I mentioned Martha Beck's book The Joy Diet a few blogs back (LOVE IT!) and now I am reading this book that she authored. What she says makes sense in an easy to wrap your brain around kind of style.
In essence, what I think she is saying, is that most of our life compasses are pointed toward the direction the social self thinks it should be going (dictated by false beliefs developed from messages sent by family of origin, peers, media, etc. ) instead of the direction your essential self needs to go , thus creating an imbalance, lack of inner harmony, a feeling of being stuck in the rut.
my compass in need of realignment
On page 10, Martha Beck shares a Taoist story that resonated deeply with me as I read it. At the end of the story she shares:
"Taoists believe that there is an immense benevolent force flowing through all reality, and that each of us - at least our essences - are a part of that force. Once you are aligned with the force (the Tao, or "Way"), you are like a surfer on the perfect wave; you move forward with tremendous power, but the only thing you have to do is go up when the water goes up, and down when the water goes down."
doing without doing
going with the flow
it is what it is
wherever you go there you are
As I continue to read, gather information, contemplate, and make subtle gradual changes (BOBBING ALONG) I have added to my selvage quilt and...
added a defined rump with tail and two legs to my elephant! I am not worrying that the contrast is weak between the words - you must eat the elephant one bite at a time - just trusting that Judy's most excellent quilting will be able to make the letters pop. NO WORRIES. It is what it was meant to be.
