Personal growth: The ancient Masters of self-actualization February 17, 2018
Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Tao Te Ching.Tags: inspiration, Lao-tzu, life, philosophy, psychology, self-actualization, self-awareness, self-improvement, writing
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The Tao Te Ching, in Stephen Mitchell’s translation/interpretation, observes that the wisdom/behaviour of the ancient Masters was so deep and subtle that it defies detailed analysis and can only be described by images and allusions referencing appearances.
Consider this selection from Section 15:
They were careful
as someone crossing an iced-over stream.
Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water. (1)
When you look at these personal characteristics, they could be an effective guide to personal development goals stated in just seven lines of poetic images.
(1) Stephen Mitchell, Tao Te Ching: A New English Version, HarperPerennial, a Division of HarperCollinsPublishers, New York, 1991
— Dennis Mellersh
Personal growth: The pain and futility of resisting change February 9, 2018
Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Tao Te Ching.Tags: inspiration, Lao-tzu, life, personal growth program, philosophy, psychology, self-actualization, self-awareness, Tao Te Ching, writing
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In our work at implementing our personal development programs and self-actualization plans we may need to be careful not to seek too much control over circumstances outside of ourselves, as trying to influence the outside world may be counter-productive.
We will accomplish more, become more self-aware, and be more effective by embracing the inevitability of change instead of resisting it. The Universe will unfold in its own way at its own pace.
By refusing to recognize that change is inevitable, we will try to hold on to things and situations, and suffer the inescapable pain of loss.
These are some of the implications in number 74 of Lao-tzu’s ancient Chinese classic, the Tao Te Ching, as translated/interpreted by Stephen Mitchell. (1)
Consider the second verse in this selection:
“Trying to control the future
is like trying to take the master carpenter’s place.
When you handle the master carpenter’s tools,
chances are that you’ll cut your hand.”
… A perceptive insight to consider.
(1) Tao Te Ching, as translated/interpreted by Stephen Mitchell, A New English Version, Harper/Perennial, New York, 1991
— Dennis Mellersh
Personal Development Ideas 