“Far from being naive, Taoism is pragmatically idealistic. Lao Tzu [the author of the Tao Te Ching] developed his philosophy in the midst of massive social upheaval, during the warring-stats period in ancient China. Respect - for self, for others, and for the cycles of nature — was his courageous response to the chaos around him. Instead of surrendering to the violent status quo that defined life as an endless power struggle, he realized that our response to the situation is filled with tremendous creative power. “What is” — the current state of things — does not have to continue. The Tao teaches that we are not passive victims of external circumstances. We can begin a new cycle of creation at any time by acknowledging and redirecting the energies around us.
Tao leaders are realistic. They confront difficult situations with courage and resourcefulness. Living respectfully, they can transform even negative situations into new possibilities.”
-The Dao of Personal Leadership by Diane Dreher (p.67)
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I am sharing this quote after reading the news yesterday. I am very selective about when I actually take the time to look at the headlines, and where I choose to go to “get my news.” I had felt just enough out of touch from the happenings in the world to feel that I needed to ground and tune-in. It was a doozy - it took me all day to process and reflect on world affairs.
This morning, I read this passage, after an extensive self-care morning practice - to ground and focus on discerning and discriminating - what is mine to take care of? How can I truly show up within my own sphere of influence and generate ripples of life-affirming experiences for my loved ones and those who are counting on me?
Slowing down and emptying, I am not denying the existence of the pain, suffering, and devastation that exists in this very moment - I am doing the work to root myself into a dimension of reality where I can actually do something and be someone who is able to bring clarity, peace and sanity to a chaotic, violent, insane world.