What Would Lao Tzu Say about Heat Waves?

Glorious foxgloves at Innisfree Gardens. Photo by Kate Kerin

Three fans, a spray bottle of water, and game attitudes got us through a really fun and sweaty Community Dance Jam on Saturday, in spite of the steamy weather. This morning I was curious to see what advice Lao Tzu’s venerable poem, the “Tao Te Ching” might offer about dealing with heat waves, or any discomfort for that matter.  Here is some of what I found:

“The soft overcomes the hard. The slow overcomes the fast.” (v.36) Translation: Slow down and relax, you’ll stay cooler and a lot less aggravated.

“The Master gives himself up to whatever the moment brings.” (v.50) Translation: Go with the flow.

“He understands that the universe is forever out of control and that trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao.” (v.36) Translation: Go with the flow, because what choice do you have, it’s the weather!!

“The Master allows things to happen. She shapes events as they come.” (v.45) Translation: go with the flow, but bring an extra fan. 😊 

I love the “Tao Te Ching”. It’s like a Moebius strip of good advice: the more you read it the more it loops back to ever deeper, intensely practical wisdom, applicable to whatever situation you are currently experiencing. Right now, I’m engrossed with selecting some favorite passages and the Qigong movements to embody them, in preparation for Moving Through the “Tao Te Ching”: Poetry, Garden, and Body as One at Innisfree Gardens in Millbrook this coming Saturday, June 29, 10 AM.  Please join me! It’s all part of this year’s celebration and exploration of the Chinese roots of this magnificent garden.

Do you have any favorite Qigong movements that help you remember how to stay present and yet flexible enough to go with the flow? I’d love to know what they are!