Have you ever noticed you are always listening or looking for something to capture the essence of your experience and how you feel about it?
I recently received a gift of thought from David Impey from Bristol, UK. I don't know David, but I like him already. Why? Because he shared this quote from Lao Tzu in an online discussion group that spoke to my heart:
"To a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."
The Ultimate Key to Living an Empowered Life
Take a moment to let this thought seep into your soul--to a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. Consciously accepting and practicing 'a stilling of the mind' is the ultimate key to living an empowered life. Why? --Because it gives you choices.
Who wouldn't want the whole universe to surrender to them? But think about how we usually go about accomplishing it--through force, not gentleness.
Instead of quieting ourselves to allow the universe to open up for us, we work hard to conquer the universe through forceful action--laying a plan, working a plan, and engaging in frenetic goal-oriented activity. We hurry to busy ourselves in the next activity, often with the results of 'straightening the chairs on the Titanic of our life'.
I don't know about you, but I regularly need to remind myself to slow down and quiet my mind. When I still my mind the universe does open up for me---I see options I couldn't through the hyperactivity and pushing, and I take better, more deliberate steps toward a fulfilling life.
Nature Does Not Hurry, Yet Everything is Accomplished
'Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished' is yet another piece of wisdom from Lao Tzu that goes so well with the other. Grass does not try to grow. Water does not try to flow. Flowers do not try to bloom. They just do. There is no hurry in plant time, just the simple flow of life in the right time.
So pull back, quiet your mind, and allow the simple flow of your life to happen in the right time. Children grow up. People find mates. People find fulfilling jobs. Roads and bridges get built. Communities heal. Hurts heal.
Stop hurrying to straighten those chairs in your life. They'll still be available to straighten later if you really must. But chances are, going forward with a stilled mind, you won't see them. With a cleared mind and an open heart your life will be cleared for things of importance--and the universe will unveil all its secrets to you in the right time.
This post is dedicated to David Impey, Bristol, UK, for bringing me the universe with this timeless wisdom.
8 comments:
How beautifully said Susan. You've really put mindfulness into practical perspective. Thank you
Thanks, Narelle. This timeless wisdom really spoke to me. How's your school project coming?
Hi Sue,
Great post! Wonderful advice. Stilling the mind creates the space for integration, for new ideas, for the heart brain, gut brain and head brains to gently communicate and align, for your universe to open up to new possibilities. I always find that practicing 'Calm Abiding' is a great way to still my mind and calmly flow through life.
smiles, Grant
Grant--
Love the 'calm abiding' and 'gently communicate and align'. Thanks for your sage comments.
Susan,
So nice to be back posting a comment to you. Your words could not be spoken at a better time. The wisdom you speak relaxes the body and mind. I can feel years younger letting go of tension. The process one goes through before taking steps towards change can be arduous. However, maybe it has to be and it is different for everyone. I am going to try and keep a "still mind" and let the process unfold. I know the outcome will be right and in the right time. You are a guiding light. Thank you, suzanne
Straightening the chairs on the Titanic! At one time, I would have been tidying up as I exited a burning building! I've asked a few nonagenarians their secret. Without exception, they told me they don't worry--they know how to still the mind and practice calm abiding.
Suzanne--
A still mind is what is needed for you at this time. What will be will be. Everything will unfold in time.
Love hearing from you.
Jean--
You are so funny! You always make me laugh with your comments. What a wonderful sense of humor you have. I know I would enjoy having a cup of (proper) english tea with you.
Susan
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