There is a tiny gem of a book I would miss tremendously if I had to leave it behind for any reason. Being a huge bibliophile, I try to stay detached from my books for the sake of "true" enlightenment ( you know, travel lightly, not needing ANYTHING, you can't take it with you, etc. etc. etc.) but I tremble at the thought of being without them. They have been friends and steadfast companions for as long as I can remember. ( And my long term memory is just fine, thank you very much. It's my short term I seem to be having issues with!) I hope it never comes to that AND I know I would survive if we were to part ways. But I must admit, I would try to smuggle this book along even if the plane were going down. It's small, very small, but oh so packed with wisdom. The Tao Te Ching, translated by Stephen Mitchell.
I have quoted from it on this blog in the past. It is the wise woman I have searched for my entire life. The great-grandmother, rocking in the corner. Quietly minding her own business with an inner sense as sharp as a knife. Seeing all things and doing nothing. Suffice it to say I had a VERY challenging weekend. A huge project with a deadline, a computer that was acting up, a sick child AND a reoccuring issue with my traveling companion and Beloved Adversary (aka, hubby). Whew! When my mind started spinning, I grabbed my granny, said a quick prayer for guidance and opened to this wisdom. By the time I had finished journaling this page, I was once again centered and breathing evenly. AND things took their course. The project got done. The computer glitch was ironed out. Said child is well again and Beloved Advesary is back to a happy place. All of this would have happened with or without the book. But it sure helped me process the whole mess in as peaceful a manner as possible. No drinking, drugs or therapists necessary!
What a wonderful reminder!
Your work always resonates so deeply w/ me.
I'm glad things worked out last weekend :)
And...hmmm...I don't believe I have that book....
Posted by: Cyndee Greene | March 03, 2009 at 08:00 AM
I love your reference to "granny", I call the Tao Te Ching my "old friend". I discovered a couple years ago "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life" by Dr. Wayne Dyer and because I am so familiar with his words I find it very easy to read. The book can be an amazing friend. I do the random opening now and always seem to get exactly what I need for that moment.. good choice~Jacque
Posted by: Jacque | March 03, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Man, there's so much about this post I love, I don't know where to begin. My favorite part I think is "The great-grandmother, rocking in the corner. Quietly minding her own business with an inner sense as sharp as a knife. Seeing all things and doing nothing." Oh how I aspire to be that wise woman.
But this part also resonates deeply with me: "All of this would have happened with or without the book." So true! The key is learning to be the master and letting things take their course. But it sure helps to have our little aids, doesn't it?
I'm heading to Amazon right now to buy the book!
P.S. I'm sorry your weekend was so challenging, but I appreciate you sharing your insights.
Posted by: Mayberry Magpie | March 03, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Can relate Lady and yes sit with a while and rock and all things come right again.
~v~Laura
Posted by: laura | March 04, 2009 at 07:04 AM
hi kathleen
wow, i needed this today! learning to sit and let things take their course is hard for me. i am learning many lessons with this new phase of my life taking place.....(living with a pre-teen).......and everyone i talk to says it's gonna get worse.
that's just disheartening! but when i sit, watch, and listen.....and keep my mouth closed tight, things seem to work out better than when i try to orchestrate everything!.
i hope to become the wise woman in the rocking chair!
thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts and art.
xo
kim
Posted by: kim beller | March 04, 2009 at 08:01 AM