the only path to serenity

“Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.

Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.”

-An excerpt from Lao Tzu’s “Tao Te Ching” –

Today, the frustration has become unbearable, the stress rising to its height and refusing to fall. I have stared at this computer screen for endless hours, struggling to complete a task that is beyond my motivation or desire. And yet I have continued to force myself forward, trying to will myself to complete this necessary assignment. During yet another of my frequent breaks, I caught sight of this book lying on the floor and felt compelled to pick it up, in a desperate attempt to find solace. Lo and behold, I read this passage and my own feelings were put to words through the beauty of Chinese philosophy. From the words of Lao Tzu come the words to myself…

I shall fill my bowl
but not allow it to overflow.
I shall allow my knife
to become dull from time to time.
I shall just be
rather than chasing anything.
I shall care about all
and not judge nor be judged.

I shall do my work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.