Stay Centered

“I have just three things to teach:

Simplicity, patience, and compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures.”

Chapter 67, Tao Te Ching, second stanza
(Stephen Mitchell trans.)

After 15 months of simplifying and slowing down our lives we are now being asked to resume the pressure and rush of constant Go! Go! Go! How are you doing with this?  I’d love to know.

 Personally, I’ve set an intention to maintain, as much as possible, the peace and richness of present-moment stillness that I came to appreciate so much during Covid shut-down. This will take “gong” or work. But last year, after those first few months of uncertainty and stress, it became very clear that it felt good to cultivate Yin (peace, rest, stillness, rejuvenation) in my days.  I found I didn’t miss my over-scheduled calendar of activities. I rediscovered the delight of reading books, of sitting and observing nature. Teaching and practicing Qigong was a joy and a treat. I felt creative, willing to take more risks. In other words, lots of good energy began to flow once it was re-channeled away from an over-packed, overly “Yang” schedule.

Please drop me a line and let me know how you are handling the transition. How are you maintaining your center, and balancing your activity with your rest? I’m curious to know. Thanks!