see that race, gender and sexual preferences are not the real issue? The external war that’s happening is a representation of the collective internal war occurring within each person. Logic vs Feeling, materiality vs spirituality, old vs new, and the list goes on. 

Personally I’m working on being better, releasing negative thought patterns that do not serve me, and working on living from a place of non-duality, to be whole. In this world that’s obsessed with either/or, I’m discovering the space of AND. To live in this world purposefully and knowing at the same time to not become attached to it.

 

Verse 11

What I got from this 11th verse of the Tao Te Ching, is to live from the spirit. To live an in-spired life. He describes how on wheel, there are spokes on a wheel, but its the center hole that makes the wheel move. Same for a house, there are exterior and interior furnishings, but its the space inside the house that is loved and memories created within those walls  are what we cherish. Another example he gave was a pot/cup. It could me made of gold or clay, but at the end of the day its the emptiness of the cup that holds whatever we want in it. 

Recently I’ve been impelled to go within myself and explore the parts of my self that are unknown even to me. At first its frightening because I’m daring to tread into unfamiliar territory, but I’m realizing that it is this very place that has been running my entire existence. The french philosopher, Rene Descartes, in his famous line, “I think therefor I am” expressed what a lot of us feel is the case, when reality it is because we are/ i am, it is because of this being-ness that our thoughts/emotions arise.

So I’m familiarizing myself with my Spirit (and Spirit Guides). In the past I’d been overly occupied with my physical identity (appearance, social status etc), without regarding my spiritual identity. I’m gradually uncovering the layers/veils that have clouded my inner vision, and the more I see, I realize how beautiful and powerful I really am. 

 

Verse 10

This verse of the Tao Te Ching focuses on the Paradox of Unity.

It’s a concept that I’ve grappled with, and I suspect all of the human community has as well. This  idea that what we truly are is formless, even though the world we currently live in is all Form.

The mind is incapable of grasping this idea. I’ve always been the Intellectual type, having the natural inclination to make sense out of everything. It wasn’t until I started letting go of the religious concepts I had been conditioned to believe, that I started to delve deeper into Spirituality and the formless nature of life. 

The concept of oneness is what I’m starting to wrap my head around, seeing the fundamental nature of everything in life as coming from the same source. It’s allowed me to see myself in others, and that has made me a little bit more compassionate and forgiving towards others.

I believe the languages of the Universe are Paradox, Humor and Synchronicity. Paradox being the one that has taken some time for me to really accept and understand. The notion of having without possessing/being attached to it, acting with no expectations, leading without trying to control; this is what Lao-Tzu refers to as the Supreme Virtue.

I think when thinking from the mind of the ego, it is almost impossible to fathom this concept of Oneness, as the ego seeks to separate itself from others. It starts with stepping back from the mind and making the journey from the mind to the heart, choosing to live from a place of love and acceptance for myself and naturally emanating that energy outward unto others.

 

Verse 9

The concept of “Enough is Enough” is the main theme I got from this verse of the Tao Te Ching. The Universe is abundant - It has the capability of producing an infinite amount of anything, but there seems to be an overall balance to everything. Just the right amount of elements make up the human being, no more no less. As humans we have this illusion that more is better. This isn’t to say that aspiration is bad, what I’m talking about is the ‘Greed is Good’ Culture we currently live in. There’s a great imbalance/injustice in how the resources that’s been abundantly provided to us is distributed. 

I’m learning to be grateful for what I currently have. For a while the need for more was a good distraction away from looking at the void within, but recently I’m more interested in the quality of life affirming experiences I have. 

I’m learning to incorporate this message of knowing when enough is enough. This could be in regards to portion control with food, establishing boundaries with people who drain your energy, or just knowing when to log off your social media account and partaking in more productive activities. There are no limits to what we can achieve, but it’s imperative we learn when enough is enough. 

 

Verse 8

Bruce Lee must've read the 8th verse of the Tao when he said “Be Water My Friend.” Fela Anikulapo-Kuti wasn’t very far from the mark when he said “Water No Get Enemy”

This passage of the Tao encourages us to be like water. Nourishing all without judgement or expecting repayment. Our bodies and the earth are made up almost entirely of water (75% ish), but we somehow learn to be rigid and cling onto form. Water is adaptive to whatever state its in, yet we tend to have the urge to control everything.

The natural sense of calm I feel around any body of water, shows the powerful life/healing force that water has. Water as a liquid form of energy has a lot to teach us, if we’re receptive to its subtle lessons. Similar with love, if you try to grab onto water, it eludes you and escapes leaving you with nothing. But simply receive it with an open hand (Heart) and it stays. The ebb and flow of tides shows us the ephemeral nature of life. Learn to accept the going and the coming. The “good” and the “bad”. 

Be like water. Go with the flow. Be who you are and choose to be a source of life giving energy on your journey through this dimension.

 

Verse 7

In the 7th verse of the Tao, the message is about living one’s life beyond the ego. I was first introduced to Freud’s concept of the ego in a College Intro to Psychology class. But it wasn’t until recently that I came to deeply understand its role in my personal life. Ever since I was little, I’ve had the idea that I wanted to help people. As I grew up, that idea was still in the back of my mind, but it was slightly overshadowed by the pursuit of my own personal success. The pursuit of “More” can be gratifying up to a certain extent. I’m realizing that there is so much more to life than attaining material wealth. Life’s real fulfillment lies in discovering who you really are and aligning that with your purpose to serve others. I had read the prayer of St Francis of Assisi growing up, but his message means so much more to me now. It encapsulates perfectly the message Lao-tzu delivers in this 7th verse, that through selfless action, fulfillment is attained.

There is someone out there who needs just what you have. It could be a smile, a hug, a poem, a song. Whatever it is, its important to understand that we're all here to help one another. By serving others to the extent that you can, watch how all of your needs become fulfilled. Each day, after thanking God for being alive to see another day, ask yourself how you can be of service for that day. Start small, one day at a time.

Verse 6

The 6th passage of the Tao reads, “The gateway to the mysterious female is called the root of creation”.

As a female in this dimension, it’s important to realize the creative power we have within. A lot of times, due to low self-esteem issues, insecurity, doubt etc, we lose touch of that mysterious, intuitive, sacred power that lies within. We give this power away too quickly, most times unconsciously. In our search for security, love, happiness, self-worth or whatever we don’t realize that we are the source of everything we’ve been seeking. 

The healing that we yearn for, can be attained when we go within. Each of us possess a deep reservoir of creative potential. In the same way Mother Earth has birthed so many beautiful manifestations, despite the immense neglect and pressure that the patriarchal society has inflicted on her, we too must find the strength and courage to continue to create the beauty that we imagine for ourselves. Sometimes a dark cloud emerges over us and we become despondent because the ways of the world makes us question if there is validity in our dreams.

My message to myself and to who anyone reading this, is YES. Your dreams are valid. No matter how you may feel at the time, remember your potential. Remind yourself of the reservoir of creative potential that lies within you. Express Yourself. Express your Truth. That is your birthright.

 

Verse 5

This week I’ve definitely experienced the theme described in this passage. We currently live in an age of Anxiety where the line between good/evil, sanity/insanity is very thin (and continues to grow thinner)

It helped to remind myself constantly of the fact that the Tao (Way) doesn’t choose either side. It somehow maintains a steady balance. It’s easy to want to accept only the good parts of ourselves, and denounce the bad/shadow side of ourselves. It really does take courage “to hold on to the center”… To evaluate/realize who you are without judgment or fear. It’s a somewhat comforting notion to think that I am both nothing (empty) and everything (inexhaustible). 

Seek to be life itself.

 

Verse 4

In this passage, it likens the Tao to an everlasting well - used but never used up. I think because we live in a finite dimension, where all we’ve ever considered “real”, our bodies and belongings, are tangible and bound to decay, it’s made it harder to imagine the infinite.

Our conditioning has led us to believe in Scarcity, the idea that there isn’t enough of everything. So the ones that have access to it, embezzle and abuse it, while the have nots pray to one day have whatever it is the lack, by any means necessary.

I’m choosing to shift my level of consciousness from that of fear and scarcity, to that of love and abundance. Not only a belief but a knowing that everything I will ever need in this lifetime is provided for as long as I’m true to my soul’s purpose.

There is no limit to my existence if I view my life from the perspective of the eternal Tao.

Gratitude for all.

 

Verse 3

We have decided to put more value on things and disregard the true aspects of life that really matter beyond the physical appearance. A few years ago I vowed to begin the journey of evaluating my life's content: identifying what I had developed from childhood that does not serve me such as, self-defeating thought and a warped belief of God that I had learned from the Catholic Church.

I also identified the aspects of my life that have always served me well such as, my belief in Goodness, Beauty & my unquenchable thirst for travel and adventure. When you're able to empty yourself without judgment of the "good/bad" bits, and consciously choose to fill your life with what you believe to be true, you are propelled to a level of clarity that fosters growth and development in your personal life that you wouldn't experience otherwise.

As human BEINGs, we're obsessed with what we're DOING as opposed to who/what we're BEING. Everything gets done, when you're being the best version of yourself that you can imagine. It may not all happen all at once, but by remaining true and being consciously aware of your choices, everything you've hoped for and more becomes your reality. Immortality.

Verse 2

The concept of Yin-Yang is one that I have always ascribed to - that one cannot exist without the other and that seemingly opposite forces can be complementary/interconnected. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, I was given the nickname Black Oyinbo. Oyinbo in the Yoruba language means White Person (in short I was being called an Oreo). But the idea that I didn't "act my race" was telling of who I was as an individual. I consider myself a Universal Human and I draw inspiration from whatever speaks to my soul regardless of what culture it stems from. 

On the topic of race relations in this country and throughout the world, we're having a difficult time getting along because we focus on the obvious differences between Black & White. One aiming to dominate the other and dismissing whatever similarities, however subtle, that may be between them.

The second part of the passage describes a way of life that I am working towards - to be more open and not overly controlling about things that are happening or the ones not happening fast enough. It's important to set intentions and goals, but to remain flexible through the journey. Non-attachment is the mission.

Verse 1

In the first passage of the Tao, it mentions that that which can be named is not real. What is nameless, that is to say, Spirit, God, Soul, Source energy, however you wish to identify the divine unknown, is the real deal. Without a soul I wouldn’t exist, but yet I’ve never experienced my soul with any of my 5 senses. In this dimension where everything has a name (identification), it seems to go against everything the Tao describes/represents. This whole life in which we live must then be an illusion. Only the nameless is real. God. Silence.

Intro to the Tao

Inspired by the late Wayne Dyer, this exercise will allow me to explore the 81 passages of the Tao Te Ching - a Chinese classic text written by Lao-tzu in 400BC. I will read the corresponding passage of the text and spend time contemplating and/or looking for synchronicities regarding the message. It is my aim to follow through with this exercise until its completion, and reap the benefits of the wisdom that has been imparted by this great Chinese philosopher who has inspired many of the world’s greatest teachers.

*See full text of the Tao Te Ching here