Be Mindful

Do you ever spend time wondering what is going on in the world and how can we make a change for the better? Given all that is going on in the world, you would certainly not be alone. In this post, we will be discussing the 30th verse of the Tao Te Ching and how you can have a conflict free life.

Was There Ever A Winner Between the Hatfield and McCoys?

I chose this famous family feud between two families of West Virginia and Kentucky to really illustrate the point that was made in chapter 30 of Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life. Whatever force you put out into the world will ultimately come back in the same form or worse.

These families represent years of going back and forth using force and ill will to justify what nobody can ever remember was the real issue to begin with. Clearly, nothing good has ever come from any of their actions. Quite the contrary, lives have been lost and hearts have been broken.

Be Mindful Of Your Choices

During a heated political discussion, I noted that a man was getting so angry that he resulted to name calling and outrageous lies to smear someone’s name. The current political state and terrorism around the world is example enough of just how little comes out of the decision to use force in our lives.

Many devalue respect and communication while choosing to use physical and military force to resolve problems. Remember from previous discussions that we all have a choice. It is important to consider unintended consequences to the actions you take in life. Be mindful of the fact that using force, whether it be physical or otherwise, does not result in a true winning situation. There are always two sides to things. So, while things may work out for you personally, understand that likely means that an equal destruction occurs to the other side.

Life is an echo. What you send out, comes back. What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exists in you. Remember, life is an echo. It always gets back to you. So give goodness.

Be mindful of the outcomes of your choices and seek cooperation in all things.

What Is The Practical Application Of Tao Te Ching Verse 30?

The most simple application is to bring the opposite energy of what you are confronting. We all have that one friend or family member that we hate to talk to because it ends up in an argument or physical fight. Rather than trying to be right and “win”, perhaps you might try maintaining a calm voice and listening more than talking. Not only will this disarm them, but it will not feed the negative energy and takes all the momentum out of the storm so to speak. Listening gives you the ability to actually hear their point of view and provide the chance to introduce validation and respect. Trust me, that goes a long way in a heated discussion.

This chapter also suggests that you create distance between yourself and any form of violence, up to and including news and tv. I agree with the concept that these things can negatively feed situations, but I also disagree with the notion that you should not engage the news. We have a responsibility to be aware of what is going on in the world. I realize that I’m offering an unpopular stance here, but hear me out.

I happen to think much of the problem in the world is because people assume they know something and take actions with a limited and often selfish perspective. Engaging mediums that give us perspective is not the issue. Yes, I believe that you should always be pouring more positive than negative into your mind and heart. However, I also believe that we have a responsibility to be fully engaged and know when enough is enough. If I spend all my time avoiding the news then I will likely miss the much needed perspective.

I look forward to your comments and thoughts on that point.

Be mindful and Practice The Tao

This will be a big change for most of us. So, start with small steps and implement in all areas of your life incrementally. Let me share what I have been doing to successfully integrate this in my life.

• Approach each situation with compassion and seek understanding
• Know that no singular position is 100% right all of the time
• Encourage healthy discussion by asking questions to gain understanding rather than preaching to be correct
• Have a goal to appeal to compassion and awareness not right or wrong

What do YOU think? How would you integrate the teaching of Tao Te Ching verse 30 in your life? Do you agree with Christina’s perspective? What are your thoughts on involvment with the world news? Share your thoughts below and then meet us this week to discuss it…

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