Tao of Regret

It is best to remember that all of our achievements will one day fade. Even the works of Shakespeare or Lao Tzu will one day be entirely forgotten. Therefore it makes no sense to become too invested in goals plans and achievements.

Don't get me wrong, it is human nature not only to survive but to strive, but that does not make it wise to get so wrapped up in our own ambition so as to be overly concerned with perceived failure or victory.

There are times where no actions or interventions are useful. For example, when we are ill, it is best only to wait for the sickness to be defeated by our immune systems, and apart from being sensible in what we eat, drink and do during this time, there is little we can do beyond wait. Certainly we can use this time to cultivate patience, to reflect, plan and make preparations, but to allow frustration to overwhelm us is to lose touch with the nature of the Tao.

I like to plan out my day, and to make a list of possible things to do. But when the situation calls for something different, I believe it is better to flow with the Tao and throw the plan out the metaphorical window. Trust your instincts.

Also, when you mess up and/or let yourself down, remember that the only reason you are disappointed is because you set yourself up for this to happen by having expectations (something I am often guilty of). Rather than kick yourself, best to cultivate detachment and to 'look for the gift' in the situation - what lesson can you learn from the way things turned out?

Flow Like Water...

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Categories: Tao, Taoism, Personal-Development, Self-Improvement