5/20/18; 5/21/18; 5/28/18; 6/06/18; 6/09/18; 7/21/18; 8/11/18; 8/15/18;2/09/19; 10/15/23;

Apprentice Assignment # 4 The Untethered Soul By Micheal A. Singer

Section 2: Chapter 6: The Secrets of the Spiritual Heart (p.75-91)

By Mitchell W. Pennell (Blackbeltmitpen)

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“Very few people understand the heart. In truth, your heart is one of the masterpieces of creation. It is a phenomenal instrument. It has the potential to create vibrations and harmonies that are far beyond the beauty of pianos, strings, or flutes. You can hear an instrument, but you feel your heart. And I   f you think that you feel an instrument, it’s only because it touches your heart. Your heart is an instrument made of extremely subtle energy that few people come to appreciate.

In most human beings, the heart does its work unattended. Even though its behavior governs the course of our lives, it is not understood. If at any given point in time the heart happens to open, we fall in love. If at any given point in time it happens to close, the love stops. If the heart happens to hurt, we get angry, and if we stop feeling it altogether, we get empty. All of these different things happen because the heart goes through changes. These energy shifts and variations that take place in the heart run your life. You are so identified with them that you use the words “I” and “me” when you refer to what’s going on in your heart. But in truth, you are not your heart. You are the experiencer of your heart.” (p.76)

The overly romanticized organ of the heart is a strange cultural and historical thing. The heart has become a symbol of love and life and romance. And, most likely, due to the fact that a person can’t physically go on living without a heart; the ancients placed a lot of emphasis on that beating organ as the house of the soul. So, with that as a preface of sorts, and going off of the title (The idea of a spiritual heart) seems to be the goal of this chapter.

Let’s take what singer has to say about an Open Heart for a moment and reflect on that. How your emotional stability plays on your outlook on life and thus your quality of life sort of goes without saying but as that seems to be the point of the above paragraph. Let’s say it for posterity.  How you feel and how you think about how you feel directly reflects your perception of your quality of life.

If you only focus on the negative; then you have a pretty negative life. If you only focus on the positive, you can have a very happy, if sometimes superficial existence. There needs to be a balance between accepting what is happening to you good or bad and choosing how you’re going to deal with those emotions/energies.  Buddhism teaches this as “The Middle Way”; Christianity teaches this as being “filled with the holy spirit.” Many other faiths have a principle about the duality of the person; the good versus evil of the world reflected in our minds, actions, and lives. Or; how a Jedi once said, “You’re focus determines your reality.”

I’m sure Singer will discuss some of these ideas as I go through this chapter. Let’s see.

“The heart is actually very simple to understand. It is an energy center, a chakra. It is one of the most beautiful and powerful energy centers, and one that affects our daily lives. As we have seen, an energy center is an area within your being through which your energy focuses, distributes, and flows. This energy flow has been referred to as Shakti, Spirit, and Chi, and it plays an intricate part in your life. You feel the heart’s energy all the time. Think about what it is like to feel inspired and enthusiasm pour from your heart. Think about what it is like to feel energy well up in your heart making you confident and strong. All of this happens because the heart is an energy center.” (p.76-77)

So our hearts are the spiritual energy centers of our bodies. I’ve already discussed this idea of cultural differences about the heart and the soul and life, etc. But let’s discuss this more personally. When was the last time I felt this surge of energy from my heart? Was it a positive experience or a neutral experience or a negative experience? How did I deal with it? What happened next?

Okay. So, I’ve asked myself a series of questions dealing with my heart but I need to reflect on these for a little while so I’m going to pause here and meditate and see what comes up.

Okay; hope is a misleadingly positive emotion.  A few weeks ago, I stated chatting with this girl named Molli. Things went well for about 3 weeks while we tried to decide if we should meet and get our schedules in sync.    We met at my favorite place in my hometown of West Linn, the State Park known as Mary S. Young.  We talked about a lot of things that one probably shouldn’t discuss on a ‘first’ date. We discussed politics, and religion, we discussed her remission and her adjusting to be a survivor of breast cancer and her new lease on life and how that highly negative event has positive consequences on her life.  There seemed to be a connection.  We discussed my past romantic endeavors and the losses I’ve experienced. The pain of burying a child. The subsequent grief and self-doubt. The pain of being a sexual assault survivor.   It was a deeply therapeutic discussion for us both. But not so great a thing to build a romantic relationship on.    So, she decided quite respectfully to inform me that she didn’t wish to continue communication and that she wished me luck in my endeavors of finding a mate.

And I thought; Damn, I can’t even be mad at her for this. I really can’t. I can be disappointed in her decision to not wish to date me; I can be upset in that I exposed my soul perhaps too much and scared her away. But I can’t really be upset with her decision to respectfully wish to no longer communicate with me.

I’ll say the days leading up to our meeting were full of texting and a real sense of connection. I became slightly hopeful of something more long term and invested my emotions into that. It was quite a positive emotional rush. Then, to have the rug sort of pulled out from under me created this hole or drain of that positivity and a familiar “nothingness” sort of took hold for a few days. As if I had perhaps turned off my energy centers, in support of wallowing in a bit of self-pity.

But what happened next? I persevered. I continued the business of living my life. I focused on my work and my martial arts training. I used the sadness to fuel my endeavors to get my next rank and poured myself into practice. I controlled what little bit of the universe that I could control. And, while it’s a sad footnote, the rejection has no longer an effect on my day to day life.

“The heart controls the energy flow by opening and closing. This means that the heart, like a valve, can either allow the flow of energy to pass through, or it can restrict the flow of energy from passing through. If you observe your heart, you know very well what it feels like when it’s closed. In fact, the state of your heart changes quite regularly., You can be experiencing great feelings of love while in the presence of someone, until they say something you don’t like. Then your heart closes to them, and you simply don’t feel the love anymore. We have all experienced this, but what exactly is causing it? Since we all have to experience the heart, we might as well understand what’s going on in there.” (p.77)

We get back to this idea of being quiet and listening to what’s going on inside of us. What are we feeling? Why are we feeling this way? We have to keep our heart open in order to fill ourselves with energy and continue to feel these emotions’, but they can become overwhelming and scary. We have to keep a constant observation of what we are feeling and why we are feeling what we’re feeling. We should be present in our experiences in order to get the most growth out of them.   I think Singer will go on to discuss why when we close our heart; we stop feeling love. While that seems self-explanatory; let’s see what Singer says next.

“  We begin this analysis by asking a fundamental question: What is it about the structure of the heart center that permits it to close? What you will find is that the heart closes because it becomes blocked by stored, unfinished energy patterns from your past.  You need only examine your everyday to understand this. As events take place in this world, they come in through your senses and have an impact on your inner state of being. The experience of these events may bring up some fears, some anxiety, or maybe some love. When you take in the world through your senses, it is actually energy that is coming into your being. Form itself doesn’t not come into your mind or heart. Form stays outside, but it is processed by your senses into energy patterns that your mind and heart can receive and experience. Science explains this sensory process to us. Your eyes are not really windows through which you look out into the world. Your eyes are cameras that send electronic images of the world into you. This is true of all your senses. They sense the world, convert the information, transmit the data through electrical nerve impulses, and then the impressions get rendered in your mind .  . . but if the energy patterns that are coming into your psyche create disturbances, you will resist them and not allow them to pass through you. When you do this, the energy patterns actually get blocked within you.” (P.78-79)

So basically, the experiences of our lives both positive and negative that we don’t deal with regularly tend to build up in our subconscious. Overtime they can weigh on our souls and block our paths to the infinite energy we discussed in the previous chapter. This build up blocks the intake of new energy and the flow of energy becomes stagnant. The energy will have no outlet if you don’t create one for it; If you don’t use it, the energy can create disturbances as it builds up in your subconscious.

“This is very important. To better understand what it’s like to have these energies stored within you, let’s first examine what it would be like if nothing was stored. What if everything just passed right through you? For example, when you’re driving down a highway, you probably pass thousands of trees. They don’t leave impressions on you. They’re gone as soon as they’re perceived. While you’re driving you see trees, you see buildings, you see cars, and none of these make lasting impressions on you. There’s just a momentary impression that allows you to see them. Though they do come in through the senses and make impressions upon your mind, as quickly as the impressions are made, they are released. When you have no personal issues with them, impressions process freely.

This is how the overall system of perception is meant to work. It is meant to take things in, allow you to experience them, and then let them pass through so that you’re fully present in the next moment. While this system is in a working, operative state, you are fine, and it is fine. You’re simply having experience after experience, driving is an experience, trees passing by are an experience, and cars passing by are an experience. These experiences are gifts that are being given to you, like a great movie.  They are passing into you, awakening and stimulating you.  They are actually having a profound effect on you.  Moment after moment, experiences are coming in and you’re learning and growing.  Your heart and mind are expanding, and you are being touched at a very deep level.  If experience is the best teacher, there’s nothing that comes close to the experience of life.” (p.79-80)

First, we have to discuss how we experience these energies in our every day life. A lot of people- myself included- have spirituality/religion/energy experiences as Separate occurrences outside of our everyday routine; which is exactly the opposite of spirituality. Spirituality- or the energy of the Spirit- is always present within us. We experience it in every breath we take; in fact, we experience it so constantly that we only ever notice it’s impact when we are cut off from it- when we are blocking ourselves off from our energies.  We’ve already discussed what disengages us from this energy and experience; depression, anger, and the other strong emotions, and how it can connect us or disengage us from this energy depending on our perceptions and opinions of them. When we just need to be present and alert in order to experience life in all its beauty.

“What it means to live life is to experience the moments that is passing through you, and then experience the next moment, and then the next. Many different experiences will come in and pass through you. It’s a phenomenal system when it is working properly. If you could live in that state, you would be a fully aware being. That is how an awakened being lives in the ‘now.’ They are present, life is present, and the wholeness of life is passing through them. Imagine if you were so fully present during each experience of that life that it was touching you to the depth of your being. Every moment would be a stimulating, moving experience because you would be completely open, and life would be flowing right though you.” (p.80)

My childhood was very happy until my teenage years when I experienced a lot of bullying, I had close friends die suddenly, I spent a lot my time afraid, and depressed. I wasn’t involved in the positive things going on around me because I was in too much pain to even realize they were happening until they had passed. I have very few events in my life that made me truly present in the moment; but in every one of those experiences- both negative and positive- I have those memories and the lessons in them burned into my mind.  My Karate training- especially my brown, 2nd brown, and 1st Degree Black Belt tests- are memories that have happily not faded very much in the 5 years since them. My 2004 sexual assault is also pretty burned into my mind although I don’t remember it as a thing that happened to me; detachment from pain and shock make the whole event like a pretty horrible movie that I was outside watching happen to my body. Although the feel of it and the shame of it are burned into my conscious mind and have caused quite a bit of PTSD over the years.

“But that’s not what happens inside most of us. Instead, it’s more like you’re driving down the street, here comes the trees, here comes the cars, and it’s all passing right through you with no trouble. Then, inevitably, something comes in that doesn’t make it through. There was this one car, a light blue Ford Mustang, that looked like your girlfriend’s car. But as it passed by, you noticed two people hugging in the front seat. At least it looked like they were hugging, and it sure looked like your girlfriend’s car. But it was a car just like all the other cars, wasn’t it? No. It wasn’t just like all the other cars to you.

Let’s look carefully at what happened. Surely for the camera of the eyes there’s no difference between that car and others. There’s light bouncing off of objects, passing through your retina, and making a visual impression on your mind. So, at the physical level, nothing different is going on. But at the mental level, the impression didn’t make it through. When the next moment comes, you no longer notice the rest of the trees. You’re not seeing the rest of the cars. You heart and mind are fixated on that one car, even though it’s gone. You’ve got yourself a problem here. There’s a blockage, an event that got stuck. All the subsequent experiences are trying to pass through you, but something has happened inside that has left this past experience unfinished.” (p.80-81)

Let’s talk about this passive anxiety issue. We always see everything around us. We’re constantly bombarded by sounds, sights, smells, textures, feels, and emotions- not just us; but everyone around us is also being bombarded by all of these things all of the time.   We all have to choose what to focus on at any given time. By trying to see it all or feel it all; in my experience- only causes the opposite and I shut down. Our eyes can only take in images, our hands can only feel, our ears can only hear, noses can only smell, and our mouths can only taste.

On the physical level everything is just going along; but then there’s another whole level that creates depth; that of the emotional level.   And when your emotions are blocked; the experiences that are so pivotal for existence aren’t getting passed and you’re just experiencing life on the surface; with no depth or breath or substance. That is no type of life at all.

“ What happens to that experience that didn’t make it through? Specifically ,what happens to the image of the girlfriend’s car if it doesn’t’ just fade away into deep memory like everything else? At some point, you’ll have to stop focusing on it in order to deal with something else- like the next stoplight. What don’t realize is that your entire experience of life is about to change because of what didn’t make it through you. Life must now compete with this blocked event for your attention, and the impression does not sit in there quietly. You will see that your tendency is to think about it constantly. This is all in an attempt to find a way to process it through your mind. You didn’t need to process the tree, but you need to process this. Because you resisted, it got stuck, and now you have a problem. . . .Thought after thought goes on inside. It drives you crazy in there. All that inner noise is just your attempt to process the blocked energy and get it out of the way.”

(p.81-82)

This idea that when we ignore what our thoughts or feelings are; such as an attempt to ignore the exemplary girlfriends car; our brain actually does everything it can to fight that. When we attempt to ignore what is going on in our mind, our thoughts can get stuck. This made me think of a skipping record but in your head.
As a person with anxiety and A.D.H.D ; I’m often dealing with the constant repeating of phrases or words or events from that voice inside my head. In fact, just writing this sentence I probably restarted/reread it internally at least 8 times while I wrote this.

When we are stuck; when our thoughts won’t move past a certain event or action or emotion; our growth becomes stagnant.  Singer discusses this idea of what happens when we ignore these thoughts or these voices in our head.

 

“ Long term, the energy pattern that cannot make it through you are pushed out of the forefront of the mind and held until you are prepared to release them. These energy patterns, which hold tremendous detail about the events associated with them, are real. They don’t just disappear. When you are unable to allow life’s events to pass through you, they stay inside and become a problem. These patterns may be held within you for a very long time.

This is one of the best descriptions of PTSD or Stress induced memory; I know that this is dealing with all energy positive, neutral and negative, but lets discuss the negative because those are the ones that do the most damage to our psyche.

It is not easy to keep energy together in one place for long. As you willfully struggle to keep these events from passing through your consciousness, the energy first tries to release by manifesting through the mind. This is why the mind becomes so active. When the energy can’t make it through the mind because of conflicts with other thoughts and mental concepts, it then tries to release through the heart. That is what creates all the emotional activity. Why you resist even that release, the energy gets packed up and forced into deep storage within the heart.” (p.82-83)

When I was a young child I was diagnosed with ADHD; and the medication- while initially helping- after a decade and increases in dosages over that time; the negative effects of the medication became expounded.  I remember spending the majority of my childhood numb. Like the meds were a dam holding back emotions and connection to memory. Everything just stayed on the surface and after years of living like that; I got very use to being numb. When the meds wore off I’d be flooded with the emotions that were waiting to hit me; and it often led to mental stress and anxiety.  All the wasted energy hitting me like a brick to the face; created a very bipolar existence; or as Singer mentions; a “Samskara.”

“ In the yogic tradition, that unfinished energy pattern is called a Samskara. This is a shaskrit work meaning ‘impression,’ and in the yogic teachings it is cons

The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Reflections by Apprentice Mitchell Pennell (Blackbeltmitpen)

(4/03/18; 4/15/18;4/16/18; 4/24/18; 5/02/18; 5/08/18; 5/17/18; 5/18/18; 5/20/18)

Section 2: Experiencing Energy: Chapter 5: Infinite Energy

(p.60-74)

“Consciousness is one of the greatest mysteries in life. Inner energy is another. It’s actually a shame how little attention the Western world pays to the laws of inner energy. We study the energy outside, and gives great value to energy resources, but we ignore the energy within. People go about their lives thinking, feeling, and acting, without the understanding of what makes these activities take place. The truth is, every movement of your body, every emotion you have, and every thought that passes through your mind is an expenditure of energy. Just as everything that happens outside in the physical world requires energy, everything that happens inside requires an expenditure of energy.” ( p.62)

Singer begins this section describing Energy and, more specifically, a persons’ ability to reenergize themselves based on their emotions and circumstances. Let’s unpack this a little; I have a feeling this whole chapter will be about this core idea.

Within western society we’re taught by society and theology to ignore the energy within ourselves. Some churches go in depth as to the “holy Spirit” being a spiritual energy given by God as a way for us to connect with the spiritual side of the teachings; but a lot of the ones I’ve been to has sort of glossed over this.

One of the best things in religion is the idea of a personal relationship with God (or Jesus; or Mohamed; etc.)  and as I’ve expressed in other posts and one of the main pulls towards Jediism that I experienced when I started the Initiate Program; was that I was a bit disillusioned with the state of modern day Theology; most specifically the lack of a personal relationship with God over propping up the Priest or Minister as the conduit between the practitioner and Deity.  I think that focusing on the energy of God that pulls us towards them; as a bridge to connect us to God or Godly energy is the next big religious movement. Let’s see what Singer has to say about that.

 Singer uses the following example of a break up to describe an everyday experience with energy.

“Creating thoughts, holding onto thoughts, recalling thoughts, generating emotions, controlling emotions, and disciplining powerful inner drives, all require a tremendous expenditure of energy. Where does all this energy come from? Why is the energy there sometimes, and at other times you feel completely drained? Have you ever noticed that when you are mentally and emotionally drained, food doesn’t help that much? Conversely, if you look at the times in your life when you were in love, or excited and inspired by something, you were so filled with energy that you didn’t even want to eat. This energy we are discussing does not come from the calories you can draw upon from the inside. It is distinct from the outer energy source.” (p.63)

This brings some very good questions to the forefront of my thoughts.  When we’re dealing with this idea of spiritual energy and personal energy (which may be the same thing from certain perspectives) Where does this personal energy come from?  Does it come from ourselves or does it come from something deeper inside us?  These questions are not easily answered and have been a big debate in theological and philosophical circles.  I don’t expect Mr. Singer to answer any of these questions being that that isn’t the point of this book; It’s mainly that he posses the question for us to think about and find our own answers within ourselves. That will be merit of this chapter; that these questions are now in my mind ruminating on an answer.  (*Master Orion, perhaps that would be a good assignment or part of an assignment for my apprenticeship or after my knighthood for me to reflect on)

“The best way to examine this source of energy is to look at an example. Let’s say that you’re in your twenties and your girlfriend or boyfriend breaks up with you. You get so totally depressed that you start staying home alone. Soon, because you don’t have the energy to clean up, everything ends up sprawled all over the floor. You can hardly get out of bed, so you just sleep all the time. You must be eating, because there are pizza boxes lying all around. But nothing seems to help. You just have no energy. Your friends invite you out, but you decline. You are simply too tired to do anything.

Most people have been there at some time in their lives. You feel that you have no way out, and it seems like you will stay there forever. Then suddenly, one day, the phone rings. It’s your girlfriend. That’s right, the one who dumped you three months ago. She’s crying as she says, ‘Oh my God! Do you remember me? I hope you’ll still talk to me. I just feel so terrible. Leaving you was the worst mistake I ever made. I see now how important you are to me, and I can’t live without you. The only real love I ever felt in my life was during the time we were together. Would you please forgive me? Could you ever forgive me? Can I come over and see you?”

Now how are you doing? Seriously, how long does it take you to get enough energy to jump out of bed, clean up the apartment, take a shower, and get some color back in your face? It’s practically instantaneous. You’re filled with energy the moment you hang up the phone. How does this happen? You were completely drained. For months and months, you had no energy. Then out of nowhere, in a matter of seconds, there is so much energy it blows you away.”

(p.63- 64)

This is an interesting example of where energy comes from; being that it comes from emotions or a portion of energy can come from emotions. While the fictional Jedi seemed to ignore emotions or to ignore the impact of emotions as a source of energy is interesting as this seems to be a bit more emotionally charged in its writing.  While emotions are, at times, unreliable they do create a lot of energy to either grow or diminish depending on the persons use of said energy. And since this chapter is about experiencing that energy; understanding where energy comes from is a first solid step to learning to work with the energy.

“You can’t just ignore these enormous shifts in your energy level. Where exactly did all that energy come from? There was no sudden change in your eating or sleeping habits. Yet when your girlfriend comes by, you end up talking all night and going out to see the sunrise in the morning. You’re not tired at all. You’re together again and you’re holding hands and these rushes of joy just won’t stop overwhelming you. People see you and they remark that you look like a bundle of light. Where did all this energy come from?”

“What you’ll see, if you watch carefully is that you have a phenomenal amount of energy inside of you. It doesn’t come from food and it doesn’t come from sleep. This energy is always available to you. At any moment you can draw upon it. It just wells up and fills you from the inside. When you’re filled with this energy, you feel like you could take on the world. When it is flowing strongly, you can actually feel it coursing through you in waves. It gushes up spontaneously from deep inside and restores, replenishes, and recharges you.” (p.64-65)

The focus of this chapter is how and why we experience energy and how to harness that energy to improve ourselves spiritually. The above example lays out that this energy is easy to experience once we change our focus on how experiences build energy and on what energy really is. These examples tell us that the energy is within us and a part of us and is available to us once we change our focus on what that energy really is.  Once we do that; we can make lasting positive changes in our lives. But if we have all this energy, why isn’t everyone making the best of their lives? Why is depression a major part of most peoples’ daily existence (myself included)? Why do I have trouble experiencing this energy if it’s so purely mine and all around me? Well, Singer discusses that next.

“The only reason you don’t feel this energy all the time is because you block it. You block it by closing your heart, by closing your mind, and by pulling yourself into a restrictive space inside. This closes you off from all the energy. When you close your heart or close your mind, you hide in the darkness within you. There is no light. There is no energy. There is nothing flowing. The energy is still there but it can’t get in.

That is what it means to be “blocked.” That is why you have no energy when you’re depressed. There are centers within that channel your energy flow. When you close them, there is no energy, when you open them, there is. Although various energy centers exist within you, the one you intuitively know the most about opening and closing is your heart. Let’s say that you love somebody, and you feel very open in their presence. Because you trust them, your walls come down allowing you to feel lots of high energy. But if they do something you don’t like, the next time you see them you don’t feel so high. You don’t feel as much love. Instead, you feel a tightness in your chest. This happens because you closed your heart. Your heart is an energy center, and it can open or close. The yogis call energy centers Chakras. When you close your heart center, energy can’t flow in. When energy can’t flow in, there’s darkness. Depending upon how closed you are, you either feel tremendous disturbance or overwhelming lethargy. Often people fluctuate between these two states. If you then find out that your loved ones didn’t do anything wrong, or if they apologize to your satisfaction, your heart opens again. With this opening you get filled with energy, and the love starts flowing again.” (p.65-66)

This brings ups the idea of ways we close off our energy and how we can come to terms with being closed off; and what to do next.  So, this quoted part discusses this idea of blocking off our energy. We do this for many reasons that I feel that Singer will discuss soon; but first off, we have to agree that we are blocked; agreeing on that; we continue.

“. . . You have a wellspring of beautiful energy inside of you. When you are open you feel it; when you are closed you don’t. This flow of energy comes form the depth of your being. It’s been called many names. In ancient Chinese medicine, it is called Chi. In yoga, it is called Shakti. In the West, it is called Spirit. Call it anything you want. All the great spiritual traditions talk about your spiritual energy; they just give it a different name. That spiritual energy is what you’re experiencing when love rushes up into your heart. That is what you’re experiencing when you’re enthused by something and all this high energy comes up inside of you.

You should know about this energy because it’s yours. It’s your birthright, and it’s unlimited. . .” (p.66-67)

So instead of reiterating what I’ve already written about energy and how we experience it as I feel that the overall theory of this chapter has been explained and will be reiterated in other ways in future quotes; I want to talk about how I’ve strived to boost energy and get a better connection to this type of energy.

When I was in high school I rebelled against my Catholic upbringing hoping to find a more personal relationship to my Creator- an idea that mainstream Christianity has since embraced but hadn’t to the extent at that time (2000-2004).  My relationship with my God I would describe as strong; I don’t have a prescribed holy book while I’ve read the Holy Bible, The Quran and many teachings and writings about Siddhartha Gautama aka: The Buddha.

My first rebellion against the strict roman catholic upbringing was to go to the other extreme; a more holistic and environmental focused spirituality. I found Wicca or Neo-paganism and really liked the active aspects of the practitioner. I no longer would just pray and hope; but I could do ritual work; I could cast a circle to contain and summon energy and send that energy out into the cosmos for the needed outcome. I was active in the spiritual processes. I was tapping into my own energy and the energy of the cosmos to better my life and the lives of those around me while also connecting to the world and a peaceful approach to spirituality. I really loved Wicca for those reasons.

I really loved that I was in the driving seat of my spiritual growth and I have tried to maintain that as I’ve explored other spiritual paths such as Taoism and Buddhism.   I think that those prior experiences that I haven’t attempted to recreate in years set me on my path to see God in most everything. I think that or suspect that Singer is talking about that type of energy. The ever-present personal energy that can reach out to the cosmic energy around the practitioner to focus and shape their outlooks and thus be better equipped to get result oriented spirituality. It makes the practitioner accountable to their spiritual growth whereas, in my young opinion of the time, the practitioner gives the hopes and spiritual growth over to a deity to shape and put upon them through prayer. This is what I mean by experiencing energy.  Let’s continue to see what Singer has to say on the matter and see how my history reinforces or my opinions change based on this “new” information.  At the very least, I suspect I will learn more about myself and grow as an individual even without earth-shattering revelations or changes of opinion.

“(This energy) has nothing to do with age. Some eighty-year-old people have the energy and enthusiasm of a child. They can work long hours for seven days a week. It’s just energy. Energy doesn’t get old, it doesn’t get tired, and it doesn’t need food.  What it needs is openness and receptivity. This energy is equally available to everyone. The sun does not shine differently on different people. If you’re good, it shines on you. If you did something bad, it shines on you. It’s the same with the inner energy. The only difference is that with the inner energy, you have the ability to close up inside and block it. When you close, the energy stops flowing. When you open, all the energy rushes up inside you.” (p.67)

The closest example to my real life in relation to witnessing this type of energy is in my elderly students. Students of martial arts that train for years develop their own technique as such; a way for them to continue learning and growing while strengthening their bodies instead of weakening them. When I train someone, who is in their 50s, or 60s, I have to adjust the outcomes for each rank without losing the core concepts of the style.  Sometimes this means more focus on technique over focusing on Sparring endurance; or perhaps adding a weight loss goal to each rank; such as student agrees to lose 5 pounds before they can test for their next rank, etc.   But they all have this drive inside them to better themselves. They can still tap into this type of energy if they believe they can.

 “True spiritual teachings are about this energy and how to open it. The only thing you have to know is that opening allows energy in and closing blocks it out. Now you have to decide whether or not you want this energy. How high do you want to get? How much love do you want to feel? How much enthusiasm do you want to have for the thing you do? If enjoying a full life means experiencing high energy, love, and enthusiasm all the time, then don’t ever close.

There is a very simple method for staying open. You stay open by never closing. It’s really that simple. All you have to do is decide whether you are willing to stay open, or whether you think it’s worth closing. You can train yourself to forget how to close. Closing is a habit, and just like any other habit, it can be broken. For example, you could be the type of person who has an underlying fear of people and tends to close when you first meet them. You could be in the habit of experiencing an uptight, closing sensation whenever somebody walks up to you. You can train yourself to do the opposite. You can train yourself to open every time you see a person. It’s just a question of whether you want to close or whether you want to open. It’s ultimately under your control.” (p.68)

  This idea of being in charge of “closing” and “opening” this energy source is great. Many faiths and spiritual practices are about connecting to this energy within and around us. The idea that we can actively control the amount of energy we allow in is an interesting thought.  In my experience I either feel everything around me; or I feel nothing. I often have to figure out how I feel in the morning and use that as a shield for the rest of my day.  Not to say I’m numb or unable to emote; but I sort of prepare myself for certain events and emotions on the chance they occur.  A good example of this in my nursing job.

In eldercare nursing there’s always the chance that one of your residents will die on any given day. This can hold a lot of emotions, especially if you’ve taken care of them for years. It really is like losing a friend. But at the same time, you have to control your emotions and make sure you do your job not just for that resident but for the other residents in your care during that day.  It sucks to literally watch someone die.  (although it does sadly get easier the more it happens) It sucks to manage the sadness and fears of the resident AND those of the residents’ family.  It’s even more tragic when they don’t have family because then the staff sort of becomes the family- which is an added layer of sadness to watch this person die and to make sure they don’t die alone and feeling unloved.      It’s times like this that one doesn’t want to be in touch with all this energy; they may want to have just a trickle of energy enough to sustain them through the shift and get them home safe.  So, having control of that is extremely necessary- even if it’s sometimes nearly impossible. I still have trouble with this at times, but my skin is thicker now after 8 years as a C.N.A.

“The problem is, we don’t exercise that control. Under normal circumstances, our state of openness is left to psychological factors. Basically, we are programmed to open or close based upon our past experiences. Impressions from the past are still inside of us, and they get stimulated by different events. If they were negative impressions, we tend to close. If they were positive impressions, we tend to open. Let’s say you smell a certain scent that reminds you of what it was like when you were young, and somebody was cooking dinner. How you react to this scent depends upon the impressions left by your past experiences. Did you enjoy having dinner with your family? Was the food good? If so, then the smell of that scent warms you and opens you.  If it wasn’t so much fun eating together, or if you had to eat food you didn’t like. Then you tighten up and close. It really is that sensitive. A smell can make you open or close, and so can seeing a car of a certain color, or even the type of shoes a person is wearing. We are programmed based upon our past impressions such that all kinds of things can cause us to open and close. If you pay attention, you will see it happen regularly throughout each day.” (p. 69)

(Smells tying to memory both good and bad; sight being tied to emotions)

Singer attacks the difficult reasons a person may have difficulties “opening” and gives advice on how to overcome these difficulties.   Emotion is a huge part of this concept and plays a big part how “open” we feel.   Singer discusses here how we are programmed to act a certain way based on our history; Another big part of how are minds open or close to any given situation plays off our senses. Our sense of smell is one of the strongest senses tied to memory.

Smell of a certain flower, or food, or well anything that your brain associates with a strong memory will being that memory and, more importantly, the emotions felt during that event back to the forefront of your mind. When we have positive feelings towards that associated memory then our positive energy grows, and we feel light and happy.  When we have negative feeling is toward that associated memory then our negative energy grows’ and we feel down tottered, depressed, and just morose.

“But you should never leave something as important as your energy flow to chance. If you like energy, and you do, then don’t ever close. The more you learn to stay open, the more the energy can flow into you. You practice opening by not closing. Any time you start to close, ask yourself whether you really want to cut off the energy flow. Because if you want, you can learn to stay open no matter what happens n this world. You just make a commitment to explore your capacity for receiving unlimited energy. You simply decide not to close. At first it feels unnatural since your innate tendency is to close as a means of protection. But closing your heart does not fully protect you from anything; it just cuts you off from your source of energy. In the end, it only serves to lock you inside.”

(p. 69-70)

After a childhood full of fear, bullying, and assault I was very closed off by the time I got to high school. That was until I discovered Wicca and my friend Becca, Bob, and Caleb helped me tear down that wall that I had constructed around my heart after all those years. It was grueling. It was tedious. It was painful. And it was necessary.    I had all this energy all of a sudden. I had this little bit of peace and this little bit of light inside and for a while there; things were really, really good.   I had unlimited energy, I had passion, I had direction, and I had friends that I considered family.  For a while there; things were really, really good.  Until they weren’t. . .  but that is beside the point.

Life tends to go in cycles; I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. Sometimes you’re up and the high is great and everything is beautiful; and sometimes your down and the shadows and the ghosts of memories best left forgotten tear you apart.   And every so often you can find a middle ground; not super high; not super low; just in a neutral. Where there is beauty but its not blinding; where there’s sorrow but it’s not overwhelming. A neutral world of colored shades of grays.   With a little spark of hope.

That's a really good explanation for where life is right now. There's comfort in routine but discomfort in complacency. everything seems a little brighter lately; even with a fever and nausea; everything is a little brighter.

isn't that the point though?

“What you’ll find is that the only thing you really want from life is to feel enthusiasm, joy, and love. If you can feel that all the time, then who cares what happens outside? If you can always feel up, if you can always feel excited about the experience of the moment, then it doesn’t make any difference what the experience is. No matter what it is, it’s beautiful when you feel that way inside. So, you learn to stay open no matter what happens. If you do, you get for free what everybody else is struggling for: love, enthusiasm, excitement, and energy. You simply realize that defining what you need in order to stay open actually ends up limiting you. If you make lists of how the world must be for you to open, you have limited your openness to those conditions. Better to be open no matter what.” (p.70)

 

If someone can always feel up; or high on life; or excited; or however you want to put it; even if it’s truly beautiful doesn’t that change the persons opinion of what is beauty? Aren’t we, as humans, hard wired to be dissatisfied with where we are in life as a means to propel us to do better, try harder, and be better people?  If we suddenly get bliss or a semblance if bliss hypothetically on tap; doesn’t that degrade what bliss truly is? Aren’t the high points in life that much sweeter because we have the low points to counteract and compare them to?

I’ve had a lot of issues reaching the point of being “open” lately. I hope Singer will have some tips to reach this state other then other gurus who say, “look within” or “detached from desire”, etc.

Staying open and aware of this energy is a highly suggested desire based on what Singer has written in this chapter; and perhaps my previous paragraph is in its own right, a person searching for the cloud to this silver lining.  Perhaps that says more about me then I’m willing to admit or even realize.

“How you learn to stay open is up to you. The ultimate trick is to not close. If you don’t close, you will have learned to stay open. Do not let anything that happens in life be important enough that you’re willing to close your heart over it.  When your heart starts to close, just say, ‘No, I’m not going to close. I’m going to relax. I’m going to let this situation take place and be there with it.” Honor and respect the situation, and deal with it. By all means deal with it. Do the best you can. Bud deal with it with openness. Deal with it with excitement and enthusiasm. No mater what it is, just let it be the sport of the day. In time, you will find that you forgot how to close. No matter what anyone does, no matter what situation takes place, you won’t ever feel the tendency to close. Once you’ve attained this very high state, your energy level will be phenomenal. You will have all the energy you need at all times. Just relax and open, and tremendous energy will rush up inside of you. You are only limited by your ability to stay open.” (p.71)

Okay, there’s a lot to unpack here. Let’s take it point by point.

I’ve experienced a lot of tragedy and pain in my 32 years of life so far. My early childhood was full of love and light and joy. I have amazing parents who love me unconditionally and a sister who I think loves me as well. I was always an emotional person, I felt the pain and hardships of others as my own and that made my own actual hardships just that much harder to deal with. I spent a long time trying to “fix” others as a way to ignore my own pain or emotions or hardships. Those emotions built up over time and causes a lot of issues in my teenage and early 20s. I was basically an emotional wreck all of the time with the littlest of thing setting me off into tears or into shutting down. I spent a long time shut down from life.  Only in the last 10 years or so have I been trying to change my future by learning from my past. From learning from the times, I was shut down and ignoring emotions only to be overwhelmed with them at a later time- sometimes years later.  I spent a lot of my time thinking I was going insane. So, I’d shut down; I’d wall myself off. I’d get my heart broken and I would be angry but not at the woman who broke my heart, but at myself for being “weak” or “not good enough” or “stupid”. Now, in my 30s I’m trying to open myself back up and experience life again. I’m trying to acknowledge the pain without succumbing to it. I still have a lot to learn; but slowly I’m getting better and being more honest with my emotions. I call that progress; even if it did take me the better part of 20 years to get to this point.

“If you really want to stay open, pay attention when you fell love and enthusiasm. Then ask yourself why you can’t feel this all the time. Why does it have to go away? The answer is obvious: it only goes away if you choose to close. By closing, you are actually making the choice not to feel openness and love. You throw love away all of the time. You feel love until somebody says something you don’t like, and then you give up the love. You feel enthused about your job until someone criticizes something, and then you want to quit. (JOANNA) It’s your choice. You can either close because you don’t like what happened, or you can keep feeling love and enthusiasm by not closing. As long as you are defining what you like and what you don’t like, you will open and close. You are actually defining your limits. You are allowing your mind to create triggers that open and close you. Let go of that. Dare to be different. Enjoy all life.” (p.71-72)

So, I’ve lost a lot of girlfriends, and had horrible manipulations and pain caused to me either financially, emotionally or even physically by those women who supposedly “love” me but were in fact just biding their time until someone better came around. I had one girlfriend for over a year but towards the end we never talked about anything of substance. We just bitched about the hardships of our jobs (my C.N.A Job watching people die; and her job taking care of children at the college) and we never connected or reconnected emotionally or physically. Then sexual tensions and neglect built up and added to the drama and in time, while I still believe we loved each other; we broke up. In 2012, We didn’t just break though; we Shattered. Only in the last year or so have we been able to talk again and build some sort of friendship.

Over the last few days and weeks I’ve been taking stock of my emotions and life goals. I’ve been looking into finishing a college degree and what my next steps in life will be once I get out from under all my credit card debt. I’ve been making plans and trying to get excited about that next chapter in my life.

“The more you stay open, the more the energy flow can build. At some point, so much energy comes into you that it starts flowing out of you. You feel it as waves pouring off of you. You can actually feel it flowing off your hands, out your heart, and through other energy centers. All these energy center open, and a tremendous amount of energy starts flowing out of you. What is more, the energy affects other people. People can pick up on your energy, and you’re feeding them with this flow. If you are willing to open even more, it never stops. You become a source of light for all those around you.

Just keep opening and not closing. Wait until you see what happens to you. You can even affect the health of your body with your energy flow. When you start to feel the tendency of an illness coming on, you just relax and open. When you open, you bring more energy into the system, and it can heal. Energy can heal, and that’s why love can heal. As you explore your inner energy, a whole world of discovery opens up to you.

The most important thing in life is your inner energy. If you’re always tired and never enthused, then life is no fun. But if you’re always inspired and filled with energy, then every minute of every day is an exiting experience. Learn to work with these things. Through meditation, through awareness and willful efforts, you can learn to keep your centers open. You do this by just relaxing and releasing. You do this by not buying into the concept that there is anything worth closing over. Remember if you love life, nothing is worth closing over. Nothing, ever, is worth closing your heart over.”

(p.72-73)

I hope that I can open myself up to this energy and experience the overflow that Singer mentions above. I’ve experienced moments like this in my past as I think all people have. My black belt test was one of those times.  After two hours of combat, teaching, and demonstration I was nearing my end. I was exhausted. I just wanted to lay down and sleep. And them my instructor told me I was to start the sparring section of the test. I had to reach down inside, ignore my doubts, ignore everything else going on in my life and focus only on that moment- only on that task until my instructor told me to stop.  I became hypervigilant to my surroundings and had to reach inside deep down to find the energy to continue. I’d love to write a beautiful simile about overcoming my doubts and having a moment of clarity- of time slowing down and the thrill and experience of pure adrenaline in the fight.  I’m sure something like this occurred; but I don’t remember.  I remember falling down; I remember getting hit hard but being able to hit back just as hard. I remember telling myself “just a little longer, just a few more minutes. Keep going” and. . . I did.

Afterwards, I was so filled with joy and suddenly had more energy to celebrate my success then I thought possible.  I was inspired by my efforts, and I was “done” and I could feel relief. I was flooded with inner energy from joy and success and happiness and, after a short rest, I felt I could do the whole thing again (luckily I didn’t have to though)

So I am choosing to love life and to try to reopen myself to this energy so that I can have it on tap. SO that I can get through the darkness of any given day and see the light and experience life in all it’s beautiful, bold, depressing, exciting moments.  So, I can enjoy this rollercoaster. And I look forward to what Singer teaches next and how my opinions and experiences help me to learn and become the very best

thered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Reflections by Apprentice Mitchell Pennell (Blackbeltmitpen)

(1/25/18; 2/12/18; 2/15/18; 2/28/18; 3/03/18; 3/05/18; 3/22/18; 3/26/18; 4/03/18)

Section 1: Awakening Consciousness: Chapter 4: The lucid Self. (p.45-58)

 

  “There is a type of dream, called a lucid dream, in which you know that you’re dreaming. If you fly in the dream you know that you’re flying. You think. ‘Hey, look! I’m dreaming that I’m flying. I’m going to fly over there.” You are actually conscious enough to know that you are flying in the dream and that you are dreaming the dream. That’s very different from regular dreams, in which you are fully immersed in the dream. This distinction is exactly the difference between being aware that you are aware in your daily life, and not being aware that you are aware. When you are an aware being, you no longer become completely immersed in the events around you. Instead, you remain inwardly aware that you are the one who is experiencing both the events and the corresponding thoughts and emotions. When a thought is created in this state of awareness, instead of getting lost in it, you remain aware that you are the one who is thinking the though[pts. You are lucid. (p.46)

 As a person who rarely remembers his dreams upon waking up; I don’t have much experience with Lucid Dreaming. The few I’ve had over my life has always been short and most often are the dreams where you’re flying like superman.   But there’s a great parallel about this type of awareness and spiritual awareness; that being that when you’re aware you’re dreaming, you can take control of that dream. So when you become aware of these principles that Singer is speaking about, as well as becoming aware of your emotions and the experiences that ae occurring in your life; you can better control those emotions and experiences to better your life.

“ This raises some very interesting questions. If you are the indwelling being who is experiencing all this, then why do these different levels of perception exist? When you are seated in the awareness of Self, you are lucid. Where are you when you are not seated deeply enough inside the Self to be the conscious experiencer of all you are experiencing?

To begin with, consciousness has the ability to do what is called ‘focus’. It is part of the nature of consciousness. The essence of consciousness is awareness, and awareness has the ability to focus itself on certain objects. The teachers says, ‘ Concentrate on what I’m saying.’ What does that mean? It means focus your consciousness on one place. Teachers figure you know how to do that. Who taught you how to do that? What class in high school taught you how to take your consciousness and move it somewhere in order to focus on something? Nobody taught you this. It was intuitive and natural. You’ve always known how to do it. (p.46-47)

This is interesting- I know I uses those four little words a lot but this whole book is interesting- because while we’ve talked about a lot of questions we must answer to start getting to the core of our identity.   Our brains ability to focus on our thoughts- to think about our thoughts- is quite amazing.  We have an ability to use our consciousness to think about our consciousness; and from that cycle we can become enlightened/ focused (or on the opposite direction; insane) It’s quite awesome that we can do all this without being taught specifically to do it.

“The best way to learn about consciousness is through your own direct experience. For example, you know very well that your consciousness can be aware of a wide field of objects, or it can be so focused on one object that you are unaware of anything else. This is what happens when you get lost in thought. You can be reading, and then suddenly you’re not reading anymore. It happens all the time. Outside objects or mental thoughts can catch your attention at any time. But it’s still the same awareness, whether it is focusing on the outside or on your thoughts.” (p.47-48)

This is interesting as up until now- at least in my own limited understanding- that awareness of the external world of events and the internal world of thoughts have been separate entities that peacefully (or sometimes chaotically) co-exist to balance out a persons’ psyche. But if they are the same thing- the same type of awareness and thus demanding the same amount of attention- is a strange concept to accept while also being so fundamentally ‘right’ one can’t help but accept it.

“Have you ever noticed that when you’re deeply absorbed in watching TV, you have no awareness of where you’re sitting or what else is going on in the room? The TV analogy is perfect for examining how our center of consciousness shifts from awareness of Self to being lost in the objects we’re focused upon. The difference is that instead of sitting in your living room getting absorbed in the TV, you’re sitting in your center of consciousness getting absorbed in the screens of mind, emotions, and outside images. When you concentrate on the world of the physical senses, it draws you in. Then your emotional and mental reactions draw you in further. At that point, you are no longer sitting in the centered Self; you are absorbed in the inner show you’re watching.” (p.48- 49)

I have a small amount of experience with this analogy situation. With my ADHD, my mind is often focusing on 4 or 5 things at once; where I don’t get absorbed by any one thing at a time. But every so often, I find myself focused into one thing so much that the rest of the world sort of disappears. Martial arts is a good example of this. When I’m fighting or doing forms, I’m completely focused on my next technique, my blocking or striking, or movement, etc. everything else sort of fades into the background; Like my body is in control and my mind is just along for the ride.

“Let’s look at your inner show. You have an underlying pattern of thoughts that goes on around you all the time. This pattern of thoughts stays around you all the time. This pattern of thoughts stays pretty much the same. You are as familiar and comfortable with your normal thought patterns as you are with the living space of your home. You also have emotions that are your norm: a certain amount of fear, a certain amount of love, a certain amount of insecurity. You know that if certain things happen, one ore more of these emotions will flare up and dominate your awareness. Then, eventually, they will settle back down to the norm. . . If fact, you are so preoccupied with controlling your world of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations that you don’t even know you’re in there. That is the normal state for most people.” (p.49)

This makes me want to ask; am I just the amalgamation of my thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears, and experiences? Or, is there something more? Which makes me think that, if there’s more, Why? Perhaps it’s a form of synergy; where the various aspects of my psyche, experiences, background, environment, etc. adds up to something bigger then just the sum of its parts. Perhaps that where the soul comes into place? At least that’s what I think.

“When you are in this lost state, you get so totally absorbed in the objects of thoughts, feeling, and the senses, that you forgot the subject. Right now, you are sitting inside the center of consciousness watching your personal TV show. But there are so many interesting objects distracting your consciousness that you can’t help but get drawn into them. It’s overwhelming. It’s three dimensional. It’s all around you. All of your senses draw you in. . .as well as your feelings and your thoughts. But you are really sitting quietly inside looking out at all these objects.  . . If you ever want to re-center, just start saying ‘hello’ inside, over and over. Then notice that you are aware of that thought. Don’t think about being aware of it; that’s just another thought. Simply relax and be aware that you can hear ‘hello’ being echoed in your mind. That is your seat of centered consciousness.” (p.49- 50)

Okay, let’s try this.  A bit of an update of what’s going on currently. As I’m laying here it’s March 4th 2018; and I’m fighting off a bit of a flu which is proving to be a bit of a distraction.  So reaching  back into myself, to find my inner center.

The biggest issues I’ve had with meditation has been my ADHD causing issues with sitting still; another bit issue I have is that I have PTSD and try not to look to deeply inside myself because there’s a lot of pain, anger, and nervousness.   I am going to try to simply re-center myself by repeatedly saying “hello” to my inner self.  I will write my own post about these meditations and seeing what is brought up. I will be posting that before I probably finish this entry.

The merits of looking within oneself are numerous and have been expounded upon by many brighter men then I could ever be. I wrote a whole essay on meditation during the IP that gave me a foundation for meditation, but let’s talk about the merits I’ve achieved through meditation.  By looking within, I am very aware that I have a lot of psychological damage from PTSD stemming from a 2004 Rape. I’m very aware that I may never feel safe but have been able to channel that into martial arts training. I don’t think that’ll be a long-term fix for my issues, but I think that I can, in time, get enough distance from who I was when and directly after that occurred; and who I am today. I hope that when that happens I will be surprised at my own growth and strength. That’s my hope, at least.

“Now, let’s move from the small screen to the big one. Let’s study consciousness using the example of a movie. When you go to a movie, you let yourself get drawn in. It’s part of the experience of watching the movie. When you go to a movie, you let yourself get drawn in. It’s part of the experience of watching the movie. With a movie you use two senses: seeing and hearing. And it’s very important that these senses synchronize. You wouldn’t get as involved in the film if they didn’t. Imagine if you were watching a James Bond movie and the soundtrack didn’t synchronize with the scenes. Instead of getting drawn into the magical world of the movie, you would remain very aware that you were sitting in a theater and that something was wrong.  (but this rarely happens so) the movie captures your awareness and you forget that you’re in the theater. You forget your personal thoughts and emotions, and your consciousness gets pulled into the film. It’s actually quite phenomenal to contemplate the difference between the experience of sitting next to strangers in the cold, dark theater versus being so absorbed in the movie that you are totally unaware of your surroundings. . .So the synchronization of sight and sound is very important if your consciousness is to become absorbed in the movie. And that’s just two of your senses.. . . “ (p. 50-51)

So, this tackles synchronicity of senses with regards to consciousness. That in, and of itself, is a bit of a mouthful, so I’ll take this slowly.

When someone goes to a movie they usually get absorbed into the story. They watch the characters go through their trials and tribulations as the narrative propels them towards the climax. You come into a state of meditation where you’re emotionally involved with the story, the characters, and/or the events.  You can forget about the chores you have to do at home, or paying your bills, or the fight you had with your spouse, etc. for a few hours and just enjoy a story for the stories sake.  When talking about consciousness in this regards; you become hyper aware of the story; and thus fully involved in the events as they unfold. 

Using just two of your senses (sight and hearing) you are transported to a different state of consciousness if everything syncs up correctly. Singer goes on to add in the other senses to fully explain the phenomena.

“What will happen when your experience of a movie includes smell and taste? Imagine that you’re experiencing a film in which someone is eating, and you taste what they taste and smell what they smell. You would surely get caught in that one. The sensory input has doubled and therefore the number of objects drawing on your consciousness has also doubled. Sound, sight, taste, smell, and we haven’t mentioned the big one yet- would you even go to a theater that has touch? When they get all five senses working together, you don’t stand a chance. IF they all synchronize, you’ll be completely absorbed in the experience. But then again, not necessarily. . . .” (p.51-52)

Another good example of this phenomenon that came into my head while reading about this is the experience of going through a haunted house.  Almost every year since 2009, I go to the local Elk Lodges haunted house and every year I get the crap scared out of me. I pay my money and wait my turn, knowing that the rooms are all smoke and mirrors, and all the creatures are local teens/elk members underneath their make up; but, regardless of this knowledge (much like going to a movie and KNOWING it’s a movie produced with actors and sets and pageantry), but regardless, I am still pulled into the experience through the sights, and sounds, and shadows, and atmosphere. And, through this alignment of my senses, I’m fully conscious and, in this example, it’s pleasantly terrifying!

 

 “. . . Imagine you’re sitting in the theater, and even with this overwhelming sensory experience, you still become bored with the movie. It just isn’t capturing your attention, so your thoughts start to wander.  You begin thinking about what you’ll do when you get home. . . .After a while, you’re so lost in your thoughts that you’re hardly aware that you’re watching a movie. This occurs, despite the fact, that your five senses are still sending you all these movie messages. This can only happen because your thoughts can still occur independently of the movie. They provide an alternative place for the consciousness to focus.

Now imagine that movies are made that not only engage the five senses, but also make your thoughts and emotions synchronize with what’s happening on the screen. With this movie experience, your hearing, seeing, tasting, and thinking the characters thoughts. The character says, ‘I’m so nervous. Should I ask her to marry me?’ and suddenly insecurities wells’ up inside of you. Now we have the full dimension of the experience: five physical senses, plus thoughts and emotions. Imagine going to that movie and getting plugged in. Careful, that would be the end of you as you know yourself . . . . Any place your awareness falls would be part of the movie. Once the movie gets control of the thoughts, it’s over. There is no ‘you’ in there saying, ‘I don’t like this movie. I want to leave.’ That would take an independent thought, but your thoughts have been taken over by the movie. Now you are completely lost. How will you ever get out?” (p.52- 53)

 There are times that outside distractions (*life) can get in the way of what someone is experiencing in the moment. The danger is getting lost in the experience; is that you can lose sight of what’s occurring around you.   If you can’t get involved in the experience in a full sensory way; then you become separate; you allow your insecurities to distract you from the “now” and lose control of the narrative.

So what happens if you get too absorbed in the narrative and lose control? Well Let’s see what Singer has to say; and go from there.

“As scary as it sounds, that is your predicament in live. Because all of the objects you’re aware of are synchronized, you get sucked in and are no longer aware of your separateness from the objects. The thoughts and the emotions move in accordance with the sights and the sounds. It all comes in, and your consciousness gets totally absorbed in it. Unless you’re fully seated in witness consciousness, you’re not back there being aware that you’re the one watching all this. That is what it means to be lost.

The lost soul is the consciousness that has dropped into the place where one human’s thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions of sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell are all synchronized. All these messages come back to one spot. Then the consciousness, which is capable of being aware of anything, makes the mistake of focusing on that one spot too closely. When the consciousness gets sucked in, it no longer knows itself as itself. It knows itself as the objects it is experiencing. In other words, you perceive yourself as these objects. You think you are the sum of your learned experiences. . . “

(p.53-54)

Now we get back to the idea of identity; and, more importantly, how we view our own identity; our self-identity, as it were.    When we get sucked into the synchronization of the senses and the world around us, we tend to be, as Singer puts it, “lost.”  Meaning we aren’t controlling our reactions or emotions to the events around us but instead are being controlled by those events.  And in time, we define ourselves by the events that occur or have occurred around up.  You hear it all the time, and I even say it all the time, that “we are the sum-total of our experiences within our environment and our reactions to those experiences.”  That has been a phrase or a type of phrase I’ve said and thought many, many times in my life.

If this is true, as Mr. Singer may be saying it isn’t, then there’s no real room for growth; sure, we can choose how to react to the events around us, and we can choose to forgive the negative events that happened in our past and get closure of sorts. But there will be no more peaks and valleys in our personal growth unless we FORCE them to occur or, more likely, Life throws us a complication and thus forces a confrontation and thus, a need for a different reaction to “Shake things up” as it were.

 

“(James Bond example omitted) . . . What differentiates a conscious, centered being from a person who is not so conscious is simply the focus of their awareness. It’s not a difference in the consciousness itself. All consciousness is the same. Just as all light from the sun is the same, all awareness is the same. Consciousness is neither pure nor impure; it has no qualities. It’s just there, aware that it’s aware. The difference is that when your consciousness is not centered within, it becomes totally focused on the objects of consciousness. When you are a centered being, however, your consciousness is always aware of being conscious. Your awareness of being is independent of the inner and outer objects you happen to be aware of.” (p. 55)

 

So now we continue our discussion of consciousness with this idea of ‘pure’ consciousness. When I was reaching the test for my 1st degree black belt in Xin-Tao karate back in the summer of 2013 (achieved it at the end of September that same year) I started talking with my instructor about the material for the 2nd degree (and higher) black belts.  He started talking about expanding consciousness, meditation, and awareness to such a degree that our actions act before we can tell our body to do so. Much like muscle memory tied to spiritual/ mental consciousness training.    Sadly, the school closed a month after my 1st degree test and, while it did reopen, I’ve not had the time due to my C.N.A. job to return and explore what Sensei Keeler had to offer; but through reading this book, I think I’m getting a glimpse of the material in a way that may help me decipher the minutia of what is taught after 1st Degree.

 

“If you really want to understand this difference, you must begin by realizing that consciousness can focus on anything. That being the case, what if consciousness were to focus on itself? When that happens, instead of being aware of your thoughts, you’re aware that you’re aware of your thoughts. You have turned the light of consciousness back onto itself. You’re always contemplating something, but this time you’re contemplating the source of consciousness. This is true meditation. True meditation is beyond the act of simple, one-pointed concentration. For the deepest meditation, you must not only have the ability to focus your consciousness completely on one object, you must also have the ability to make awareness itself be that object. In the highest state, the focus on consciousness is turned back to the Self.”

(p.55-56)

This is a big rabbit hole to fall down, but let’s tackle this idea of consciousness focusing on consciousness (and thus focusing on focusing on consciousness, etc. etc. forever- hence the rabbit hole). I’ll do my best not to be redundant or lose my footing.

SO the difference between centered consciousness and uncentered consciousness is this idea of getting lost in the thoughts that continually bombard our minds just below the surface. Centered consciousness is like having a guide (which is yourself) to help you focus on what you want to focus on and get the results that you wish to through meditation. Where as uncentered consciousness is sort of falling down a rabbit hole; you want to focus on the thoughts you’re having at any given time and find some calm space but with every little vagrant thought you lose your step and fall.  After a few of these faltering you will only end up frustrated and having negative thoughts of failure tied to the attempt- which can impact through memory the next time you attempt to reach your inner self.

“When you contemplate the nature of Self, you are meditating. That is why meditation is the highest state. It is the return to the root of your being, the simple awareness of being aware. Once you become conscious of the consciousness itself, you attain a totally different state. You are now aware of who you are. You have become an awakened being.  It’s really just the most natural thing in the world. Here I am. Here I always was. It’s like you have been on the couch watching TV, but you were so totally immersed in the show that you forgot where you were. Some shook you, and now you’re back to the awareness that you’re sitting on the couch watching TV. Nothing else changed. You simply stopped projecting your sense of self onto that particular object of consciousness. You woke up. That is spirituality. That is the nature of Self. That is who you are.” (p. 56)

Meditation has been a huge issue of mine. I’ve written a lot about it, including in these reflections, but I’m trying passive thought meditations such as simply thinking about what I’m thinking about and the root cause of my stray thoughts or feelings. Being highly empathetic I also must check in periodically to make sure the feelings I’m feeling are my own and not just something I got off of someone around me.

But through asking yourself questions about what you’re feeling and why your feeling that; what is distracting you from focusing on that inner voice inside your head? And questions along these lines; perhaps you can, over time, cultivate a habit to finding a way around the things that distract you; and find out who you are; not who you think you are- but who you truly are at your core.

“As you pull back into the consciousness, this world ceases to be a problem. It’s just something you’re watching. It keeps changing, but there is no sense of that being a problem. The more you are willing to just let the world be something you’re aware of, the more it will let you be who you are—the awareness, the Self, the Atman, the Soul.

You realize you’re not who you thought you were. You’re not even a human being. You just happen to be watching one. You will begin to have deep experiences within your own center of consciousness. These will be deep, intuitive experiences of the true nature of Self. You will find that you are tremendously expansive. . . “ (p.56-57)

 This state described here is something I’ve rarely, if ever, experienced in my life; but something I’ve tried to reach.  I understand that the great sages say that it must come from a place inside myself to resonate and be truthful to me. But that almost makes it more frustrating that I can’t reach it in a way.  Sort of like I’m letting myself down or failing myself.  Now that I’m older and a bit wiser, I’m working hard on finding something that works for me. I’ve been using karate and tae kwon do forms for focus and meditation; Which seems to be working to an extent in that, it makes my mind focus on what I’m doing and the immediate next step and nothing else.  For someone with ADHD and 1,000 thoughts a second; this is the closest I can get to a meditative state; and even then; I still have issues with this. But I’m working on it; which is almost more important as it’s going to teach me patience, calming skills. And WHEN I’m successful; I’ll have a way to meditate that works for me.

“When you start to explore your consciousness instead of form, you realize that your consciousness only appears to be small and limited because you are focused on small and limited objects. (Focus determines your reality) That’s exactly what happens when you’re focusing solely on the TV-there’s nothing else in your world. If you pull back, however, you can see the whole room, including the TV. Likewise, instead of just focusing so intently on this one human being’s thoughts, emotions, and sensory world, you can pull back and see everything. You can move from the finite to the infinite. Isn’t this what they’ve been trying to tell us- Christ, Buddha, and the great saints and sages of all time and all religions? (p.57)

So, much like many of the other lessons so far; our focus does determine our reality. If we think we’re small; we become small. Alternatively, if we think we are big, and have big dreams and can focus on the small steps needed to obtain them; then we become BIG and achieve great things. A part of my issues are, with my ADHD, I am great at the BIG picture stuff; but when it comes time to cut it up into smaller pieces (i.e. Outlining a book; outlining a proposal; organizing a belt rank for my program, etc); I have issues.  But, alternatively, once that process is complete; I’m able to achieve the BIG goal faster and without getting to overwhelmed. It’s sort of a catch-22 sometimes; if things don’t line up right I can be paralyzed; but when things DO line up right; I achieve my goals faster then originally thought possible.

“One of these great saints, Ramana Maharshi, used to ask, ‘Who am I?’ We see now that this is very deep question. Ask it ceaselessly, constantly. Ask it and you will notice that you are the answer. There is no intellectual answer- you are the answer. Be the answer, and everything will change.”

I will continue to work on becoming more awake and more conscious. I will also focus on small acts of devotion. Lately I’ve been seeking my own path to my creator (God) and I’ve been pushing myself to mature and to let go of the anger and hatred for the followers of the faith I was raised in; and to see the beauty of God and the beauty of the world and to find some inner peace and then go from there.

I think these studies are a solid step in the right direction and I look forward to what Singer discusses next.

-Mitchell Pennell

4/3/18

The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Reflections by Apprentice Mitchell Pennell (Blackbeltmitpen)

(01/09/18; 1/10/18;1/11/18;1/12/18;1/13/18;1/16/18; 1/18/18)

Section 1: Awakening Consciousness: Chapter 3: Who are you? (p. 33-44)

 

So, we’ve dealt with this little voice inside our head; we’ve learned to listen and the importance of self-honesty regarding what it says, and Oh Boy, does it have lots to say!  In the last chapter we learned that we aren’t a blind slave to this voice; It doesn’t have to be what defines us.  So that leave us a question: if we aren’t this voice inside our head, then who are we?  And with that question in mind; I turn the page and see what Singer has to say on the subject.

“Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950), a great teacher in the yogic tradition, used to say that to attain inner freedom one must continuously and sincerely ask the question, ‘Who am I?’ He taught that this was more important than reading books, learning Matras, or going to holy places. Just ask, ‘Who am I? Who sees when I see? Who hears when I hear? Who knows that I am aware? Who am I?’

Let’s explore this question by playing a game. Make believe that you and I are having a conversation. Typically, in Western culture, when someone comes up to you and asks, ‘Excuse me, who are you?’ you don’t admonish them for asking such a deep question. You tell them your name, Sally Smith. But I’m going to challenge that response by taking out a piece of paper and writing the letters S-a-l-l-y S-m-i-t-h, and then showing it to you. Is that who you are- a collection of letters? Is that who sees when you see? Obviously not, so you say.

                “Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry. I’m not Sally Smith. That’s just a name people call me. It’s a label. Really, I’m Fran Smith’s wife.”

No way, that’s not even politically correct nowadays. How could you be Frank Smith’s wife? Are you saying you didn’t exist before you met Frank, and you would cease to exist if he died or you got remarried? Frank Smith’s wife can’t be who you are. Again, that’s just another label, the result of another situation or event you participated in. But then, who are you? This time you respond,

‘Okay, now you have my attention. My label is Sally Smith. I was born in 1965 in New York. I lived in Queens with my parents, Harry and Mary Jones, until I was five years old. Then we moved to New Jersey and I went to Newark Elementary School. . .. I went to Rutgers College where I met and married Frank Smith. That is who I am.”

Wait a minute, that’s a fascinating story, but I didn’t ask you what had happened to you since you were born. I asked you, ‘who are you?’ You’ve just described all these experiences, but who had these experiences? Wouldn’t you still be in there, aware of your existence, even if you had gone to a different college?

So, you contemplate this, and you realize that never in your life have you asked yourself that question and really meant it. Who am I? That is what Ramama Maharshi was asking. So, you ponder this more seriously and you say,

“Okay. I am the body that is occupying this space. I am five feet six and I weigh 135 pounds, and here I am”

When you were Dorothy in the fifth grade play you weren’t five feet six, you were four feet six. So, which are you? . . .”

(p.34-36)

I’ve wrestled with this question of identity a lot over my life. I wrote once about Titles and definitions to discuss a portion of my ideas and don’t wish to rehash those exact points but let’s talk about this a bit. Are we the voice inside our head? Are we simply a duality battling one another for dominance? Are our conscious mind and subconscious mind really at war?

So now we get to defining ourselves on our own terms, as it were, by stripping away the titles and names we have had placed by social norms, or subconsciously placed on ourselves as a part of defining our IDENTITY.  I find myself wondering if these titles- which most mystics see as a distraction from self-knowledge- may be harnessed to qualify and expand on our self-identity and not just as a band aid?

We’ll see how these ideas change as I continue with this chapter.

“. . . Who sees when you see? Who hears when you hear? Who watches the dreams? Who looks at the images in the mirror? Who is it that is having all these experiences? If you try to just give honest, intuitive answers, you are simply going to say, ‘Me. It’s me. I’m in here experiencing all of this.’ That’s about the best answer you’ll have.

It’s actually pretty easy to see that you’re -not the object you look at. It’s a classic case of subject-object. It’s you, the subject, that is looking at the objects. So, we don’t have to go through every object in the universe and say that object is not you. We can very easily generalize by saying that if you are the one who is looking at something, then that something is not you. So right away, in one fell swoop, you know what you’re not: You’re not the outside world. You’re the one who is inside looking out at that world.” (p. 37-38)

I feel in agreement with this above quote. There’s a lot of minutia that is involved in the realm of spirituality, ethics, and religion; and all of it comes from how one defines their environment and their reactions to it.   If we are supposed to find a good definition for who we truly are- as this chapter seems to wish to teach us- We don’t have to go through everything we aren’t. We don’t have to define ourselves by what we aren’t as this would take a lifetime and could create a passive negative viewpoint of the outside world.  We, in fact, only have to be honest with who is experiencing the events of our lives; who is it that is living in our head? Who is that is thinking our thoughts? Once we’ve answered those questions, we’ll be well on the way spiritual freedom. Singer expanse on this with the idea of the “experiencing mind.”

“Now at least we’ve eliminated the countless things outside. But who are you? And where are you if you’re not outside with all the other things? You just have to pay attention and realize that you would still be in there experiencing feelings even if all the outside objects disappeared. Imagine how much fear you would feel. You might also feel frustration, and even anger. But who would be feeling these things? Again, you say “Me!” And that ‘s the right answer. The same ‘me’ experiences both the outside world and the inside emotions.” (p.38)

“. . . In essence, inside and outside objects compete for your attention. You are in there having both inner and outer experiences- but who are you?

To explore this more deeply, answer another question: Don’t you have times when you’re not having emotional experiences and, instead, you just feel quiet inside? You’re still in there, but you’re just aware of peaceful quiet. Eventually, you will begin to realize that the outside world and the flow of inner emotions come and go. But you, the one who experiences these things, remain consciously aware of whatever passes before you.

This is an interesting side effect or perhaps a primary effect of being aware of what is happening around you. You can, as most people do, have moments when things sort of “fall apart” and they “see clearly” but these things are few and far between. I think that being enlightened is simply a state of you being completely honest and present within yourself and the world around you. Which is probably why its so hard to attain. But let’s talk more about who we are and how we define who we are, according to Mr. Singer.

But where are you? Maybe we can find you in your thoughts. Rene’ Descartes, a great philosopher, once said, “I think, therefore I am.” But is that really what’s going on? The dictionary defines the verb ‘to think’ as ‘to form thoughts, to use the mind to consider ideas and make judgements’ (Microsoft Encarta 2007) The question is, who is using the mind to form thoughts and then manipulate them into ideas and judgements? Does this experiencer of thought exist even thoughts are not present? Fortunately, you don’t have to think about it. You are very aware of your presence of being, your sense of existence, without the help of thoughts. When you go into deep meditation, for example, the thoughts stop. You know that they’ve stopped. You don’t ‘think’ it, you are simply aware of ‘no thoughts.’ You come back and say, ‘Wow, I went into this deep meditation, and for the first time my thoughts completely stopped. I was in a place of complete peace, harmony, and quiet.’ If you are in there experiencing the peace that occurs when your thoughts stop, then obviously your existence is not dependent upon the act of thinking.

Thoughts can stop, and they can also get extremely noisy. Sometimes you have many more thoughts than other times. You may even tell someone, ‘My mind is driving me crazy. Ever since he said those things to me, I can’t even sleep. My mind just won’t shut up.” Whose mind? Who is noticing these thoughts? Isn’t it you? Don’t you hear your thoughts inside? Aren’t you aware of their existence? In fact, can’t you get rid of them? If you start to have a thought you don’t like, can’t you try to make it go away? . . . “

(p.39-40)

Governing emotion seems to be a pretty big part of ones’ own search for inner peace. What I mean by that is that when you start to take stock of what you’re feeling; we have to think constructively about what we’re thinking (this could spiral into crazy nothingness if not properly done) We’ve already discussed how ones’ focus determines ones’ reality- there are many examples I could give. Two people can experience the exact same event and remember completely different and often times conflicting details.  Take a bank robbery. Some people will say after the shock wears off that there were 4 gunmen; others will say 3. Some will say they were wearing blue jackets; others will insist that they were wearing black. Our minds aren’t that great- especially under stress- at having complete and total recall of even mundane details.

Now that’s not the best example so I’ll give another one: Muscle memory. You don’t have to constantly think about who you are to be yourself. You have your identity overtime seared into your subconscious. You become you, in a sense.  But you will still have your thoughts; and your feelings about the events in your day to day life or in your history. But if you can calm your thoughts; you’ll realize that you can exist without thinking about it; like breathing; it just happens (I could go into the medical physiological reasons we breathe without thinking about it but that’ll become a great rant and distract from the message here).

The overall thing is that you can, with practice, stop your overactive thinking. You can calm your mind. But who is it that is doing this? Who is having this thought or that thought? Who is in control? That’s what this chapter seems to be focusing on.  And, at least, at this point, I’m going to say that I am in control of me. I am always me; even if I’m not thinking about who I am- it doesn’t stop my existence.

This may be an oversimplification but that’s what I got from this chapter; and this book so far.

 

“You are not your thoughts. You are simply aware of your thoughts. Finally, you say,

‘Fine. I’m not anything in the outside world and I’m not the emotions. These outer and inner objects come and go, and I experience them. Plus, I’m not the thoughts. They can be quiet or noisy, happy or sad. Thoughts are just something else I’m aware of. But who am I?’

It starts to become a serious question: ‘who am I?’ Who is having all these physical, emotional, and mental experiences? So, you contemplate this question a little deeper. This is done by letting go of the experiences and noticing who is left. You will begin to notice who is experiencing the experience. Eventually, you will get to a point within yourself where you realize that you, the experiencer, have a certain quality. And that quality is awareness, consciousness, an intuitive sense of existence, you don’t have to think about it; you just know. . .. TO make this more experiential, let’s try a consciousness experiment. Notice that with a single glance at a room, or out a window, you instantaneously see the full detail of everything that’s in front of you. You are effortlessly aware of all the objects that are within the scope of your vision, both near and far away. Without moving your head or eyes, you perceive all the intricate detail of what you immediately see. Look at all the colors, the variations of light, the grain of wood furniture, the architecture of buildings, and the variations of bark and leaves on trees. Notice that you take all this in at once, without having to think about it. . . Now try to use thoughts to isolate, label, and describe all the intricate details of what you see. . . “

(TRY THE EXPERIMENT: WHAT DO I SEE/FEEL?) Talk about effortlessness of this awareness in my own experiment.

 So, this was a pretty interesting experiment. Initially I just saw the multitudes of “things” that I’m surrounded with; Movies, books, electronics, clothing, artwork, etc. The regular trappings of any basic bedroom. Then I tried to see everything, and it was very strange. Everything had a scent; everything had mass and substance; everything also seemed to blur into the fabric of existence. But I was able to perceive everything around me.  And over time I was able to name, and slowly label everything within my sight.  Now I have to look within and see who is experiencing this.  Well, of course, my answer is that I am experiencing this. I am the body that sits in this chair; I am the eyes that sees the contents of this room; I am the skin that feels the air within the room; I am everything here and connected to everything in here.

“Consciousness is the highest word you will ever utter. There is nothing higher or deeper than consciousness. Consciousness is pure awareness. But what is awareness? Let’s try another experiment. Let’s say you’re in a room looking at a group of people and a piano. Now make believe the piano ceases to exist in your world. Would you have a major problem with that? You say. “No, I don’t think so. I’m not attached to pianos.” Okay then, make believe the people in the room cease to exist. Are you still okay? Can you handle it? You say, “Sure, I like being alone.” Now make believe your awareness doesn’t exist. Just turn it off. How are you doing now?

What would it be like if your awareness didn’t exist? It’s actually pretty simple- you wouldn’t be there. There would be no more sense of ‘me’. There wouldn’t be anyone in there to say, ‘Wow, I used to be in here but now I’m not.’ There would no longer be an awareness of being.  And without awareness of being, or consciousness, there is nothing. Are there objects? Who knows? If no one is aware of the objects, their existence or nonexistence becomes completely irrelevant. It doesn’t matter how many things are in front of you; if you are conscious, however, there can be nothing in front of you, but you are fully aware that there is nothing. It’s really not that complicated, and it’s very enlightening.

So now if I ask you, ‘Who are you?’ you answer.

“I’m the one who sees. From back in here somewhere. I look out, and I am aware of the events, thoughts, and emotions that pass before me.”

(p.42-43)

This book has such high concepts; which I am enjoying but also are hurting my brain a bit. A lot of this book reiterates the same messages from chapter to chapter; but this chapter is about finding out who we are as individuals.   This next chunk gets to the idea of consciousness. My karate instructor used to talk for hours about consciousness with regards to bettering the martial arts practitioner. The study of eastern philosophies and religions such as Buddhism, and Taoism tackle the idea of consciousness.  You are your conscious and subconscious thoughts; and perhaps, according to Michael Singer, you’re something much more? Like living, breathing synergy where the total is greater then the sum of the parts.

“If you go very deep, that is where you live. You live in the seat of consciousness. A true spiritual being lives there, without effort and without intent. Just as you effortlessly look outside and see all that you see, you will eventually sit far enough back inside to see all your thoughts and emotions, as well as outer form. . . The thoughts are closer in the emotions are a little further away; and form is way out there. . . Behind it all, there are you. You go so deep that you realize that’s where you’ve always been. At each stage of your life you have seen different thoughts, emotions, and objects pass before you. . . Now you are in your center of consciousness. You are behind everything, just watching. That is your true home. Take everything away and you’re still there, aware that everything is gone. But take the center of awareness away, and there is nothing. That center is the seat of Self. . . But now you are aware that you’re aware. That is the seat of the Buddhist Self, the Hindu Atma, and the Judeo-Christian Soul. The great mystery begins once you take that seat deep within. “(p. 43-44)

Living in this seat of consciousness is probably the closest any one person can come to Buddhahood or Christhood; There’s whole books written on this subject; this one included.  But now that you’ve hopefully reached or started to see the road to reach this state of consciousness; your life should improve.  I can only speak for myself. I’ve written a lot about my journey in martial arts; and my career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and the pros and cons of these pursuits.

Awareness is so important to everyday life; if you can obtain your own state of comfort within awareness; the things that muddle up life and make goals difficult to obtain can be seen for the distractions that they are, and those distractions can be overcome.

I look forward to the next chapter of Mr. Singers book and all the questions and answers it’ll pose to me to consider.

 

The Untethered Soul By Micheal A. Singer

Reflections By Apprentice Mitchell Pennell (Blackbeltmitpen)

Section 1: Awakening Consciousness: Chapter 2 Your Inner Roommate (12/10/17;12/11/17; 01/02/18;01/05/18; 1/08/18)

 

“Your inner growth is completely dependent upon the realization that the only way to find peace and contentment is to stop thinking about yourself. You’re ready to grow when you finally realize that the “I” who is always talking inside will never be content. It always has a problem with something. Honestly, when was the last time you really had nothing bothering you? . . . The bottom line is, you’ll never be free of problems until you are free from the part within that has so many problems. When a problem is disturbing you, don’t ask, ‘what should I do about it?’ Ask, ‘ What part of me is being disturbed by this?”  If you ask, ‘What should I do about it?’ you’ve already fallen into believing that there really is a problem outside that must be dealt with. If you want to achieve peace in the face of your problems, you must understand why you perceive a particular situation as a problem. If you’re feeling jealousy, instead of trying to see how you can protect yourself, just ask, ‘What part of me is jealous?’ That will cause you to look inside and see that there’s a part of you that’s having a problem with jealousy.” (p.20)

This, like the other material specifically the Watts ‘Meditation” essay, and “The Mind walk” Review; To become aware and alert of the path that you’re on; or how you’re feeling; you must be honest with yourself about your feelings to improve your life.  Singer goes on to clarify this with the next part.

“Once you clearly see the disturbed part, then ask, ‘Who is it that sees this? Who notices this inner disturbance?” Asking this is the solution to your every problem.” (p.21)

I like this thought of self-reflection creating a distance between the individual and thinking brain; where you are forced to look at “the writing on the wall” as it were- and think using various aspects of your brain.  By having abject distance from your thoughts and the events around you will allow you to have a true sense of reality and a true sense to the entire problem you are facing- and what problems may not actually be “problems”; and by doing so, you can truly start to solve them.

“ The process of seeing something requires a subject-object relationship. The subject is called “The Witness” because it is what you are seeing, in this case the inner disturbance. This act of maintaining objective awareness of the inner problem is always better than losing yourself in the outer situation. This is the essential difference between a spiritually minded person and a worldly person. Worldly doesn’t mean that you have money or stature. Worldly means that you think the solution to your inner problems is in the world outside. You think that if you change things outside, you’ll be okay. But nobody has ever truly become okay by changing things outside. There’s always the next problem. The only real solution is to take the seat of witness consciousness and completely change your frame of reference. . . You have to break the habit of thinking that the solution to your problems is to rearrange things outside. The only permanent solution to your problems is to go inside and let go of the part of you that seems to have so many problems with reality. Once you do that, you’ll be clear enough to deal with what’s left.”

(p.21-22)

 

To begin our self-discovery; once we’ve tried to quiet that voice in our head- we have to then use some terms in order to relate who we are with what we are experiencing.   There’s a old adage about not being able to control the world- but being able to control how one reacts to the world around them.   I feel that sentiment was what Mr. Singer was referring to above.   Once we realize that we are not the problem we are experiencing; we can better get to the root of that problem and on with our lives (and what ever problem may come next.)

“There really is a way to let go of the part of you that sees everything as a problem. It may seem impossible, but it’s not. There is a part of your being that can actually abstract from your own melodrama. You can watch yourself be jealous and angry. You don’t have to think about it or analyze it; you can just be aware of it.” (p.22)

So in reading this; I’m reminded of Watts “Meditation” assignment. I have a feeling a lot of what this book will talk about will over lap conceptually with Watts and his views; as these things seem to be universally understood or at least universally sought to be understood.  By disengaging from your experiences as they are happening; you can view them as like a “TV Show” that stars someone that seems to be like you; and through that you can better process the world without emotion; without fear or hope or hatred; clouding your view. (which sounds like quintessential Jedi)

Singer discusses the Subject-Object Relationship of this:

“Who is it that sees all this? Who notices the changes going on inside? When you tell a friend, ‘ Every time I talk to Tom, it gets me so upset,’ how do you know it gets you upset? You know that it gets you upset because you’re in there and you see what’s going on in there. There’s a separation between you and the anger or the jealousy. You are the one who’s in there noticing these things. Once you take that seat of consciousness, you can get rid of these personal disturbances. You start by watching. Just be aware that you are aware of what is going on in there. It’s easy. What you’ll notice is that you’re watching a human being’s personality with all its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a though there’s someone in there with you. You might actually say you have a ‘roommate.’ (p.22-23)

So now we get to the name of this chapter. This inner roommate that constantly talks to you; even as I’m working on this I can hear my voice say these words as I’m typing them.  While we’ve discussed that voice already; we must realize, according to this chapter, that this is a separate part of us, and NOT our entire selves.    Once we start to take a step back, we can to declutter our mental clutter and get to the truth of any issue or situation we’re experiencing or have experienced.

I feel like the rest of this chapter is going to simply reiterate this idea; while introducing us to other avenues of seeing these concepts.  I will do my best to focus on the different avenues of each example with the assumption that everything will reiterate the basic idea of this chapter. Any deviations will be addressed as they come up. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Next we’re going to discuss how to get in touch with this voice; according to Mr. Singer.

“ If you would like to meet your roommate, just try to sit inside yourself for a while in complete solitude and silence. You have the right; it’s your inner domain. But instead of finding silence, you’re going to listen to incessant chatter:

‘Why am I doing this? I have more important things to do. This is a waste of time. There’s nobody in here but me. What’s this all about?”

Right on cue, there’s your roommate. You may have a clear intention to be quiet inside, but your roommate won’t cooperate. And it’s not just when you try to be quiet. It has something to say about everything you look at: “I like it. I don’t like it. This is good. That’s bad.” It just talks and talks. You don’t generally notice because you don’t step back from it. You’re so close that you don’t realize that you’re actually hypnotized into listening to it.

Basically, you’re not alone in there. There are two distinct aspects of your inner being. The first is you, the awareness, the witness, the center of your willful intentions; and the other is that which you watch. The problem is, the part that you watch never shuts up. If you could get rid of that part, even for a moment, the peace and serenity would be the nicest vacation you’ve ever had.”

(p.23-24)

 

There’s the first step; The chattering inner monologue we all live with; I want to discuss this last part- the duality of the aspects of you.  The awareness or what Singer calls the “Witness”, is sort of like your ego- the part of you that never shuts up and basically narrates and thus shapes your feelings about your experiences and thus shaping in a major way, the way you experience and define “reality.”  A thought I had that may fit this is my experience with “Masks.”   There’s a lot of people who have different faces; they have a professional face- like when I’m at my C.N.A job- my focus is on the welfare and care of my residents and the minutia of my job.  That’s my C.N.A Face.  Or my other professional face- the kind, compassionate person who directs children and adults in learning self-defense in a fun and productive way. That’s my Martial Arts Instructor face.  These are still both fundamentally me, but the focus is different.    The inner monologue talks constantly to me- that is too all the sides of me that I just described.  Growing a better two-way communication between my conscious and subconscious selves can help create a truly well-rounded self-aware adult.

 

“Imagine what it would be like if you didn’t have to bring this thing with you everywhere you go. Real spiritual growth is about getting out of this predicament. But first, you have to realize that you’ve been locked in there with a maniac. In any situation or circumstance, your roommate could suddenly decide, ‘I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to talk to this person.’ You would immediately feel tense and uncomfortable. Your roommate can ruin anything you’re doing without a moment’s notice. If could ruin your wedding day, or even your wedding night! That part of you can ruin anything and everything, and it generally does.” (p.24)

 A wise man in the Star Wars universe once said, “Your focus determines your reality.”   If we can focus on our goals, and not be driven by the incessant chatter in our heads, perhaps we can start to get control of this roommate or at the very least, live cooperatively.  If we can’t find a balance, we may have the voice push us or pull us into situations that are unhealthy, or that can undermine our spiritual growth. We must be in control of that voice inside our head and “Wake up” our consciousness to the world around us and how we define that world.

“. . .Once you see what this can do to your life, you are ready for spiritual growth. You’re ready for real transformation when you finally say, ‘Look at this thing. It’s ruining my life. I’m trying to live a peaceful, meaningful existence, but I feel like I’m sitting on top of a volcano. As any moment this thing can decide to freak, close down, and fight with what’s happening. One day it likes someone, and the next day it decides to pick on everything they do. My life is a mess just because this thing that lives in here with me has to make a melodrama out of everything.’ Once you’ve seen this, and learn to no longer identify with your roommate, you’re ready to free yourself.

 

“If you haven’t reached this awareness yet, just start to watch. Spend a day watching every single thing your roommate does. Start in the morning and see if you can notice what it’s saying in every situation. Every time you meet somebody, every time the phone rings, just try to watch. A good time to watch it talk it while you’re taking a shower. Just watch what that voice has to say. You will see that it never lets you just take a peaceful shower. Your shower is for washing the body, not for watching the mind talk nonstop. See if you can stay conscious enough throughout the entire experience to be aware of what’s going on. You’ll be shocked by what you see. It just jumps from one subject to the next. The incessant chatter seems so neurotic that you won’t believe that it’s always that way. But it is.

You have to watch this if you want to be free of it. You don’t have to do anything about it, but you must get wise to the predicament you’re in. You have to realize that somehow, you’ve ended up with a mess for an inner roommate. If you want it to be peaceful in there, you’re going to have to fix this situation. The way to catch on to what your inner roommate is really like is to personify it externally. Make believe that your roommate, your psyche, has a body of its own. You do this by taking the entire personality that you hear talking to you inside the imagine it as a person talking to you on the outside. Just imagine that another person is now saying everything that your inner voice would say. Now spend a day with that person.”

(P.25-26)

Watching what the voice says without getting caught up in it; we fix this by Personification of your inner roommate.  By trying to be consciously aware of what our subconscious is doing; we can better communicate with our inner selves and feel more complete spiritually. Let me discuss that a bit now; There’s A LOT of ethical, psychological, and spiritual writings demonstrating that Mankind is a Duality (or more).  There’s the person we are to the world; the mask we wear to work which I’ve already discussed, the role of the good son/daughter or sibling; and there’s the person you are when you’re all alone.  I’ve spent the last few years at this temple working through the assignments and pushing my boundaries.  So now we start to personify this personality; by creating a dialogue with your inner self you can connect to your own thoughts and feelings and make genuine progress spiritually speaking.

 

 

“Will you do this experiment? Don’t try to make the person stop talking. Just try to get to know what you live with inside by externalizing the voice. Give it a body and put it out there in the world just like everybody else. Let it be a person who says on the outside exactly what the voice of your mind says inside. Now make that person your best friend. After all, how many friends do you spend all of your time with a pay absolute attention to every word they say?

How would you feel if someone outside really started talking to you the way your inner voice does? How would you relate to a person who opened their mouth to say everything your mental voice say? After a very short period of time, you would tell them to leave and never come back. But when your inner friend continuously speaks up, you don’t ever tell it to leave. No matter how much trouble it causes, you listen. There’s almost nothing that voice can say that you don’t pay full attention to. It pulls you right out of whatever you’re doing, no matter how enjoyable, and suddenly you’re paying attention to whatever it has to say. . . “

(p.27-28)

When Alan Watts taught us about meditation, he discussed this ‘Getting in touch’ with our inner selves.  Through an experiment of passively listening to this chatter, we can externalize this voice as a separate entity that we can interact with.    This chatter can be pretty nerve wracking, and distracting but with enough practice, you can overcome it and not be drawn back into its meaningless constant chatter. Singer makes a great analogy to this unseen friend; when one is seen outwardly to mutter to themselves; they seem quite strange to others; the more they mutter- or in our case; give voice to this internal chatter- the more they are seen as “other”; or the more strange they are precieved.

“. . . Once you’ve spent a day with your friend, what is the probability you’d go to them for advice? After seeing how often this person changed their mind, how conflicted they were on so many subjects, and how emotionally overreactive they tended to be, would you ever ask them for relationship or financial advice?. . . The bottom line is undeniable: If somehow that voice managed to manifest in a body outside if you, and you had to take it with you everywhere you went, you wouldn’t last a day. If somebody were to ask you what your new friend is like, you’d say, ‘This is one seriously disturbed person. Just look up nerosis in the dictionary and you’ll get the picture.” (p.29)

 

“When you’ve sincerely triedf these practices of self-observation and awareness, you’ll see that you’re in trouble. You’ll realize that you’ve only had one problem your entire life, and you’re looking at it. It’s pretty much the cause of every problem you’ve ever had. Now the question becomes, how do you get rid of this inner troublemaker? The first thing you’ll realize is that there’s no hope of getting rid of it until you really want to.  Until you’ve watched your roommate long enough to truly understand the predicament you’re in, you really have no basis for practices that help you deal with the mind. Once you’ve made the decision to free yourself from the mental melodrama, you are ready for teachings and techniques. . . . You will be relieved to know that you are not the first person to have this problem. There are those who have gone before you whio found themselves in the same situation. Many of them looked for guidance from those who had mastered this field of knowledge. They were  given techniques, such as yoga, which were created to help in this process. Yoga is not really about getting your body healthy, although it does that too. Yoga is about the knowledge that will help you out of your predicament, the knowledge that can free you. . . You will eventually catch on that you have to distance yourself from your psyche. You do this by setting the direction of your life when you’re clear and not letting the wavering mind deter you. Your will is stronger than the habit of listening to that voice. There is nothing you can’t do. . . As it is right now, your life is not your own; it belongs to your inner roommate, the psyche. You have to take it back. Stand firm in the seat of the witness and release the hold that the habitual mind has on you. This is your life- reclaim it.” (p.31-32)

Now we come to the end of this section, with our inner roommate chattering along; and who has been chattering on for our entire life.  In order to change this we first have to WANT to change.  Luckily there’s been quite a resurgence of eastern philosophy in the western world. Many people now turn to Buddhism, or Taoism, or Martial Arts; or even Yoga for something to connect them to their own inner personality- Their own inner roommate.

I’ve been training in martial arts for a few years now and, while I came to it to cure from a sexual assault and become reempowered, I also found all the great benefits to my health, my self esteem, and my overall fitness. I found some peace, in time, and I got in quite good shape. Shape I hope to return to through renewed training this calandar year.  This training has helped me find a peace between the spirituality of the east that is an inherint part of martial arts; and the physical applications of the training.

I’ve also sought out my own inner roommate many times in other ways. I think my initial dislike of the holy roman catholic church was because they didn’t deal with the internal arts or strengthening the personal relationship with God- at least in my church, the message was all about the crucifixion and very little if at all focused on what Jesus ACTUALLY taught during his brief time here.  I’ve had a topsy-turvy relationship with organized Christian churches since then; but I feel that perhaps soon I will be comfortable enough in my own skin- within my own short comings- and my own self-guided theological studies as well as the training through this temple; that perhaps I could have a more meaningful relationship with God and put aside my anger and angst; Perhaps through getting in touch with my own inner roommate.

“. . . Perhaps you would benefit from researching the "experiencing self" and the "narrating self" that is the duality of our human existential phenomenology. This time, I'll let you find your own sources as they are pretty abundant ("The Untethered Soul", "Sapiens/Homo Deus" &c) We'll be looking at existential phenomenology quite a lot as seen through the perspective of a Western mind's uptake on Taoism. It'll be an adventure ...”- Alexandre Orion

With this as my guidance, I researched “The Untethered Soul” by Micheal A. Singer; and will be using that for my next assignment. I will try harder to focus more on my conceptual understanding of the material; as well as quote/response but that’ll be a secondary focus.

I hope you’ll enjoy this.

*A note on the structure of this book and thus the structure of this essay:  I will be doing some research during writing this and after in order to make sure I have a complete understanding of the material. This book (“The Untethered Heart”) is 19 chapters over 5 Sections; So this assignment will have 19 minor parts (chapters).  I will reflect on each one separately; and as a whole- through the 5 sections- to make sure that the assignment is well rounded and complete to my best ability.

-Mitchell Pennell

Apprentice Exercise # 4: Part 1: “The Untethered Heart” by Micheal A. Singer

Section 1: Awakening Consciousness

Chapter One: The Voice inside your head (p.8-18) (7/09/17; 7/10/17; 7/13/17; 7/17/17; 7/26/17; 7/31/17; 8/10/17; 8/11/17; 8/15/17; 8/17/17)

This starts with an explanation of the narrating, distracting, constant companion of the voice inside our head.  Every conscious thought that crosses our mind is this voice talking to us. But it isn’t US. The main goal of this section is to make that fact as perfectly clear as possible.

Just now as I was writing this; That voice inside my head-which seems to be as ADHD as I am; or perhaps it IS my ADHD; wanted me to do anything else.  It reminded me that I have laundry to put away; that I shouldn’t forget to eat while I work on this assignment; It told me that I should focus on something else; that I should stop this and work on writing my novels; or put on Netflix; or text my friend and see how she’s doing.  Just because it seemed to be quite demanding of me to complete all of these tasks all at the same time; it also realizes that that is impossible.

So I trudge onward; in spite of this voice because I have a new assignment; and I’m excited to put in the effort to work on it; to learn and to grow and to move forward. It sadly also- by the way- reminded me that all of these studies aren’t helping me accomplish anything long lasting such as a college degree, or a way to find a better job, etc.

I think this voice is simply becoming a dear constant friend; while simultaneously being an untrustworthy distraction from what I wish to accomplish. And after all; it’s just another side of me; or perhaps it IS me? I’ll see what Mr. Singer has to say on the subject and, go from there.

“If you spend some time observing this mental voice, the first thing you will notice is that in never shuts up. When left to its own, it just talks. Imagine if you were to see someone walking around constantly talking to himself. You’d think he was strange. You’d wonder, ‘If he’s the one who’s talking and he’s the one who’s listening, he obviously knows what’s going to be said before he says it. So what’s the point? . . . If you watch carefully, you’d see that it’s just trying to find a comfortable place to rest. . . . if you pay attention, these mental patterns will become obvious to you. It’s actually a shocking realization when you first notice that your mind is constantly talking. You might even try to yell at it in a feeble attempt to shut it up. By then you realize that’s the voice yelling at the voice: “Shut up! I want to go to sleep. Why do you have to talk all the time?” (p.9-10)

“. . . The best way to free yourself from this incessant chatter is to step back and view it objectively. Just view the voice as a vocalizing mechanism that is capable of making it appear like someone is in there talking to you. Don’t think about it: just notice it. No matter what the voice is saying, it’s all the same. . . In fact, the only way to get distance from this voice is to stop differentiating what it’s saying. Stop feeling that one thing it says is you and the other thing it says is not you. If you’re hearing it talk, it’s obviously not you. . . . There is a voice talking, and there is you who notices the voice talking. The problem is that it’s easy to notice the voice saying ‘hello”, but it’s difficult to see that no matter what the voice says, it is still just a voice talking and you listening. There is absolutely nothing that voice can say that is more you than anything else it says. . .”  (p.11)

While I work on quieting or redirecting this voice inside my head; I’m reminded of the Alan Watts meditation essay in the Initiate Program.  The discussion of how when one starts meditation, they can’t help but name all the thoughts that cross their mind- and thus aren’t meditating.   With the goal of quieting our minds and seeking an internal exploration of our thoughts through meditation; we get parallels here in the above quote.  With the goal of this book to be that we “Journey beyond” ourselves; having a way to check in with ourselves and also understanding what is really happening is very important.  So now we move on to what Singer has to say next and what the next steps may be.

 

“There is nothing more important to true growth then realizing that you are not the voice of the mind- you are the one who hears it. If you don’t understand this, you will try to figure out which of the many things the voice says is really you. People go through so many changes in the name of ‘trying to find myself.’ They want to discover which of these voices, which of these aspects of their personality, is who they really are. The answer is simple: None of them.

If you watch it objectively, you will come to see that much of what the voice says is meaningless. Most of the talking is just a waste of time and energy. The truth is that most of life will unfold in accordance with forces far outside your control, regardless of what your mind says about it. It’s like sitting down at night and deciding whether you want the sun to come up in the morning. The bottom line is, the sun will come up and the sun will go down. You can think about it all you want, but life is still going to keep on happening.

In fact, your thoughts have far less impact on this world than you would like to think. If you’re willing to be objective and watch all your thoughts, you will see that the vast majority of them have no relevance. . . If you spend your time hoping that it doesn’t rain tomorrow, you are wasting your time. Your thoughts don’t change the rain. You will . . . come to see that there is no use for that incessant internal chatter, and there is no reason to constantly attempt to figure everything out. Eventually you will see that the real cause of problems is not life itself. It’s the commotion the mind makes about life that really causes problems.”

(p.12-13)

We all seem to spend a lot of time trying to find ourselves. A lot of people turn to religion for these answers. Major religions such as Buddhism, or Christianity (at its core) seem to be very popular in current society. And at their core, they are very beautiful faiths that helps millions of people feel comfortable, safe, in their day to day life.   All these faiths have a different word or meaning for the little voice inside, be it The holy spirit, the conscience, etc. and teach different ways of boosting awareness of; and working with this voice.

But whatever you call it, if you meditate on this voice and your thoughts; you’ll find that these thoughts have far less impact on the world at large; and overtime, this inner monologue actually distracts and builds creating emotional commotion that hinders personal growth.

“Now this raises a serious question: If so much of what the voice says is meaningless and unnecessary, then why does it even exist? The secret to answering this question lies in understanding why it says what it says when it says it. For example, in some cases the mental voice talks for the same reason that a teakettle whistles. That is, there’s a buildup of energy inside that needs to be released. If you watch objectively, you will see that when there’s a buildup of nervous, fearful, or desire-based energies inside, the voice becomes extremely active. This is easy to see when you’re angry with someone and you feel like telling them off. . . That voice talks because you’re not okay inside, and talking releases energy.

You will notice, however, that even when you’re not particularly bothered by something, it still talks. . . It is actually narrating the world around you. But why do you need this? You already see what’s happening outside’; how does it help to repeat it to yourself through the mental voice? You should examine this very closely. With a simple glance, you instantly take in the tremendous detain of whatever your’e looking at.  . . Why then do you have to verbalize what you have already seen? . . , What you’ll see, if you study this carefully, is that the narration makes you feel more comfortable with the world around you. . . A tree is no longer just a tree in the world that has nothing to do with you; it is a tree that you saw, labeled, and judged. By verbalizing it mentally you brought that . . . into the realm of your thoughts. There it becomes integrated with your other thoughts, such as those making up your value system and historical experiences. “

(p.13- 15)

This voice inside our head, while a narrator and a companion, is also unreliable at times. When we are faced with heightened emotional situations such as a fight, or argument, or a tough decision that is causing some emotional distress; This voice talks and talks and talks.   It does this so that we can feel a part of the world around us; and release some of this energy. My ADHD brain LOVES to talk to me. It loves to focus on minute details and over analyze faces or events; while also bombarding me with sensory input such as this book I’m reading, or the song playing in my head, or recollections of the days’ events and the emotions those recollections cause, Etc.   This is so that I can reassert my station in life; So that I- and everyone like me- can say “This is me; this is where I stand.” And life can have a deep personal meaning in every action that occurs.

 

“Basically, you re-create the outside world inside yourself, and then you live in your mind. What if you decided not to do this? If you decided not to narrate and, instead, just consciously observe the world, you will feel more open and exposed. This is because you really don’t know what will happen next, and your mind is accustomed to helping you. It does this by processing your current experiences in a way that makes them fit with your views of the past and visions of the future. If your mind doesn’t do this, you simply become too uncomfortable. Reality is just too real for most of us, so we temper it with the mind.

You will come to see that the mind talks all the time because you gave it a job to do. You use it as a protection mechanism, a form of defense. Ultimately, it makes you feel more secure. As long as that’s what you want, you will be forced to constantly use your mind to buffer yourself from life, instead of living it.. .” (p.17-18)

I think this is easier when we were younger. When we were still mold-able and our identity wasn’t so robust. Maybe we were just a Son, or a Brother, and then we had increased external individuals which we called “Friends” then “boy/girl friends” then “lovers” and “Wives” and “Husbands” and “Children of our own” and so on, and on, and on.   But before all of this; when we were “New” and everything was bright and fresh and scary.  We lived in the present- moment to moment- feeding to feeding; nap to nap; etc. Everything was a whim away and we were ever present in the moments of our lives; But without the maturity of mind to hold onto this. I think by reconnecting to this voice in my head; and controlling it as well as whatever else Mr.Singer writes about; We will be able to return to a mature from this introductory chapter. Perhaps I’ve already stated the overarching teachings of this book, perhaps there’s a lot more to it, but knowing about this voice and the separation or attempted separation of this narration-voice from my true self; I can perhaps grow as a person and as a Jedi.

“ True Personal growth is about transcending the part of you that is not okay and needs protection. This is done by constantly remembering that you are the one inside that notices the voice talking. That is the way out. The one inside who is aware that you are always talking to yourself about yourself is always silent. It is a doorway to the depths of your being. To be aware that you are watching the voice.” (p.18)

There’s a very confusing sentence in there- “The one inside who is aware that you are always talking to yourself about yourself is always silent.” – This gave me a bit of a double take for a second, So I meditated on this passage a bit longer. Here’s what I came up with- with only this chapter at my disposal.

To grow as a person whatever that may mean for you, you have to understand that this voice inside your head- while a calming presence or a neurotic friend or whatever- is not WHO you are. It’s a part of you, but it ISN’T the entirety of who you are as a person.   Keeping that voice in check- much like Watts spoke about in the meditation lessons- being able to differentiate from the static noise of the outside world as well as the yammering of the internal monologue is sometimes a hurdle.

So I make a solid first step and acknowledge that this voice is in my head; It’s a part of me; my personal narrator seems too often be just that much harder to ignore given my ADHD but Solid first steps to acknowledge and try to look beyond this yammering.

Apprentice Exercise # 3 The Te of Piglet By Benjamin Hoff

Chapter 11: Farewell (p.253-256) (6/29/17)

 

“We have decided to conclude this Taoist Exposition, of Expotition, or whatever-it-is, with three quotations from Here and There. The first is a Buddhist saying, the second is a selection from the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the third is our abbreviated retelling of a story by Has Christian Andersen. Just trying to be democratic, you know.

‘You do like to borrow things, don’t you?’ said Piglet.

‘Yes,’ added Eeyore, ‘And he never puts them back.’

“Anyway, first we have the Buddhist saying: In the world of truth, there is no East, no West, where then is the North, the South? Illusion makes the world close in. Enlightenment opens it on every side.” (p253-254)

When we speak of truth and labels; we close the world in by putting a name to everything. We diminish the world by making it small enough to fit into our views. But when we are able to shed our illusions and focus on what’s actually there, we are able to see the whole beautiful picture. We see enlightenment and are better for it.

“Next, Sherlock Holmes, in ‘The Naval Treaty’: ‘There is nothing in which deduction is so necessary as in religion,’ said he, leaning with his back against the shutters. ‘It can be built up as an exact science by the reasoner. Our highest assurance of the goodness of Providence seems to me to rest in the flowers. All other things, our powers, our desires, our food, are all really necessary for our existence in the first instance. But this rose is an extra. Its smell and its colour are an embellishment of life, not a condition of it. It is only goodness which gives extras, and so I say again that we have much to hope from the flowers.” (p.254)

When writing about religion; whether its Jediism, Catholicism or whatever religion one prescribes to; or doesn’t prescribe to; we get inevitably to the natural world and ones place in it. We are assured by writings that goodness will follow us into the afterlife; that eternal bliss will be ours.  Often flowers are the classical image for the love of God or the promises of eternity.  When we exclude roses from the world- when we turn our back on the beauty of the world- getting tied up in the mechanics of life we lose sight of what life is all about. And that’s LIVING. Perfectly reflected in flowers.

“And finally our shortened

The emperor of China loved to listen to the singing of the nightingale, which brought him great contentment. One day he was presented with a mechanical bird covered with jewels and gold. To the emperor’s amazement, it sang the nightingale’s song with perfect clockwork precision, whenever he wanted it to. It quickly became the sensation of the empire- from peasant children to court officials, everyone (or almost everyone) admired the wonderful bird, which sang perfectly, over and over. Ignored and forgotten, the real bird flew away.

But after some time, the clockwork bird broke down. Without its song to soothe him, the emperor became ill. His condition grew worst, until he was nearly at the point of death. Just then, a nightingale alighted outside the window, and began to sing. His will to live restored, the emperor recovered.”

(p.254-255)

Taking advantage of the natural world or playing God, in the case of this Emperor; backfires; where the trappings and focus on control destroyed the beauty of its imitation.  Illness likes to propagate  and without the distraction of the song, the emperors focus was fully on the illness- the negative- the destruction; and in turn, much like what I see with my elderly residents; the focus determines the reality and so he gets worst.  But when the bird returned- and with it; his hope; the emperors health rehabilitated.

“And now, since this is his book. Piglet’s going to give us all a song.

‘Are you ready, Piglet?’

‘Yes, I (hep) thing so (Hep!)” said Piglet, hiccupping nervously, “It goes like this. . . “

Let’s find a Way

Today

That can take us to tomorrow-

Follow that Way.

A Way like flowing water.

 

Let’s Leave

Behind

The things that do not matter,

And turn

Our lives

To a more important chapter.

 

Let’s take the time,

Let’s try to find

What real life has to offer.

And maybe then

We’ll find again

What we had long forgotten.

Like a friend,

True ‘til the end,

It will help us onward.

 

The sun is high,

The road is wide,

And it starts where we are standing.

No one knows

How far it goes,

For the road is never-ending.

 

It goes

Away,

Beyond what wee have thought of;

It flows

Away.

Away like flowing water.”

 

‘Perfect!.” I said “I knew you could do it.”

“Have we reached the end?” Asked Piglet

“Yes,” I replied, “I suppose so.”

“It seems to be the end,” said Pooh.

“It does. And yet-“

“Yes, Piglet?”

“For me, it also seems like a beginning,”

(p.255-257)

 

This beautifully sums up this work. The ideas of new beginnings, the seeing the path as a new journey where ever we may decide to take it. And the growth promised by simply seeing the world for what it is.  With the hope of leaving behind that which no longer serves up; refocusing on the present; taking the time to truly see what is there TO see. We get to encapsulate the beauty of the Tao; and walk in “The Way” and flow in the way like water. Peaceful. And eternal. And a new wonderful beginning for all of us Piglets in the world.

 

And with that, I end this assignment onward into my apprenticeship. In hopes of exploring whatever is next for me with the same vigor and enthusiasm.  To push my limits further and grow as a man; and now I guess, as a budding Taoist.

Chapter 10: The day of Piglet (p.213-252)  (5/29/17; 5/30/17; 6/04/17;6/08/17; 6/18/17; 6/19/17; 6/28/17;6/29/17)

Hoff begins this chapter with the state of things- with Owls house collapsed on the ground in shambles. As Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl and Kanga all dig through the pieces -and kanga tries to steal a few items- we come to Roo being disrespectful and counseled by his mother not to act that way to someone of owls Statute; after all; Owl can spell TUESDAY.

“Just what is it that Owl’s house reminds us of? It seems so familiar, somehow. Let’s go over it as though it were still standing- perhaps that will help us make the association. Let’s see. . . It looks down on all around it, as if tempting the forces of the natural world to knock it over. It has been sliding into disrepair for quite some time, as its proprietor has neglected its necessary maintenance for other things. It . . . Oh, yes- That’s what it reminds us of: our civilization. Will it fall down, too? We wish we could say, ‘I wonder what will happen to it.’ But we can’t say that, because we know.

Its intriguing, and rather Eerie sometimes, how history tends to repeat itself. The Us First, War Lord Confucianists criticized by Lao-tse and other ancient Taoists seem to have put on new clothes and come back again to take charge. Reading the Tao Te Ching’s descriptions of the society of its time, one gets the strangest feeling that they were written the day before yesterday. So once again, Taoism- for all its great age- seems very up-to-the-minute. And, once again, perhaps it has something to offer.”

(p.214-215)

This idea of negligence or perhaps incompetent negligence- as Owl could easily have just maintained his house; or We, as humans, could just do better to take care of ourselves; but instead we act like owl and his house; we ignore the small issues within us or within our civilization; and over time they build up until the whole thing comes crashing down and we’re left with a life in shambles.  We seemed incapable of learning from our mistakes as a species; we still go to war over oil, we still fight an endless war on Terrorism. While this book was written in the early 90s and published in 1992 it still seems surprisingly relevant which just goes to show you that in the 25 years or so since its publication, we still act the same way.  To give an example that could have been pulled from any newspaper in any-town, USA. Hoff discusses conservatives; as follows:

 

“. . . because. . . it is not exactly Progress for our nation to have moved from the enlightened era of President John F. Kennedy (was it the Merest Accident that he quoted occasionally from the Tao Te Ching?) into an era of scandal-ridden administrations run by Special Interests’ Candidates seemingly bent on dismantling our democracy and destroying the nation’s land, air, and water in the process, while wrapping themselves in the starry flag of Patriotism. For years now, intelligent, concerned activists have been Out, and self-centered, ignoramus conservatives have been In. And that is not what we’d call the Way of a Healthy Society.

Why these people are called Conservatives is beyond our understanding, as they never seem to conserve anything. They don’t conserve natural resources. They use them up as quickly as possible. They don’t conserve morality and the family, despite much self-righteous boasting to the contrary. . . They certainly don’t conserve money. Not taxpayer money, anyway. It would seem that about the only things they do conserve are the very things the human race ought to have discarded long ago: narrow-mindedness, intolerance, coldheartedness, bigotry, machismo, and greed. . . With wasteful, destructive ‘leaders’ such as these, who needs enemies?”

(p.215-217)

What Hoff is trying to demonstrate is the not just the dangers of such a narrow minded point of view; but the fallacy of “bigger is better” mentality; with an end goal of demonstrating once again the virtue of the small through our very tiny protagonist, Piglet.

As I mentioned before, this book is a bit dated with some of its references politically speaking; but the message above is clear. The conservative movement isn’t about conservation of the world; it’s about the conservation of the status quo and money. A very, very anti-Taoist view point; so very unlike our protagonist, Piglet, who is, after-all, a very kind and compassionate character.

The dangers of the conservative mindset or thinking with money or personal interest as end goals is that the world will suffer. I personally am far more offended by self-righteous professors of faith- mega church going, right wing, transphobic, homophobic, cash register-for-hearts, most unchristian “Christian” Right with their spewing of intolerance, seclusion, and hate then I am afraid of people who love others of the same gender; or regardless of physical gender may identify as the opposite.  My interactions with these minority groups has never made me uncomfortable, nor would I have ever expected them to do so. As a straight white male in my early 30s; I’m far more afraid of people that look like I do who profess Christian values while hating people for simply existing; then I am afraid of the minority groups they rally against.   One of my all-time favorite things to say is a prayer of sorts: “Please Jesus, save me from your followers.” It’s very sad that the once ironic prayer has become a regular stream of thought in my subconscious.

“At present, billions of American tax dollars are being spent each year on preparations for war-running the nation into unpayable debt while across the country untaxed gang lords cruise about in limousines, drug pushers and psychopaths prey on neglected children, homeless grandmothers push their worldly possessions before them through the streets in shopping carts, and citizens of all ages contract Pistol Fever, shooting themselves and each other with handguns at the rate of sixty-four deaths per day- killing more Americans in two-and-one-half years than did the sixteen-year Vietnam War (and wounding approximately one hundred thousand others yearly.)

The huge-like-us Soviet Union went Broke feeding the military, and we’re following close behind. Meanwhile, little Germany and little Japan, who comparatively speaking spend next to nothing on military matters, are beating us in practically every area of endeavor. What do we receive in return for the trillions of dollars that we’ve handed to the Armed Forces over the past thirty years? Let’s see. . . Well, we’ve been provided with warplanes that don’t fly; armored tanks that don’t steer; weapons that don’t fire. . . No, those don’t count. That’s what we’re told, anyway. Oh, there must be something. . .Ah, yes-half a million tons of hazardous waste per year. The military is the nation’s largest producer of it. . . and Toxic waste isn’t exactly the sort of thing we can return. . . that waste is sooner or later bound to leak out. Fourteen thousand four hundred military sites are now officially recognized as toxic contaminated. . . making the U.S. military the country’s leading Earth Abuser.  (The army uses many national forests throughout the country) How respectfully do the Armed Forces treat that land they manage? Well. . .

                The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers describes Basin F of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Arsenal as ‘the most contaminated square mile on earth.’ Thousands of animals and birds have died by drinking or landing in its water. . . In 1983-84, water from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge overflowed into the area and mixed with the chemicals in its bomb craters, then receded back into the refuge- killing seven million fish and thousands of birds. . . .

 

(p.217-220)

In my countries current situation; with the Twitter-obsessed, Orange-skinned emperor-in-chief; our environment is being destroyed! While the danger of these things quoted are pretty self-explanatory, I’m going to take a minute and assume that this information about the state of united states military complex is “new information” for me.

Every 2 or 4 years (senate/congress/presidential) cycle that occurs in my country; we have to deal with ‘Terrorism’; a term that has become part of everyone’s basic urban dictionary- at least for my generation- since the terrible bombing of the world trade center on September 11th 2001.  I’ve already many times wrote about my feelings involving these events; my initial unwavering support of our troops; the easily justified military actions as the attack on our soil was a clear act of war. But since then; more and more of our countries financials have gone towards military improvements while we defund veteran programs, healthcare, and destroys the very freedom my country stands for.

We pollute the world beyond its ability to sustain us and we over populate the world beyond its ability to sustain us; and very soon we will be unable to be sustained and mass extinction will most likely occur; or nuclear holocaust.

Our environment is quickly reaching or may have already reached a tipping point; a point of no return. And I’m sad to think that for the remainder of this administration; we will have to fight three times as hard to just maintain our current environment beyond the effort needed to actually start improving the world.

“. .. wrote Lao-tse. . .

I have three treasures

Which I guard and keep.

The first is compassion.

The second is economy.

The third is humility

From compassion comes courage.

From economy comes the means to be generous.

From humility comes responsible leadership.

 

Today, men have discarded compassion

In order to be bold.

They have abandoned economy

In order to be big spenders.

They have rejected humility

In order to be first.

This is the road of death.”

 

(p.220-221)

This is exactly what we’re seeing in my country; where we are sacrificing compassion and courage for boldness; sacrificing generosity while still pursuing money- like the new American God it is- We’ve got irresponsible man-children in positions of power and corrupt senators harming my beautiful country. Their wealth bred desire for more wealth; not compassion. Their boldness has harmed the economy; and they have replaced their hearts with Russian-bought cashboxes; and with that in mind; we are on a road to death unlike anything my generation has seen before.

 

“The Taoist ideal is to rule by ‘filling stomachs and building bones’- to take care of society from the bottom up. Today’s leaders in government, business, and industry ‘take care of society’ by giving more and more money and power to those at the top. And the Buck Stops There. As Lao-tse described the situation:

The court is filled with splendor.

The fields are full of weeds.

The granaries are empty.

The powerful wear costly clothing,

Carry sharp swords,

Pamper themselves with lavish food

And drink,

And possess riches in extravagance.

These are not princes and lords.

They are robber barons.” (p.221)

 

This is a reflection on the economist mindset; The Taoist seems to be-like I’ve written before- a spiritual path that works with the natural way of the universe. Whereas the patriotic flag waving poster for Americanism seems to be the exact opposite.  Americans, or in the case of what Chuang-tse wrote; are “robber barons”.

We’ve talked about the devastation my country has done to the world; and while all those senators and presidential executive orders; all that hate and destruction to our ecosystem. I am living in a country run by robber-barons.  So focused on if they can do something; then to take a second and ask if they SHOULD do something; the lower classes and minorities be damned.

 

“if we seem a bit Pigletish at this point, a bit Wary of wholeheartedly endorsing blind optimism in a business-as-usual future, perhaps it’s because we live in a nation that with 5 percent of the worlds’ population consumes 25 percent of the worlds energy, emits 25 percent of the world’s greenhouse-effect-producing gases, yet does not regulate carbon dioxide emissions. While Germany and Japan have for years been reaping the economic benefits of major investments in energy conservation-making Germany’s plan the model for the entire European Economic Community- our nation, at ever-increasing cost to the economy, has almost totally ignored such matters and has spent its money on you-know-what.

Yes, we have our doubts about how much love this country truly has for the earth. Doesn’t such love begin at home? Yet even a quick glance inside the typical American house and garbage would reveal a startling number of anti-earth chemical weapons with which to keep the forces of the natural world at bay. . .”

“. . . If we appear a bit Hesitant to embrace the belief that we can go on behaving in such an irresponsible manner without paying the inevitable price, perhaps it’s because we live on a planet on which seventy species are driven to extinction every day, over seventy-five acres of trees are cut every minute, one-third of the land area has become desert, and life-threatening droughts and floods are becoming increasingly common year after year. . . . And so when we hear Big Talk about growing environmental awareness and about man’s ability to solve any problem, we can’t help but wonder Who’s Kidding Whom.

Then we go to the natural world, watch, and listen. And it tells us that a Great Storm is rising, and that before long things will become very Interesting- very Interesting, indeed.”

(p.225-227)

I believe in actions speaking louder than words; I’m a big supporter of judgement based on actions. I don’t care much for politicians as the recent elections teach that the current state of the government is at the best part in shambles; at its worst; it’s a twitter dictatorship.   With the backwards policies destroying the environment, but, at least here in Oregon, things are possibly combating the hole in the ozone, the unbreathable air, and the sewage in the rivers and streams but on the whole we’re basically screwed over the next 4 years.

 

“We would like to pass along something that we’ve learned directly from the earth, as well as from Taoists, Tibetan Buddhists, Native Americans, the writings of the prophet Isaiah, and others: A new way of life is coming- one so unlike today’s that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to describe in today’s terms. We might call it The Day of Piglet.”

“Before it begins its approach, we’d say to those people who haven’t had the inclination or the time to become acquainted with the natural world: Never mind- you’ll be getting acquainted with it, anyway. Because over the next few years, the natural world will be coming to you (although not necessarily in the way you’d like it to). Perhaps you might benefit by beginning your acquaintance with it now. Just a suggestion.”

(p.228-229)

We finally get to the chapter title theory; The Day of Piglet; The desire to work with the natural world around us.  In the 1960s we called them “hippies” dancing around celebrating the earth, smoking pot and other drugs to ‘open their mind’; and celebrate the age of Aquarius. In the 1970s and 1980s we had reoccurrences of pagan beliefs and practices and in the 1990s and 2000s the new age theology of “Wicca” became more mainstream and, while often made to seem a joke, was overall accepted by society as a belief system. ‘The Day of Piglet’ refers to a time when all of these alternative spiritual practices that work with the natural world and grow and change and live; will become socially acceptable.

“But to conclude what we were saying. . . Whether many people realize it or not, man, the Inferior Animal, has by now proved himself incapable of keeping his own species- and others- alive for very much longer. So the earth has begun its own plan to set things right. True to its generous, gentle, and loving spirit, it has been giving us one warning after another of what it will be doing-doing, we wish to emphasize, for the sake of human survival. The sensitive are receiving the messages. But one day when they least expect it, the insensitive will suddenly find themselves out in the cold, rather like the mammoths found every now and then up north encased in ice, with once-fresh vegetation in their mouths and an ‘I say-who just shut off the heat?’ look in their eyes. As we understand it, the major cause of What’s Coming is the present-day denuding of our planet-the massive overcutting of its forests. . . Meanwhile, the government of China is permanently employing forty-five million people in reforestation, making tree planting a compulsory subject in schools, and decreeing that every Chinese citizen over the age of eleven must plant from three to five trees a year. . . Maybe these people Know something.” (p. 230-232)

 

 

Well it’s not all doom and gloom on our planet; while our behavior has to change, our destructive tendencies seem to be ever present, there are some of us Earthlings that are embracing this “day of piglet” message of hope and endurance.   In fact, those people who are sensitive to the worlds plight are becoming the norm in society (at least during the early 90s when this was written) and for a time there; we had amazing progressive behavior to save this planet. Since the advent of special interest groups and the psychotic conservative agenda’s goals to destroy the environment; I’m both saddened and worried for the state of the world in the coming years. We need to promote salvaging and re-growing our forests and environment and battle against the destroyers of the world/ the conservative American populace.

“. . . As we hope we’ve shown by now, Taoism is not an Unbending Path. After all, Taoism follows Tao- and Tao does not operate in a rigid, unyielding manner. As Lao-tse emphatically stated in the first line of the “Tao te ching” ‘The way that can be followed . . is not a changeless way’. . . Traditionally, Taoism is considered the Way of the Dragon- the dragon being the Chinese symbol of Transformation. Considering the Bad Press that dragons have received in this part of the world, perhaps a better image would be that of a Butterfly. Whatever the symbol used, Taoism is a Way of Transformation- a way through which something is changed into something else. . . .

(p.233)

This explains the “transformation” principles of Taoism. How Taoism is a vehicle for personal and spiritual transformation: Like the butterfly that starts life as a simple caterpillar. Taoism, as an unbending path is something that interests me; that terminology actually more specifically. Up until now I’ve seen Taoism as a “go with the flow” type of spiritual practice; which lends itself automatically to being flexible- to being a bending path that sways with the way the world and life takes ones. But it IS all about Change; and transformation; whether that be a butterfly or a dragon.

Taoism is about the changes we make to better ourselves; the changes of perception that allow us to better ourselves and thus the small bit of the world around us that we can influence. Hoff goes further into this idea of transformation and another idea of what can be of practical use for these Taoism Ideals.

“It is fitting that for centuries Taoists have been associated with magic, as Taoism is, on one level or another, a form of magic- a very practical form, perhaps, but magic all the same. Here we will briefly describe two secrets of that magic- two principles of Taoist transformation that may prove Useful in the coming years. The first is Turn the Negative into a Positive. The Second is Attract positive with positive. Unlike some other Taoist secrets, there is little danger of these principles falling into the Wrong Hands; because in the wrong hands, they won’t work. We might add that they work best for Piglets.” (p234)

The idea of magic or magical spells and applications makes promises of quick fixes for day to day problems. Yesturday (6/17/17) I went to the Portland Scottish Rite Center downtown for a presentation of Grimoires from the brothers of Esoterika Lodge # 227 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon; and many topics were discussed but I want to hit on one specifically. That of Creation and Attraction.

The idea of transformation is a pivotal fundamental ideal of Taoism.; How one sees the world dictates how one can challenge themselves to be better than they were yesterday. The ancient magicians of ages past wrote rituals to contact angels, demons, and earthly spirits; but also wrote about healing, herbology, magic squares, sigils, and rituals. At the crux of every magical practice is a desire to transform ones standing or outlook in life; much like to ancient Taoists looking through the gloom of the trappings of the world to the underlining spirituality and teachings of Taoism.

Turning a negative into a positive is mostly a matter of ones focus and desire- which is a very Taoist idea- When in the “wrong” hands those hands don’t know how to do this and thus are unsuccessful in living in the moment.

Attracting positive with positive is an interesting principle for it teaches a very karmic idea of what you put out in the world will return to you threefold (or sevenfold depending on ones view) So we’re advised to work with positivity and only work with the good in the world to add to the good in the world; to rally against the darkness within us all. Which also through Taoism can be achieved in a broader theological way.

“Turning the Negative into a Positive is a principle well known in the Taoist martial arts. Using it for self-defense, you turn your attacker’s power to your benefit by deflecting it back to him. In effect, he swings his fist and hits himself in the face, and after a while, if he has any intelligence at all, he stops and leaves you alone.

Transforming negative into positive, you work with whatever comes your way. If others throw bricks at you, build a house. If they throw tomatoes, start a vegetable stand. You can often change a situation simply by changing your attitude towards it. For example, a Traffic Jam can be turned into an Opportunity to Think, or Converse, or Read, or Write a letter. When we give up our images of self-importance and our ideals of what Should be, we can help things become what they need to be.” (p.234-235)

So, once again the topic of Taoist martial arts comes up as an example of living within the energies of the world and what comes your way. I love Tai Chi as a fighting art as well as a meditation, spiritual practice and health conscious exercise.   Working with Chi one can harness their inner strength to better their lives and physical health.

The world likes to throw negativity around like its currency. Most of the time we can’t really do anything about it- unless it’s self-sabotage- and often we feel bogged down by the day to day issues we have in life.  We can however choose how we deal with the negativity in the world and in our lives; we can find the silver lining in the clouds and while there’s a million sayings like that; there’s a kernel of truth in those platitudes.   Our focus determines our reality and living within the Tao one can better their lives by going with the flow and diminishing the needless stress and angst.

“ In a similar way, negative personality traits can be transformed. Self-centered stubbornness can be changed into a selfless devotion to an altruistic cause. A desire to control others can be turned into a desire to take control of one’s own life and improve oneself- and help others do the same. A tendency to become lost in details can be transformed into the ability to connect things carefully together, step by step, to reach a goal. Indecisiveness can be developed into versatility, and a balanced point of view. And so on.” (p.235)

Beyond changing the outward negativity that society and life puts upon us; the inner turmoil and negative personality traits such as self-centeredness; egotism; control over others; or becoming lost in details can all be changed into their opposites and be harnessed into energy to change ones’ life for the better.

“The following is one of our favorite examples of someone who turned a negative into a positive.

In January 1838, the immensely popular English wroter Charles Dickens was a Yourshire under an assumed name, carrying out a personal investigation of some boarding schools fhe had been hearing about since his childhood. It didn’t take him long to discover that the rumor he’d heard of brutalized unwanted children had been understatements. In an accusation against schoolmaster William Shaw dictated by a pupil who had gone blind in his care, Dickens read that ‘Supper consisted of warm milk and water and bread. . . Five boys generally slept in a bed. . . On Sunday they had pot skimmings for tea, in which ther was vermin. . . There were eighteen bots there beside himself, of whom two were totally blind. . . In November, he was quite blind and was then sent to a private room where there were nine other boys (gone) blind. . . “

“On a dreary afternoon with snow covering the ground, Dickens wandered through a Yorkshire cementary, counting the graves of children who had been turned over to the cheap district “schools”. One gravestone read: ‘Here lie the remains of George Ashton Taylor. . . who died suddenly at Mr.William Shaw’s Academy. . . ‘ Upon reading the inscription, Dickens conceived a character for his next novel- a poor wreck of a boy named Smike, who would be tormented by a vicious schoolmaster and die. That next novel would be Nickolas Nickleby, and it would be written to focus on the schools Dickens had seen, and – to use his own worlds for it – to Destroy them. Within a few years of publication of Nickolas Nickleby, public outrage had caused all of the Yorkshire prisons-as-schools to be permanently closed.” (p.236-237)

This is a great example of turning a negative into a positive. The trials and tribulations of youth can fuel growth and become, as in the case of Dickens, fuel for creativity. The writing of these creative projects can also serve as a catharsis of sorts to exorcise our demons and make something good and constructive out of such hardships or destruction.

An example from my own life is the driving force behind my martial arts training. I am well aware that my sense of insecurity and regular feeling of un-safeness that’s sprung from being the victim of a 2004 sexual assault. I’ve used martial arts to try to heal myself; not originally caring what rank I achieved or if I’d ever become an instructor; those thoughts never initially crossed my mind. What did cross my mind was that I was the victim of a violent sexual assault and wanted to do everything in my power to make sure that nothing like that ever happened to me again.  I teach my students that my passion comes from a childhood of bullying which is true but if I’m being completely honest with myself; It’s more due to being the victim of Rape then being the victim of bullying.  But honestly it doesn’t matter which I focus on because the end result is the same. I train so that I can feel safe; I teach so that others can hopefully never experience what I’ve experienced and I teach so that, at least for my students, I create warriors that will stand against bullying in all its forms.  If I help other victims feel safe along the way; or if I start to heal during this time; Then Awesome. If I stay that scared kid and train harder to arm myself with the skills to stay aware of my surroundings and stay safe; then that’s okay too.

The above quoted example from the text for this assignment continues to discuss Charles Dickinson and his childhood, driving forces of his career and the end results and feelings of such. I’m going to quote it below and perhaps discuss the feelings in a bit more detail but overall I’ve discussed the theme of this passage well I feel.

“Throughout his literary career, Charles Dickenson drew upon his dark childhood experiences- shy, impressionable young Charles forced to labor ten hours a day in a rat-infested warehouse, his father imprisoned for debt-to shine light into the shadow of complacent Victorian society, exposing the effects of socially tolerated cruelty and neglect through his “entertainment.” For he worked as an entertainer rather than reformer. He was wry of social reformers, as they tended to turn people away from the causes they so seriously championed, thereby unwittingly weakening their own efforts.

Charles Dickens preferred instead to charm his London-centered audience with stories of lightness and humor, creating an atmosphere of warm security in which readers knew that all problems would be resolved and goodness would triumph in the end. . . And then into this comforting world-on-paper, he would introduce those whom polite society would prefer to ignore-the poor, the forgotten, the abused the stepped-on. And a society that had long looked the other way began to give attention to its unfortunates.”

  (p.237-238)

Dickenson used his depressing childhood experiences to fuel his writing and to fuel his life to always continue to overcome that darkness. Choosing to be lighthearted and use humor in his tales made his work connect with the “everyman” of his time- and given his works continued success up until today- the “everyman” is just as intrigued by his lighthearted characters.  A good parallel is that of Scrooge who’s heart is black as coal and money is all he cares about until a violently scary series of events and ghostly visitations make him see the error of his ways; to shift his focus from selfishness to altruism. A very Taoist character- and, as characters are almost always reflections of their creators, and very Taoist idea to come from Dickens creative mind.  Hoff says as much in the paragraphs following the above quote; which I’ve included below.

“ Coming from a dreary childhood in a shaky family,. . .Charles Dickens almost single-handedly created through his influence the solid, supportive Victorian family and its most colorful expression, the family Christmas celebration we know today. He was also largely responsible for the modern. . .belief that childhood is an extremely important time of life, one that deserves honor and protection.”

(P.238)

This is another amazing Taoist idea that we’ve already discussed before. That of the influence of Childhood and the Tao.   From childhood one learns to think creatively and imaginatively; one learns about the world and finds their place in it. You have unlimited potential that only diminishes as you get older and forced into the boxes that Society subscribes to. Remaining or returning to a child-like wonder of the world- perhaps through Taoism- you can tap back into that potential; That way of looking at the world that allows you to grow and challenge yourself to be the best at least a big part of it.

“So to the letter-box he rose, While Pooh and Owl said “Oh! And “Hum!”

And where the letters always come (Called “LETTERS ONLY”) Piglet sqoze his head and then his toes.

O gallant Piglet (PIGLET!) Ho!- Did Piglet tremble? Did he blinch? – No, no, he struggled inch by inch- Through LETTERS ONLY, as I know-Because I saw him go. (p.235)

. . . He ran and ran, and then he stood

And shouted, “Help for Owl, a bird

And Pooh, a bear!” until he heard

The others coming through the wood

As quickly as they could.

 

“Help-help and Rescue!” Piglet cried

And showed the others where to go.

Sing Ho! For Piglet (PIGLET) ho

And soon the door was opened wide

And we were both outside!

 

Sing ho! For Piglet, ho!

Ho!”

 

“Hello, Kanga. What have you there?”

“The postman was at my house a short while ago,” She said, “and he left this letter for Piglet by mistake.”

“He did? That’s strange-he’s usually here by now. But no delivery, as yet.”

“There may not be for some time,” She said. “Tigger’s run off with the mail sack.”

. . .

“I’ll seek it out,” said Rabbit, taking command of the situation at once. “And Owl- we’ll need you to search from the air. Come with me, Eeyore. And Pooh, and Piglet-“

“Piglet stays here,” I said. “This letter looks Important.”

While Piglet’s opening his letter, let’s take a look at the principle of Attract Positive with Positive. It may be easier to recognize its power if we first recall its opposite, the Eeyore Effect. IF we tell children often enough that they are Clumsy, Ugly, Stupid, or Incapable, they will in time become just that. At some level, the mind accepts and retains repeated statements and beliefs as the truth, even though they may be far from it. The sensitivity of Piglets makes them particularly vulnerable to this sort of influence. But it also makes them more than ordinarily capable of positive transformation. Which is why Taoism emphasizes the cultivation of Piglet qualities, as well as the importance of positive attitude and values.

“I don’t know what to make of this,” said Piglet. “Why don’t you have a look?”

‘This is impressive, Piglet. It’s from Sandhurst University- Pemberton Q. Throckmorton, M.A., Ph. D., etc.”

“Piglet, Esq. My Dear Sir: The Board of Regents of Sandhurst University wish me to inform you of their desire to grant you an honorary degree of Brave Animal (B.A.) We should be most pleased if you could be present at the awards eremony, which shall be held on. . .

“Piglet, that’s wonderful! An honorary degree from Sandhurst! Well, well. Now you’ll have something to hang on your wall. I didn’t know they did that sort of thing.”

 (P.239-241)

When I wrote about the Eeyore effect back in chapter 5; that focused on the negative; that was a person focused on the gloom and doom of the world- and honestly there’s a whole lot of it especially now with the crazy would-be emperor-in-chief here in America- That type of focus can and does distract from the Tao and the lessons within.   Our focus determines our reality; I’ve written that so many times throughout this work and the previous assignment of “The Tao of Pooh”; That I feel like I’m just repeating myself over and over and perhaps I’m missing something in these assignments due to being a bit burnt out on these ideals.  But let’s soldier on; When we focus on the negative, we invite negativity into our lives and propagate negativity which becomes a cycle that’s very, very hard to break.

I know that personally- and what good am I doing to this assignment if I don’t make this personal- I know that I personally have a long history of focusing on the wrong things.  I focus on the pain of my childhood bullying and only recently been able to overcome it; I have focused on the pain and trauma of being a rape victim instead of focusing on how much surviving it has changed me for the positive- I’m so much stronger then I was; but I hate the price I had to pay to be so strong.

You have to rally behind your inner Piglet; who may get knocked down; who may be scared for being such a very small animal; But there’s strength in that you get back up and carry on. There’s a lot of strength in simply carrying on; and as Hoff teaches us; with a small shift in our focus we can cultivate and thrive from this strength and Taoist outlooks.  That’s what I’m hoping, at least.

 

“As a basic example of attracting positive with positive, Taoist medicine believes that the secrets of health are found in health. So Taoists study the principles of health and long life- mental and emotional, as well as physical- and work in cooperation with them. In contrast, industrial technology-drugs-and-surgery medicine believes that the secrets of health are found in illness, so it studies disease and death. Consequently, the typical Western hospital is not so much a place for the rehabilitation of the ill and the injured as it is a battle ground on which medical soldiers, armed with the latest, most expensive weapons, wage relentless war against un-health.

A similar negative, warlike approach can be seen at work in the world of business, especially in its Western half. A successful individual appears to succeed because he is Aggressive-he chases after things and gets them. Chances are his positive attitude attracts those things to him and creates opportunities for success to happen. But chances are onlookers see Aggression succeeding, rather than Attitude. So that’s what they imitate. And, since aggression attracts more aggression, the want-to-be-successful turn business into Busyness, creating an atmosphere of increasing combativeness and negativity in which relatively few are likely to be successful- and even fewer are likely to be happy.” (P.242-243)

This teaching of attracting like with like seems to be a core principle of Taoism. We’ve already discussed this idea in its many guises but let’s continue this entry dissecting the above example and it’s parallels to Piglet, our Very Small protagonist.

The typical opinions of the Western world have no real parallels to the Taoist views of the East- and may in fact prefer and propagate the exact opposite viewpoint. Instead focusing on microscopes and tests to dictate health and healing, they often ignoring the spiritual side of an individual. Hoff uses the term “Un-health” instead of “disease” because, I feel, he’s wanting to distinguish the difference in viewpoints of these terms. Un-health can be seen as the failure to maintain or keep a healthy body in terms of medicine, exercise, or proper eating. Whereas “Disease” is truly putting the body at an uneasiness or a lack of ease in their life.  An unbalanced occurrence causing illness to take route and propagate.  Attitude- much like this terminological distinction- plays an ever important role as we continue to look at Taoism through these writings.  How we view the world dictates our reality; and while we can rally against, or seek out better health through medicine, exercise, or intervention. Without also taking the same time to focus on the spiritual and emotional sides of the problem; we will find ourselves fulfilling our mostly negative or frustrating views of the world around us; and will only see that which propagates that self-imposed illusion.

Now when discussing the business aspects of this backwards working western world; their failure to focus on what is; choosing what could be over the reality of any situation; has set this world up for failure. For continued growth and accomplishment in life, we should try to focus less on material wealth and accomedations and more on the personal life-affirming practices that strip away the distractions and enlightens a path to true self-discovery.  We should focus on what we can add into the world to attract the outcome or world that we want. If we continue to preach hatred and intolerance; then hatred and intolerance will be all that we receive; If we continue to propagate a “with-us-or-against-us” attitude (much like the current united states president uses) then we’re going to get more people who choose to be “against” us and friends will become enemies. And enemies are not something this very divided country can afford. We may feel like a “success” while we burn away our enemies; but at what cost does that “success” lead to? How much worst off are we, after such “success” in my countries “war on terrorism” started in 2001? How much worst off can 3 ½ more years of the orange dictator cause when only in 8 months we’ve seen an end to all nature conservation, women medication services, civil rights for LGBTQ citizens, and many, many- often DAILY- atrocities done by the Trump Administration.

“Know the masculine, but keep to the feminine.  . . Return to the infant state.” “Children, who play life, discern its true law and relations more clearly then men, who . . .think that they are wiser by experience, that is, by failure.” “Great man retains child’s minds.” The Great man, we would say, plays like a child and attracts like a woman. His play may be serious and his attraction seem masculine on its surface, but they are child-like and feminine nevertheless.

And that brings us to someone we consider the greatest Piglet of all time, who changed his life and the lives of millions by applying the tremendous power available to those who attract positive with positive. We will introduce him with these worlds by Chuang-tse:

                If a great master ruled the empire, he would stimulate the minds of the people by working in harmony with them, so they carried out his teachings unconsciously and without rebelling. Under his influence they would reform their manners, the evil and violence within them would be extinguished, and they would move forward as individuals acting for the common good, as if they did so on their own initiative.

Could such a leader be compared to even the greatest names in recorded history? He would come from a time before any of them existed. His only desire would be to bring other minds to rest in the Virtue of those long-forgotten days.”

As a small boy, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was frail and shy. “My books and my lessons were my sole companions,” he later wrote, “To be at school at the stroke of the hour and to run back home as soon as the school closed-that was my daily habit. I literally ran back, because I could not bear to talk to anybody.’ For years he would not go out at night. As a young man, he went to England to study law. ‘Even when I paid a social call,’ he wrote, ‘the presence of half a dozen or more people would strike me dumb.’

But Mohandas Gandhi was a Learner. He learned from his studies. He learned from being the perpetual Piglet. And from his parents he learned, in time, some of the most important lessons of his life.

From his father he learned the importance of bravery, generosity, and unwavering adherence to the principles of morality and truth. From his mother he learned the importance of gentleness, modesty, and consideration, as well as the flexible strength that enables one to overcome through yielding. From both he learned that if one wants positive results, one must be positive, and that goodness persistently applied will always triumph over evil, through it may seem to take a good deal of time doing so.

Eventually, through applying what he learned to the advancement of one Underdog Cause after another, Gandhi became known as quite a fighter, winning battles that many older, more experienced campaigners told him could not be won. He not only won them; but he did so by, as the Chinese saying puts it, ‘Fighting without fighting.’ “

(p.243- 245)

Gandhi is a name synonymous with non-violent protesting. A great man who is only great by his actions and dedication to his ideals. A man who rebelled in the only way he knew how that would not also make him like his persecutors.

Learning at a young and impressionable age that Goodness is an ideal worth striving for in all things; Gandhi laid the ground work for a life lived of service to others. A very Taoist thing to strive for.  One now learns about his actions in history class in 4th grade; under the banner of a modern day David and Goliath story.  I remember learning about him but not focusing on the specifics at a young age; just that one man took on an empire and WON.  So as a refresher of sorts; lets’ talk about what Gandhi actually DID. According to Hoff;

“Encountering massive, statutory discrimination against Indians in South Africa, Gandhi began a campaign of nonviolence resistance. In jail for his respectfully uncompliant behavior, he read and was inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s essay ‘Civil Disobedience.’ But words like ‘resistance’ and ‘disobedience’ bothered him. Wanting a more positive term, he and a cousin came up with ‘Satyagraha,” or Truth Power.”

“Gandhi and that Truth Power would overcome opponents by changing them with respectful, patient persistence- transforming them, not annihilating them.  Again and again, he was told it would not work. and again and again, despite overwhelming odds, it did.

In South Africa, Truth Power brought about the Indian Relief Bill. In India, it achieved the grating of democratic reforms; united long-separated political territories, parties, and factions; stopped civil war, revived home industry; freed the nation from British rule; and freed the ‘untouchables’ from the ages-old cse system that had persecuted and imprisoned them. It earned Gandhi- who held no government office, but led India just the same- a popular respect so high that he could exact political concessions by fasting. And it earned for him, despite his strong distaste for it, the title of Mahatma, Great Soul. Gandhi insisted that he was no god- the success of Satyagraha in his life, he said, showed that anyone could achieve similar results.” (245-246)

The idea of using passive kindness; or aggressively passive kindness (if that’s a real phrase) to show ones power with respect while also standing up for the little guy in the face of overwhelming odds; is a very Piglet thing to do, As I’m discovering.

We all probably studied or will study Ghandhi and his passive rebellion against the British occupation of India; and it seems pretty poetic in some way that this exercise and exploration of “Te” with such a great personification of kindness and passive resistance; Of one who truly lives with the energy of the world and harness it to better mankind.

Today in my country the two-party system seems to be eroding the ideals of this once great country. On one side we have the Republican party that emphasizes family values and traditionalist views while stripping thousands of people of their healthcare, attacking the rights of the Gay/Lesbian citizens, propagating intolerance and fear of other cultures while simultaneously eroding the economy by punishing the lowest of the lower class, propping themselves up on the shoulders of the less fortunate and use the term “God” with such pseudo-respect that it sickens any “true blue” American with even the basic level of compassion in their souls.  Makes it almost sad to be an “American” in Donald Trumps America.

But what actions can we emulate to achieve similar outcomes in our lives? Well if we go by the example set by Ghandhi; passive resistance can be like the drip of water that overtime erodes even the strongest of stones.  Ghandi’s achievements are explained in the following section by Hoff.

“Wherever Gandhi went, he transformed situations and lives. As one friend and biographer wrote, ‘ He. . .changed human beings by regarding them not as what they thought they were but as though they were that they wished to be, and as though the good in them was all of them.

Many descriptions have been written of M.K.Ghandi and his Truth Power movement. But our favorite has never, we believe, been quoted. It was written by Lao-Tse centuries before Mohandas Gandhi’s birth, in chapter after chapter of the Tao Te Ching:

Nothing in the world is more yielding and gentle then water. Yet it has no equal for conquiering the resistant and tough. The flexible can overcome the unbending: the soft can overcome the hard. . . “

 (p.246-247)

I previously wrote about actions speaking louder than words; and letting actions dictate ones’ opinions; but let’s go a bit deeper with Ghandi.   By treating everyone fair and balanced on their own merits free of the environment while simultaneously always “looking for the good” Ghandi didn’t aggressively change the world for the hope of conquest; but changed how everyone viewed the situation in India and by being a sounding board for that mistreatment, he shed light on the atrocity and resisted through yielding; by embodying that principle of Tai Chi; by turning the enemy’s strength into weakness.

“Why is the sea the king of ten thousand streams? Because it lies beneath them. Therefore, if the great man would rule the people, he must put himself below them. If he would lead them, he must put himself behind. Then they will neither feel oppressed by his weight not threatened by his prominence. The world will delight in pushing him forward, and will never tire of him.” (p.247)

Another great image of yielding as strength that all martial artists or would-be Taoist masters know and strive to embody is that of stone yielding to water. A stone dropped into a pond will displace that water by the sum of its mass. It will by its sheer weight displace the water and sink to the bottom. But that same stone, when exposed to constant consistent current will slowly erode, diminish, and disappear over time.  That is the strength of moving “With the wind”; moving with the forces and redirecting them into something constructive is a staple of martial art philosophy. An unyielding force works like a battering ram but within its strength can be found a weakness; it expects you to meet force with force; so by redirecting the force with focused yielding you can greatly diminish the force and survive the assault. So when faced with adversity we should work within it to exploit the weaknesses and overcome.

“A good commander does not rush ahead. A good fighter does not show anger. A good conqueror does not antagonize. A good employer does not act superior. This is called ‘The virtue of not striving.’ ‘making use of the abilities of men’ and ‘matching heaven’-the extreme limit of the ancients. (p.247)

When working with the strengths of all involved; a person ‘in power’ can better reach their goals by being selfless, understanding the abilities of those they supervise, and through respectful leadership, they can all obtain their goals and improve their lives.

“I am good to those who are good. I and good to those who are not good. And so all attain goodness. I am sincere to the sincere. I am sincere to the insincere. And so all attain Sincerity.”(p.247-248)

By treating everyone fairly regardless of that persons’ actions, opinions, or perceived lack of virtue; the budding Taoist in me can be better armed to handle discrimination; intolerance; and hatred. It’s very, very easy to feel slighted and to want to embrace our baser selves when faced with injustice, intolerance, or hatred. It’s very easy to give in to these emotions and to act emotionally charged. But in doing so, one stoops to their level; which will derail the virtue of ones’ life if too often done.

“Yield and prevail. Bend and be straightened. Empty and be filled . . . The great man embraces the One, and becomes its model to the empire. Not showing off, he shines. Not asserting himself, he becomes known. Not taking credit, he is acclaimed. Not boasting, he endures. He does not strive against others, so others do not contend with him. The ancients say, ‘Yield and Prevail.’ Is that a worthless saying? Put it into practice, and all things will come to you.” (p.248)

To be a “great man” or women; one should take stock of ones’ abilities without allowing those abilities or traits to overcome ones’ opinions about themselves. Humility being the best virtue of the budding Taoist. By focusing on our own progress through life uncaring about others who are on their own paths in life and focus instead on making our own little bit of the world the best as possible.  By putting these ideals into practice, we can find through our own experiences our best way of walking with the Tao.

One animal that does NOT embody this ego-less opinion and peaceful mind state. That of Eeyore; when paralleled our protagonist as the true Taoist master that our little Piglet is.

We’re back!” said Pooh.

“Mission Accomplished,” announced Rabbit.

“And we’ve quite a surprise for Piglet,” said Owl.

“So you have. All this mail- is for Piglet?”

“So it is.” said Pooh.

“From Admirers,” Owl added.

“For me?” said Piglet, in a throaty sort of squeak. “I-I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t say anything,” remarked Eeyore gloomily.

“Eeyore,” I cautioned. “Remember what Piglet said about-“

“I only meant,” explained Eeyore, brightening considerably, “that in cases of this sort, there is nothing one can say.”

“That’s better.”

“Especially if one is Exceptionally Modest and Self-Effacing. Like Piglet.”

“Much better.”

“Or like myself.”

“Hmmmmm.”

Eeyore as the gloomy Gus of the Hundred-acre woods is the antithesis of the Piglets of the world. Their gloomy discountenance reflects their problems like some sort of twisted mirror back at themselves. Whereas the Piglets of the world; he budding Taoist masters that they are- can reflect the  positive; the brightness; the goodness of the world back upon itself and thus add to the goodness in the world.

As Taoists have long observed and remarked on, something taken to its extreme turns into its opposite: Extreme Yang (Masculine) becomes Yin (Feminine), and so on. The present age of man- an extreme if there ever was one- might well be called the Age of the Warrior. Man against man, man against the earth . . . So, according to the Taoist principle, the coming age will be an age of the Healer, or something of the sort. But first will come what could be called a Great Purification.

“As our planet takes action to cast out its man-made poisons and heal its man-caused wounds, many human inhabitants will no doubt give way to fear. Many will cling to seemingly powerful we’re-God’s-Chosen-people religions, hoping that by so doing they will be saved from the wrath of a Vengeful God (not recognizing that the approaching ‘vengeance’ will in reality be man’s own actions coming back at him- and not recognizing that the Infinite Universal Power is far more than the narrow-minded gatekeeper of an exclusive Spiritual Country Club). Many will find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, because they did not pay enough attention to what the natural world was telling them. And many will curse the world, and believe that they have been cursed by it.

The coming age of Aquarius that the hippies of the sixties professed- the redistribution of power among all people in some sort of spiritual utopia; A pipedream for some given the current narcissism and pettiness of the western world. We have been living the age of “the Warrior” where we pit everything against everything else; to see which is faster, which is better by comparison, who is stronger, who is the “best” and in our manic grab for MORE, MORE, MORE and have utterly destroyed the planet in our need for more.   But perhaps with a little help from our little pink friend, Piglet, we can bring in the dawning of a new world. An age of purification. An age of living within the means of the natural world and the balance of the natural energies. An age that may be able to save mankind.

By actively ignoring our place in the ecosystem and the natural world; we run the risk of continued destruction not only of our spiritual selves but of our physical selves. We truly run the risk of extinction as a species.  All because we ignored the warning signs, we elected climate-change deniers; we propagate “false news” claims that serve only as a distraction to the defunding of Wildlife preservation, planned parenthood, or other organizations that serve the natural world and the middle and lower classes. Sacrificing the natural world and dooming ourselves for imagined wealth that we can hoard over our imagined “enemies” to prop ourselves up as “better than” or “Greater Than.”  And when the air becomes too bad to breathe we will scream out with our dying breath that we were cursed by the world; cursed by the “other” religions, cursed by the very world that we betrayed; never realizing we cursed ourselves to spite our face.

But in reality we are the most fortunate generation since recorded human history began. For when the necessary cleansing is over, we will witness a magical transformation of the world around us by the forces of the earth. And we will see for ourselves what the ancient Taoists meant by the Age of Perfect Virtue.

When the remains of today’s anti-earth civilization have been cleared away, we will find ourselves in the state of paradise that existed before the Great Separation occurred. Man’s lesson will have been learned- permanently, without the slightest doubt. The wise leadership and light handed government described by Lao-tse and practiced by Mohandas Ganghi will be universal. And the Day of Piglet will be here.” (p.249-251)

For those that survive the possible coming “apocalypse” of our own making; for those that like the Buddha suddenly “Wake Up” to the ending of one life and the hopeful survival of us as a species. We will live in the age of Aquarius; we will shed the skin of indifference and intolerance and we will be united as one human race regardless of age, orientation, creed, color, or spiritual opinion.  I will welcome that day and continue to live my life with Pooh and Piglet ever present in my mind; to see the peace in flowers; to find the eternity in the changing times; to live the Tao with every breath.

Chapter 11: Farewell (p.253-257)

 

 

Chapter 9: The upright Heart (p.181-212) (3/22/17; 4/14/17;4/24/17;5/01/17;5/05/17;5/06/17; 5/12/17; 5/27/17)

“And now, here’s a Riddle for Piglet, when he returns: If “good” isn’t necessarily good; and “bad” not necessarily bad, what is ‘small’?” (p.179)

“. . .Now we come to the power of the Sensitive, the Modest, and the Small- a power that all Piglets have in potential, whether or not they do anything with it. Of all the teachings of East and West, Taoism places the greatest emphasis on that power, which is Taoist writings is personified in its varying aspects as the Child, the Mysterious Female, and the Spirit of the Valley. Significantly. These are also personifications of the Tao itself.

Let’s begin our examination of the Sensitive, the Modest, and the Small by considering Sensitivity. In the West, sensitivity is considered a Minus rather than a Plus. (“Oh, you’re just too sensitive!”) but even in denouncing it as something to get rid of, the West acknowledges a little of its tremendous power. For example, it is widely recognized that being negatively sensitive about one’s health through worry-imagery and pessimistic self-talk can make and keep one sick. What is not so widely recognized, however, is that being positively sensitive about one’s health- ‘listening’ to the body, avoiding damaging influences, imagining and directing healing energy, visualizing perfect health, and so on – can make and keep one well, as an increasing number of people are discovering, some of them through curing themselves of “incurable” illnesses.”   (P.183- 184)

Reflection on self-talk making one sick:  I’m sad to say that I’ve been the victim of this self-propagating sickness a few times throughout my life. Being an overly sensitive individual, my childhood was a bit traumatic regarding bullying (and other things). I spent the vast majority of my childhood and adolescence scared and depressed. Not seeing myself as being of any great value to others- Not being suicidal but also not participating in life fully.

My family teased me for being so sensitive; for not taking criticism well; but never changing their behavior knowing how bad/literal I’d take their remarks. This made me resent my parents far more than just the teen angst rebellion demanded of me.  Only now as I start my 30s (I’m 31 as of writing this) are my parents and I finding a middle ground and I’m mature enough to forgive my human weaknesses and angst ridden teenage years.

When I read this quoted section above; I remembered all those self-help guru’s writing about the power of positive thinking; Books like “You are your own worst enemy,” or “The Secret”; and such; all talk about some peoples’ psyche’s almost NEED to self-sabotage as a way to have checks and balances in life. I fell into this trap of self-sabotage in my teens that reverberated through my 20s and indirectly resulted in my failures at college; and only recently have I started to scratch my way out of this hole in hopes to better myself through education and get out of debt.

Reflection on self-talk healing oneself: If self-talk can cause such negative results; How can one use it to HEAL?

There’s many, many books whose whole purpose is to answer the above question; So I’m not going to go into super deep detail; but instead try to discuss my thoughts and feelings on this subject and then continue on with my studies.

There’s many great themes in this work; none more so then to be yourself always; to be true to the reality of your circumstances in order to better them and yourself. To be honest and completely transparent with your goals in life and to go after them levelheaded and committed. That’s the teachings of Taoism; (and also “Freemasonry” but I can’t go too much into that) And through these Taoist teachings we can become the very best want us to be; but what WE want us to be. Which I will discuss a bit more completely coming up.

’Sensitivity and skill develop together – as one of them increases in the process of learning something, so does the other. A skilled ballet dancer is aware of his muscles as they stretch and contract, tighten and relax, through exercise, practice, and performance. Applying that sensitivity, he leaps, twirls and lands without apparent effort. A skilled athlete of any sort is aware of just how to move, how to hit or throw a ball in the right way at the right time, how to do this or that in order to score a point. Our last Tai Chi Chuan teacher had developed his awareness to such an extent that he would immediately know when anyone was trying to sneak up behind him. In their areas, at least, the masters of any such skills are very sensitive- and therefore very alert. (P.184-185)

I briefly discussed the idea of Taoism teaching us to be the very best of ourselves; I’d like to expand on that through this above quoted example.

Awareness of oneself is a foundational step in changing oneself, be it a physical change; an emotional change; or- in the case of Taoism- a spiritual/outlook change. Like a Ballet dancer, who is in touch with a complete knowledge of their body or the tai chi practitioner who can control their breathing and focus to the point of near enlightenment; we need to apply that same regulation to our awareness of self and our self-protection through Taoism and become the best ourselves or what Taoists call “Perfect Virtue” ; or as Chuang-tse writes:

                “Those of perfect Virtue cannot be burned by fire, nor drowned by water. Neither can they be harmed by heat or cold, nor injured by wild animals. It is not that they are indifferent-it is that they discriminate between where they may safely rest and where they will be in danger. Watchful in prosperity and adversity, cautious in their comings and goings, nothing can injure them. . . “ (p.185)

Hoff relates the above section to an anecdote about visiting Owl during a storm.

“ . . .Nothing can injure them. Nothing, that is, as long as they avoid having tea in a storm up in a tree at Owl’s house. . .

There was a loud cracking noise.

‘Look out!’ cried Pooh, “Mind the clock! Out of the way. Piglet! Piglet, I’m falling on you!”

“Help!” Cried Piglet.

Pooh’s side of the room as slowly tilting upwards and his chair began sliding down on Piglet’s. The clock slithered gently along the mantelpiece, collecting vases on the way, until they all crashed together on to what had once been the floor, but was now trying to see what it looked like as a wall. (The portrait of) Uncle Robert, who was going to be the new heath rug, and was bringing the rest of his wall with him as carpet, met Piglet’s chair just as Piglet was expecting to leave it, and for a little while it became very difficult to remember which was really the north. Then there was another loud crack . . . Owl’s room collected itself feverishly. . . and there was silence.’

Well- so Owl’s house in the tree is now on Ground Level. That’s a fine piece of cake.

“Cake?” said Pooh. (p.185-186)

“The word for Taoist sensitivity is Cooperation. As Lao-Tsu Wrote, ‘The skilled walker leaves no tracks’-he is sensitive to (and therefore respectful towards) his surroundings and works with the natural laws that govern them. Like a chameleon, he blends into What’s There. And he does this through the awareness that comes from reducing the Ego to nothing. As Chuang-tse put it:

                To him who dwells not in himself, the forms of things revel themselves as they are. He moves like water, reflects like a mirror, responds like an echo. His lightness makes him seem to disappear. Still as a clear lake, he is harmonious in his relations with those around him, and remains so through profits and loss. He does not proceed others, but follows them instead.”

“But where’s the cake? “asked pooh.

“Please, Pooh, I’m in the middle of this. Go look in the refrigerator.”

“There’s nothing in the refrigerator.”

“Well then, don’t blame me.” (186-187)

This idea of blending in with the surroundings- of possibly living a life that goes with the flow of events; has a lot of merit to it.  This above example is about not dwelling on the internal nature of the self as much as the external nature of the world around you.

So let us dig in a bit more into this; For those that live peacefully in the world following the Tao can leave small foot prints- much like a piglet- and live harmoniously. I feel that Hoff is advising introspection as a way too quiet that ever chattering voice that is human ego; as well as advising mindful introspection without ignorance of the outside world or it’s trappings.

Hoff gives us another example of Taoist sensitivity; which follows as:

“The Taoist alchemist and herbalist Ko Hung described one of the benefits of non-egotistical awareness: contentment.

                The contented man can be happy with what appears to be useless. He can find worthwhile occupation in forests and mountains. He stays in a small cottage and associates with the simple. He would not exchange his worn clothes for the imperial robes, nor the load on his back for a four-horse carriage. He leaves the jade in the mountain and the pearls in the sea. Wherever he goes, whatever he does, he can be happy- he knows when to stop. He does not pick the brief-blossoming flower; he does not travel the dangerous road. To him, the ten thousand possessions are dust in the wind. He sings as he travels among the green mountains.

                He finds sheltering branches more comforting than red-gated mansions, the plow in his hands more rewarding than the prestige of titles and banners, fresh mountain water more satisfying then the feast of the wealthy.  . . “ (p.187-188)

This is all about sensitivity in its many guises and the virtue of sensitivity. The above descriptions seem to be about the man who can embody the Tao in his life. This man doesn’t seek new regal clothing, or a carriage, nor does he seek wealth or possessions. He lives simple and peaceful with shelter from branches, and fresh water and the joy of Earning and working with your hands over the trappings of wealth.

I’ve already talked about wealth and prestige being trappings against the Taoist mindset. Not that earned wealth isn’t of value- it’s of value because its EARNED! In this regard, I want to talk about martial arts; I hold two 1st degree black belts in two separate martial arts; and earning every rank from white until black and then turning around and starting over at white and going to black in a complete different martial art style not only taught me humility, and perseverance, but also the importance and value of earning what one gets.  I earned every rank, I was not handed anything during my Tae Kwon Do training simply because I already had a black belt in karate.  And I’m so very, very thankful to Stefan Melin for allowing me to do it that way.

The budding Taoist in me seems to be finding parallels between this spiritual system and martial arts, one must remain focused and dedicated to ones’ path in Taoism to live a full and meaningful life; same with dedication and focus allowing one to progress in martial arts.

“. . . He acts in true freedom. What can competition for honors mean to him? What attraction can anxiety and greed possibly hold? Through simplicity he has Tao, and from Tao, everything. . . “(p 188)

The freedom one can obtain by acting purely without competition seems to be the reward in and of itself for the Taoist. By focusing on simplicity, you can set aside anxiety and greed, as well as the negativity that comes from those needless things.

“He sees the light in the ‘darkness’, the clear in the ‘cloudy’, the speed in the ‘slowness’, the full in the ‘empty’, The cook creating a meal with his own hands has as much honor in his eyes as a famous singer or high official. He has no profits to gain, no salary to lose; no applause, no criticism. When he looks up, it is not in envy. When he looks down, it is not with arrogance. Many look at him, but nobody sees him. Calm and detached, he is free from all dangers, a dragon hidden among men.” (p.188)

 Once again this is about the merit and worth of doing things for oneself. The exercise of effort is what gives an action value. This light in the darkness; one can- through the self-reflective and sensitive nature of Taoism- live in peace- calm and detached; and be a true behemoth of virtue among more distracted individuals.

“With the reappearance of Piglet, we come to the second admirable characteristic we mentioned at the beginning of this chapter: Modesty. Which brings us to one of our favorite selections from the writings of Chuang-Tse:

‘On a trip to Sung, Yang-tse spent the night at an inn. The innkeeper had two wives; one beautiful, the other very plain. The plain one was treated with honor and affection, but the beautiful one was ignored. The next day, Yang-tse asked a boy of the household why. He replied: “The beautiful one knows that she is beautiful; the plain one knows that she is plain.”

When Yang-tse returned, he addressed his disciples: ‘Remember this, my followers. Put away your pride, and act upon your Virtue. If you do this, how can you not be loved?’

As this. . .so perfectly sums up the subject of Modesty, we think, let’s go on to that of the Small.”

(P.189- 190)

Okay, well before I move onto the virtue of the small; I would like to talk about the lesson of Modesty as exemplified by the above quotes.

Modesty in general is defined as: “The quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s ability” (*Google Search Definition). The above example about the two wives expresses the virtue of modesty in that the “plain” looking woman being elevated above the beautiful woman is judged instead on her looks but on the inherent value that that person adds to the world around them. They Do something meaningful and thus add inherent value, whereas the beautiful woman only offers her external esthetics; which hold no real value to the world at large. Regardless of what society chooses to sell.

“Have you anything to say about the Small, Piglet?’

“Why, yes,” he replied. “I was just rehearsing it (ahem).”

                There’s not much you can be

                When you’re not so very tall,

                And the Life you long for

                Is so high up

                You can’t reach it-

                You’re a Very Small Animal.

 

                What if I could be Bigger, and

                What if I could be Tall?

                Think what I could accomplish then.

As it is, I’m too small

Much too small.

“Thank you Piglet. That’s about what I thought you’d say.” (p.190-191)

Piglet once again takes center stage as our protagonists to illustrate the overarching view of the virtue of the small but also more specifically the misunderstanding desire to NOT be small; not truly seeing his own value and worth as he is. Which is a very anti-Taoist state of being when you get right down to it.

Piglets self-defeatists attitude is a shame after so much time with him; but there’s a lesson in there that’s expanded on in the next section. Which through continued examples of the virtue of the small – be they in a physical altercation or martial arts scenario- or in the “Monkey and the Grasshopper.” But more on that below.

 

“To the typical mind of the West, Bigger is Better: The large man is a better fighter than the little man, the huge corporation is superior to the small company, the adult is wiser than the child. The Taoist attitude is: Not so.”

“Is the large man a better fighter than the little man? Our previously mentioned Tai Chi Ch’uan teacher, a small man even by Chinese standards, was once trapped in a Hong Kong alley by a gang of armed thugs. They lost. In martial arts, as in Real Life, it’s not the big opponent one needs to watch out for; it’s the little one. There are many reasons, some physical (lower center of gravity), some mental (tricks learned from being the Underdog), some emotional (without interference from a Muscleman Ego, one can move very fast). Large men tend to be lazy and slow, relying on their muscles to carry them through a situation. Little men tend to be far more energetic, flexible, and alert, with finer-tuned nervous systems and less weight to haul around. . . . What does it matter if he’s as big as a boxcar, if he can’t catch you?”

 (191- 192)

The western world doesn’t see the value of the small. Where bigger is always seen as better and more intimidating and thus more masculine and of greater perceived value socially speaking; The west is not a place- at least at first glance- where the small can be successful.

But that’d be false thinking when you start to dissect the western philosophy of Might-makes-right against the eastern philosophies of the Tao.

In my martial arts training, as well as in my teachings, the small is often far more superior to the big. A persons’ large muscles can be used against them in a way that drains them of their strength and where the bigger they are, the easier they are dealt with.   The joint locking of Judo, Japanese Jiu-jitsu, Aikido, or even MMA; all play against the perceived advantage of an opponents’ musculature in such a way as to make them the instrument of their own defeat.  I honestly could write a whole article on the virtue of the small with regards to martial arts and western ego plays.

The ego of a larger opponent can be used against them just as their anatomy can be used against them. One can demoralize or, over time, distract with angering their opponent, so that their opponent loses focus on their surroundings and their awareness pinholes. This is dangerous if you aren’t skilled enough to get away or around said angered opponent; but if done right; this lack of focus can cause them to drop their guard in ways one smaller than them can use to lock, take down, or even destroy their opponent.

When looked at in that regard; one can’t help but see the value in being small. Regardless of societal messages of machismo. A good example of this; is The monkeys versus the Grasshopper quoted Below.

“One day a long time ago, some monkeys who lived on the mountain decided that they would rather live in the valley below, where it was warmer. But when they went down to the valley, they were bothered by grasshoppers. So they tried to persuade the grasshoppers to leave, first by coaxing and then by threats. But the grasshoppers refused to go.

‘You puny creatures!’ Roared the Head Monkey. ‘if you won’t leave, we’ll force you out! Tomorrow we’ll fight you to the finish.’

‘All right,’ said the head grasshopper, ‘if that’s the way you want it.’

The next day the monkeys marched into the valley, armed with heavy clubs. “Come out, Grasshoppers!” they called, “where are you?”

“Here we are!”   answered the grasshoppers, as they leapt onto their opponents.

Whack! Whack! Whack! Went the clubs, as one monkey battered another. The Grasshoppers were too fast for them. The Head Monkey found to his disgust that the Head Grasshopper had landed on his nose. “I’ll get him, boss!’ said the monkey next to him. He struck a ferocious blow with his club, missing the grasshopper (who by then had leaped away) but squashing the Head Monkey’s nose deep between his eyes. And so it went with one monkey’s nose after another. Finally, the monkeys staggered away, and the valley was peaceful once again.

And that is why monkeys avoid the valley, and why they have squashed noses.” (p.192-193)

” For the second point: Is the huge corporation superior to the small company? That sort of Dinosaur Mentality didn’t work very well for the dinosaurs in the long run, and it doesn’t seem to be working very well for businesses, either, as time goes by.

As we are told in school, the dinosaurs were the most successful creatures on earth- for a while, but geographic and climatic changes eliminated them because they couldn’t Adapt, and couldn’t compete with the smaller, faster creatures that superseded them. Their most plentiful descendants alive today, scientists tell us, are birds-small, adaptable, and mobile.

For some time now, big companies have been buying smaller companies, only to be bought in turn by giant corporations, which are then bought by multinational conglomerates. The bigger they grow, and the more interdependent they make themselves in the process, the more vulnerable they become. Bigness easily becomes its own worst enemy. As recent events continue to show, it doesn’t take all that much to put a large corporation in trouble. And the bigger it is, the harder it will fall. Survival of the Fattest may have been the rule of business prosperity for a while. But it’s now being supplemented by the Success of the Small. In search of something new and useful, creative businessmen have begun to study the fighting tactics of the Samurai. They might do better, we think, to read The Tao Te Ching: ‘The hard and mighty shall fall; the flexible and yielding shall survive.’ Just a thought.”

(p.193-194)

This idea of dinosaur mentality; The behemoths that were unable to adapt and thus unable to survive; outgrew their climate; out grew their means of survival; while smaller, more adaptable creatures maintained and survived to be the genetic forefathers of many species still alive today.  Much like the animals that need to adapt to survive; The business savy needs to continue to grow within its means without straying too far into the fringe and thus out grow their own survival.   The successful firms and businesses can ride the waves of the economy that the larger companies make (and drown under).

The budding Taoist in me has read Sun Tsu’s “The Art of War”; which seems to be a basic necessity of business survival. A hard and fast guidebook- with its strategy and philosophy applying from everything from marketing to business meetings and corporate “Enemies-at-the-gate” survival.   It’s a very “Us-versus-Them” sacred text meant to ratify the best strategy for survival in an ever changing world. But, unlike the Tao Te Ching, it offers no real guidance to riding the changing times of the economy or business competition. Where bigger isn’t always better; especially when it becomes unable to be self -sufficient. Like a house of card; where the slightest breeze or change can knock the whole thing down.

“For the final point on Bigger is Better: is the adult wiser than the child? On the individual level, of course, the answer depends on which adult and which child. But beyond that, wisdom is to the Taoist a child’s state. (Or more like a state like Whinnie-The-Pooh) Children are born with it; most adults have lost it, or a good deal of it. And those who haven’t are, in one way or another, like children. Is it Mere Coincidence that the Chinese suffix tse, which has come to mean ‘master’, literally means child? As . . . Meng-tse wrote, ‘Great men retains child’s mind.’ And, as the following story by Chuang-tse shows, the great man respects the child’s mind, as well:

                Accompanied by six of his wisest men, the Yellow Emperor journeyed to Chu-T’zu Mountain, to speak to the mystic Ta Kuei. In the wilderness of Hsiang Ch’eng, the procession lost its way. After wandering for some time, the men came upon a boy tending horses. “Do you know the way to Chu T’zu Mountain?” they asked him. “I do,” the boy replied. “In that case,” They said, “would you know where we might find the hidden dwelling of the hermit Ta Kuei?” “Yes,” he answered, “I can tell you.” “What a fascinating child!” said the emperor to his companions. “He knows this much. . . Let me test him.” He stepped from his carriage, and called the boy to him.

“Tell me,” said the Yellow Emperor. “If you were in charge of the empire, how would you go about ruling it?”

“ I know only the tending of horses.” The boy replied. “Is ruling the empire any different from that?”

Not satisfied, the emperor questioned him again:

“I realize that governing is hardly your concern. Still I would like to know if you have ever had any thoughts about it.”

The boy did not answer. The emperor asked him once more. The boy replied by asking, “Is governing the empire different from tending horses?”

“Explain the tending of horses,” Said the Yellow Emperor, “And I will tell you.”

“When taking care of horses,” said the boy, “we make sure that no harm comes to them. In doing so, we put aside anything within ourselves that would injure them. Can ruling a nation differ from that?”

The Yellow Emperor bowed his head twice to the ground. “Heavenly Master!” he exclaimed.

(p.195 -197)

The idea of the wise being like children isn’t entirely a Taoist specific trait; but this text is, of course, focused of Taoist thought.   Other faiths such as Buddhism- in the same vein as the fat, happy Buddha deals with childish wonder; Many Christian scholars have written about the virtue and innocents of children as well as parallels to child- like wonder that underlines the Adam and Eve mythos. Shamanic myths of Native American tribes talk about the simplistic and meaningful teachings of the children of the Tribe -The idea that the closer one gets to God- be it “nirvana”; “paradise”; or whatever you call it; Most faiths discuss the attainment like that of “being made a child” once again. But before I digress, to keep myself from going on all these tangent ideas; lets discuss the Taoist View of children.

If, as Meng-tse writes and the previous quote and mentioned writings, is true- the lesson is that in being “simple minded” or direct; one can overcome the ego that demands our attention, and we can see the world as it is. We can best serve ourselves; not just as Jedi, but as simply individuals; if we try to maintain a childlike wonder for our world—and in doing so, perhaps overcome the distractions and negativity of the day-to-day grind and find bliss in simply “being.” Or as Hoff puts it:

 “Returning to Taoist principles for a moment: When we eliminate interference with the Ego, the energy of the Universal Way can flow through us unimpeded. Which is one reason that Taoists emphasize the importance of being Small, as does Lao-Tse in the twenty eighth chapter of the Tao Te Ching:

Know the masculine,

But keep the feminine.

Become a river

To all under heaven.

Move in constant Virtue;

Return to the infant state.

This advises that we maintain a balance between the impulsivity of children and the machinations and “grim duties” (as Joseph Campbell put it) of being an adult. We can be both masciline (Yang) and Feminine (Ying) and  by keeping those forces within us in balance; we can maintain a child-like wonder and continue to grow throughout our lives.

Know the light,

But keep to the shadows.

Become a pattern

To all under heaven.

Act in constant Virtue;

Return to the beginning.

Our actions- when in place with the Tao; can inspire others. The actions of working with the childlike wonder applied to a mature mind; can inspire others.  And as long as we keep pure our virtue/outlook; we can obtain peace.

Know the high

But keep to the low.

Become a valley

To all under heaven;

As a valley provides in abundance;

Give in Constant Virtue;

Return to natural simplicity.”

(P.199-200)

This last portion seems to be again advising seeing the world as it is; but without losing our focus on what we want life to be. That by being realistic to our expectations and outlooks- to LIVE the Tao; and by keeping things simple without over complicated ritual, rules, or regulations. We won’t just inspire others; we will be like a calm port in a storm. A sanctuary for our mental health and for others to better find their own calmness- their own way of walking the Tao, Outside of theological or social expectations. A constant state of simply “being.”

Hoff goes one step further by relating this concept not just to walking the path of the Tao; but to the value and power of the small.

” The Great Way flows everywhere.

To the left and to the right.

The ten thousand things

Depend on it for life.

It nourishes them all,

Holding nothing back.

It accomplishes what needs to be,

But takes no credit.

It clothes and feeds all things;

Yet does not claim

To be their lord.

It asks for nothing in return.

It may be called the Small

As this is a part of a bigger whole portion on Taoism; these paragraph reflections of its sections might be better suited as a complete writing at the end instead of throughout.  But I’m going to do them a section at a time.

The “Great Way” -that of the Tao- the outlook and focus of the Tao is viewed as an ever present flowing force in the world.  The Tao is seen similar to what we as Jedi call “The Force”, viewed as a part of all living things in eastern culture.

Now this touches base on some basic ideas of altruism; as described as a desire to do good for the sake of just doing good.  It’s important to note here that the Tao is complex enough to apply to all religions; not just Taoism. Taoist teachings such as an ever present living essence that nourishes its followers, that takes no credit but simply lives peacefully without claim or as Hoff puts it “Lordship,” is a simple directness. It is a small idea- like our small animal, Piglet- that is also a pinnacle with which the Tao finds its foundations; and as the following quote describes; Earns its title as “Great.” As well as offering its followers to also be raised to “greatness.”

The ten thousand things

Follow it.

Return to it.

Yet it does not claim

To be their Lord.

Therefore, it may be called

The Great.

So to the wise may become great,

By becoming small.” (p.200-201)

 

Throughout this chapter, Piglet has been writing a song about being small. And what being a very small animal meant to him; as well as perhaps learning something along the way.

” I’ve thought up another verse and refrain,” said Piglet.

“Oh. All right, how do they go?”

‘Like this. . . “

“There’s not much you can see

When you can’t see things at all-

They’re too far above your head.

They’re for someone

Who is someone,

Not for someone who is like you . . ..

How can I become Bigger?

How can I become Tall?

When will I stop feeling weak, and

When will I stop feeling small?

The actual abilities of being a very small animal can be frustrating most of the time. In our society sometimes we see being short as a hindrance; going so far as having a well-used hashtag of: shortgirlproblems/ shortguyproblems. It makes a joke out of the hindrances of being short while also simultaneously trying to empower those who are short in statute.   I would think that after all this time with Piglet; he’d start to see the value he has but while he’s a fictional character; There’s a good parallel to actual life.

Sometimes we get bogged down in the woes and troubles of our lives that we can’t see the path clearly anymore. We focus on the Piglet inside us- the ideas and thoughts that we’re too small, too unskilled, too weak, too unable to change things; that we end up creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I’ve fallen into this many times in my life. I’ve never finished college after losing my associates degree (in theology); I’ve allowed my failures to stack up and then I do my best to ignore them- ignore the fact that I’m 31 without a wife or child; I’m 31 without a college degree; I’m 31 with 2 black belts and a failing dojo; I’m 31 and I have too much debt to return to college and finish even a basic degree to try to better myself. I’m not a nurse; I’m not a med aid; I’m not even a C.N.A. 2.  I’m spending most of my time training, or working on novels I’ll never finish; or working on these exercises which help me focus but I’m not working towards anything that can help me financially in the long run.  Not to say that there’s not value in these lessons; I’m very proud of being a Jedi and the things I’m learning.

“That’s all very nice, Piglet. I mean as a song. But it’s not getting you anywhere, you know.”

“What do you mean?” asked Piglet.

“I mean, that attitude won’t do you any good. If you keep repeating that sort of thought, you’ll just convince yourself that you’re powerless. Isn’t that why you feel so afraid?”

“Well,” said Piglet, “when you’re only a Very Small Animal- “

“If I might make a suggestion . . .. “

“Yes?”

“First of all, the fears that push you about are not legitimate, appropriate responses to What Is, such as warnings of danger ahead. Instead, they’re the constricting fantasies of What If: ‘What if I should meet a Heffalump, or fall on my face, or make an utter fool of myself?’ isn’t that true?”

“Yes. . .. I suppose so.”

“I would suggest that the next time a What If starts badgering you, look it straight in the eyes and ask it, ‘All right, what’s the very worst that could happen?’ And when it answers, ask yourself, ‘What could I do about it?’ You’ll find there always will be something. Then you’ll see that you can have power in any situation. And when you realize that, the fears will go away.”

“They will?”

“Especially when you realize where the power comes from. In one way or another, we’re all Very Small Animals, and that’s all we need to be. So why worry about it? All we have to do is live in harmony with the Way, for the benefits of the world, and let its power work through us. Let it do the work.”

. . .

“For example, I’m not writing this book. That would be Struggle and Difficulty. Instead, I’m letting the book write itself, through me. That’s Fun and Excitement. It flows along, and I follow as best I can. Day by day, wherever I go, things come to me, and I include them in these pages.  To paraphrase my favorite Haiku writer, Matsuo Basho, ‘Every bend in the road brings me new ideas; every dawn gives me fresh feelings.’ Writing with the Way is a journey. And so is everything else. Who knows where the Way will take us tomorrow, and what it will have us doing?”

“I’ve never thought of it like that,” said Piglet.

“So you see, as long as we follow the Way, we won’t be intimidated by fears-neither fear of failure nor fear of success.”

“Fear of success? Is there such a thing?”

“There certainly is, and it has a great deal of power over a great many people. Chuang-tse wrote some things about it. Here’s one of them:

                “Yao was seeing the sights at Hua when the border guardian recognized him and approached, saying, ‘Ah master! Blessings of the Master! May he live long.’

“Hush!” said Yao.

“May the master have much wealth!”

“Hush!”

“May he have many sons!”

“Hush!”

“How is this?” asked the border guardian. “Long life, much wealth, and many sons are what everyone wishes for. Why do you not want them?”

“Many sons,” said Yao, “means many worries. Much wealth means much trouble. Long life means long suffering of abuse. These interfere with the cultivation of Virtue. That is why I do not want them.”

“Before,” The border Guard said, “I thought you were a Master. Now I see that you are only a Superior Man. Heaven, in sending you sons, is sure to have fashioned occupations for them. If you had many sons, and they had their occupations, what would you have to worry about? If you had much wealth and shared it with others, What trouble would you have? As for long life . . . .”

“The wise man finds his dwelling like a quail, without worries or struggle. He is fed a fledging, by the all-providing Way of Heaven. He travels through life like a bird in flight, leaving no trace as he passes. When the empire follows the Way, he shares in the prosperity. When it loses the Way, he retires and cultivates his Virtue. After many years of contented living, he leaves this world and rides the white clouds. No evil will have reached him. He is free from misfortune. What abuse has he suffered?” With this the border guardian turned and walked away.

Yao followed him. “Wait!” he called, “I would like to ask-“

“Oh, go away!” replied the boarder guardian.

That story, I said, “Illustrates what the Taoists mean by ‘Treat gain and loss as the same.’ They mean don’t be Intimidated. Don’t make a Big Deal of anything-just accept things as they come to you. The Universe knows what it’s doing. So don’t develop a big ego, and don’t be afraid.”

“Oh,” Said Piglet. “I see.”

“Going out?” I asked

“Yes,” he said, “I’m going to work on my song.”

(P.203-208)

This should probably be two reflections as Hoff discusses not only Piglets lack of self-esteem; but also this great story of the border guard and Yao.   So let’s discuss the core lessons of this chapter; and that is Bravery for the sake of bravery.  Something Piglet is always seen as lacking; (when really its confidence he lacks, but more on that later)

Being brave can be very hard- even if we aren’t a very small animal- bravery in life can be difficult.  I have fallen into the habit or rut of being not entirely brave all of the time- like all human beings before me- but in a way, admitting to my lack of bravery is quite brave.  I think Piglet would approve.

But I digress; This idea of a lack of self-esteem; a fear of simply existing without plan or presence or path; seems to be a poison to the budding Taoist in me. One I will try to defeat over time.

 

Throughout this chapter; which I haven’t quoted; Owls house has fallen from its tree due to a storm, trapping both Piglet and Pooh inside.  While Hoff talks about these different Taoist thoughts; Piglet has been trying to get out of the dilapidated house safely- but as we know, Piglet is a very scared, very small animal; and so that brings us to where we are:

There was a loud cracking noise.

“Look out!” cried Pooh, “Mind the clock! Out of the way, Piglet. Piglet, I’m falling on you!”

“Help!” cried Piglet.

Pooh’s side of the room was slowly tilting upwards and his chair began sliding down on Piglet’s. The clock slithered gently along the mantelpiece, collecting vases on the way, until they all crashed together on to what had once been the floor, but was now trying to see what it looked like as a wall. (The portrait of) Uncle Robert, who was going to be the new hearthrug, and was bringing the rest of his wall with him as carpet, met Piglet’s chair just as Piglet was expecting to leave it, and for a little while it became very difficult to remember which was really the north. Then there was another loud crack . . . Owl’s room collected itself feverishly. . . .and there was silence.”. . . .

In a corner of the room, the table-cloth began to wriggle. Then it wrapped itself into a ball and rolled across the room.

Then it jumped up and down once or twice; and put out two ears. It rolled across the room again, and unwound itself. (and piglet popped his head out)

. . . There was a disturbance behind the table in the other corner of the room, and Owl was with them again.

“Ah, Piglet,” said Owl, looking very much annoyed, “Where’s Pooh?”

“I’m not quite sure,” said Pooh. . . .

“Well!” said Owl. “This is a nice state of things!”

“What are we going to do, Pooh? Can you think of anything?” asked Piglet.

“Well, I had just thought of something,” said Pooh. “It was just a little thing I thought of.” And he began to sing:

I lay on my chest- And I thought it best- To pretend I was having an evening rest;

I lay on my turn- And I tried to hum – But nothing particular seemed to come.

My face was flat- On the floor. And that- Is all very well for an acrobat;

But it doesn’t seem fair-To a friendly Bear-To stiffen him out with a basket-chair.

And a sort of sqoze- which grows and grows- Is not too nice for his poor old nose,

As a sort of squck-Is much too much- For his neck and his mouth- and his ears and such.

“That was all” said Pooh.

Owl coughed in an unadmiring sort of way, and said that, if Pooh was sure that Was all, they could now give their minds to the Problem of Escape.

“Because,” said Owl, “we can’t go out by what used to be the front door. Something’s fallen on it.”

 

Poohs light hearted song about being tussled around Owls house as it fell down is pretty interesting. While this book is mainly about Piglet and Pooh had his own book already -where I learned that Pooh is a Taoist Master in his own right- demonstrates his changing passive views on this event of owls’ house toppling down.  Poohs almost resigned opinion to go with the flow of the event is strangely calm and simple minded and very Taoist in its acceptance of the new reality of the situation (that of owls house being sideways and fallen). Whereas Piglet is caught up in the tragedy of the event and anxiously wants to find an escape. Which I will elaborate on below:

 

“But how else can you get out?” asked Piglet anxiously.

“That is the Problem, Piglet, to which I am asking Pooh to give his mind.”

Pooh sat on the floor which had once been a wall, and gazed up at the ceiling which had once been another wall, with a front door in it which had once been a front door, and tried to give his mind to it.

“Could you fly up to the letter-box with Piglet on your back?” he asked.

“No,” said Piglet quickly. “He couldn’t.”

Owl explained about the Necessary Dorsal Muscles. He had explained this to Pooh and Christopher Robin once before, and had been waiting ever since for a chance to do it again, because it is a thing which you can easily explain twice before anybody knows what you are talking about.

“Because you see, Owl, if we could get Piglet into the letter-box, he might squeeze through the place where the letters come, and climb down the tree and run for help.”

Piglet said hurriedly that he had been getting bigger lately, and couldn’t possibly, much as he would like to, and Owl said that he had had his letter-box made bigger lately in case he got bigger letters, so perhaps Piglet might, and Piglet said, ‘But you said the necessary you-know-what’s wouldn’t,” and Owl said,” No, they Won’t, so it’s no good thinking about it,” and Piglet said, “Then we’d better think of something else,’ and began to at once.

“Owl,” said Pooh, “I’m going to work on my song.”

Piglet is very concerned for his own safety and fearful of Poohs idea of riding on Owls back. He tries to back out of it by saying that while he is a small animal he’s not That small and have in fact been getting bigger.  This deflection out of fear is very much a Piglet trait but what we discover in the next part is that even when faced with fear, even a very small animal like Piglet can rise to the occasion and overcome.  The lesson here is to not allow our beliefs in our status; or our diminutive beliefs in ourselves to keep us from challenging ourselves every day to be better. We may be a scared small animal; but even the smallest of animals-in this case a Piglet- can overcome being scared and perceiver over the perceived weakness of being small and scared.

. . .

“Owl,” Said Pooh, “I have thought of something.”

“Astute and Helpful Bear,” said Owl

Pooh looked proud at being called a stout and helpful bear, and said modestly that he just happened to think of it. You tied a piece of string to Piglet, and you flew up to the letter-box with the other end in your beak, and you pushed it through the wire and brought it down to the floor, and Pooh pulled hard at this end, and Piglet went slowly up at the other end. And there you were.

Yes, there you were. Unless, as Owl pointed out, the string should happen to break. . ..

“it won’t break,” whispered Pooh comfortingly, “Because you’re a Small Animal, and I’ll stand underneath, and if you save us all, it will be a Very Grand Thing to talk about afterwards, and perhaps I’ll make us a Song, and people will say, “It was so grand what Piglet did that that a Respectful Pooh Song was made about it.”

Piglet felt much better after this, and when everything was ready, and he found himself slowly going up to the ceiling, he was so proud that he would have called out “Look at me!” If he hadn’t been afraid that Pooh and Owl would let-go of their end of the string and look at him.

“Up we go!” said Pooh cheerfully.

“The ascent is proceeding as expected,” said Owl helpfully. Soon it was over. Piglet opened the letter-box and climbed in.

Then, having untied himself, he began to squeeze into the slit, through which in the old days when front doors were front doors, many an unexpected letter that WOL had written to himself had come slipping.

He squeezed and he squoze, and then with one last sqooze he was out.

And Victory was theirs. And so was Help and Rescue. Which just goes to show you ----

“Here I am again,” said Piglet.

“So you are. Another Verse is it?”

“Yes. And Refrain.”

“Refrain, too? Good- Let’s hear them.”

                There’s not much you can say

                When others, Big and Tall,

                With their great muscular

Strength and all,

Find they can’t do what you can do,

And you stand there, not feeling small.

 

What if I had been bigger, and

What if I had been tall?

Think what I would have missed out on---

Not too small at all.”

 

“Much better,” I said. “A great improvement. Well done Piglet. All around.” . . . .

. . . ‘Yes, come along,” Said Pooh. “And bring the rest of your song.”

“I’m coming. . . “

Why should I have been bigger, then?

Why should I have been tall?

Why should I have been different, then,

After all?

(185-186; 188-189;194;198-199;201-203;208-211)

Piglet was able to overcome his fear and become empowered. His small statute was truly helpful to his friends and in being helpful, Piglet found a purpose and changed his outlook on his small statute from being one of weakness to being one of strength.  This is no more evident than in this song of his which started as a very self-deprecating reflection on the negatives of being small- being unable to reach things, being unable to see over tall objects; or seeing his smallness as synonymous with “weakness,” the song changed into “why should I want to be tall?” And piglet seems to feel stronger, to have “power”, and with that strength and power, to truly accept himself for what he is.

Chapter 8: Things as they are (p. 143- 180) (9/03/16; 9/04/16; 9/10/16; 10/24/16; 11/22/16; 11/30/16; 12/14/16;2/14/17; 2/18/17; 2/19/17;3/03/17;3/09/17;3/15/17; 3/21/17; 3/22/17)

This chapter seems to be about truly appreciating the reality around us; starting with a story from “Gold and work” by Ezra Pound.

“On the 10th of September last, I walked down the Via Salaria and into the Republic of Utopia, a quiet country laying eighty years east of Fara Sabina. Noticing the cheerful disposition of the inhabitants, I enquired the cause of their contentment, and . . . it was due to their laws and to the teaching they received from their earliest school days. . . . In order to teach small children to observe particulars they practice a kind of game, in which a number of small objects. . .are concealed in the hand. The hand is opened for an instant, they quickly closed again, and the child is asked to say what it has seen. For older children the game is gradually made more elaborate, until finally they all know how their hats and shoes are made. I was also informed that by learning how to define words these people have succeeded in defining their economic terms, with the result that various iniquities of the stock market and financial world have entirely *disappeared from their country, for no one allows himself to be fooled any longer.”(p.143-144)

I love this passage; this idea of truly teaching something useful beyond facts and charts has always been my desired approach to learning. The people in Utopia seem to all have a culture that connects them to the world around us and invests them into the big picture.  I want to see that in my country.  Where we are all so self-absorbed to be selfless; and even those of us that want to be different; those of us that want to be more than 9-to-5 people; that want to inspire. We need things like this to connect us to the world we live in so that we are all invested in the betterment of the society in which we live.

In recent politics, we had 2 democratic choices between a woman with a string of bad decisions and fear mongering; and a man who wanted to change the entire country to help the needy, to invest the youth into the fight and start a new American revolution to actually build a stronger country; and the system chose the “more-of-the-same, cookie cutter” democratic nominee.  (Not to mention the psychotic republican nominee)

I bring up American politics because it’s the country in which I live; and we desperately need to be invested in the big picture.  I am 30 years old and it seems we truly need a new approach to saving our country or as one of the fear mongering ooopma loopma reject republican candidate; we need a new approach to “make America Great again.”

 Next Hoff parallels another example of this principle of Reality Appreciation from Henry David Thoreau:

“Shams and delusions are esteemed for soundest truths, while reality is fabulous. If men would steadily observe realities only, and not allow themselves to be deluded, life, to compare it with such things as we know, would be like a fairy tale and the Arabian Nights’ Entertainments. . . . By closing the eyes and slumbering, and consenting to be deceived by shows, men establish and confirm their daily life of routine and habit everywhere, which still is built on purely illusory foundations. . . “ (P.144)

Adults seem to be lacking in imagination. We grow up and this amazing world full of wonders and unknown things to discover quickly become known; and the sparkle fades and we get thicker skin, and close off our hearts and eyes and brains to the beauty of the world around us.  We go to sleep; we work jobs that for most of us are more about a paycheck then positively impacting the world; and very, very few of us follow our bliss; instead choosing to live in our routine.

“ . . . Children who play life, discern its true law and relations more clearly than men, who fail to live worthily, but who think that they are wiser by experience, that is, by failure. . . Men esteem truth remote, in the outskirt of the system, behind the farthest star, before Adam and after the last man  . . . . But all these times and places and occasions are now and here. God himself culminates in the present moment, and will never be more divine in the lapse of all the ages. And we are enabled to apprehend at all what is sublime and noble only by the perpetual instilling and drenching of the reality that surrounds us.”  (p.144-145)

Okay, this is a lot. I find that I’m overwhelming myself a bit and my ADHD is having a field day today so let’s break it down a bit.     This chapter is about things as they are; seeing the world for what it is; a sort of peeking behind the veil that we all seem to place over our heads or that living slowly pulls over our heads sometime after childhood but before adulthood.   The above quote seems to address this; where children are the ones that can see the wonder of the world and take it at its face value. I’ve always believed that God is found in the laughter of children and Taoism sees to harken back to this idea; and that by paying attention to the world around us we can improve our lives.

 So the next big chunk basically outlines how many, many of the scientific and industrial accomplishments over the centuries originated from china; from drilling for natural gas, gunpowder, the structure of snowflakes (“2,000 years ahead of the west”) sunglasses, the butane gas cylinder, the essentials of the steam engine, cast iron, water tight compartments in ships, and many, many more.   Hoff writes 64 total “things” that have at least a portion of their origins in china.  “Well, that ought to be enough to make the point. These people Noticed things.” (p.149)

“Unfortunately, one thing the West did not import from the East was the traditional Chinese belief that science, morality, and spirituality must go together; that science without ethical and spiritual considerations was not a whole science. But a form of madness. Oh, well- we can’t have everything, we suppose. “ (p.149)

Hoff uses the below example of the game of Pooh sticks to illustrate this:

“Returning to Pooh and friends, this business of scientific observation and so on remind us of the quite Taoist discovery of the principle of Poohsticks, a game that has been played around the world ever since it was described in “The House at Pooh Corner” (and just possibly before).

Pooh, as you may remember, had been studying fir-cones and had made up a rhyme about one in particular. . .

He had just come to the bridge; and not looking where he was going, he tripped over something, and the fir-cones jerked out of his paw into the river.

“Bother”, said Pooh, as it floated slowly under the bridge, and he went back to get another fir-cone which had a rhyme to it. But then he thought that he would just look at the river instead, because it was a peaceful sort of day, so he lay down and looked at it, and it slipped slowly away beneath him. . . and suddenly, there was his fir-cone slipping away too.

“That’s funny,” said Pooh. “ I dropped it on the other side,” said Pooh “and it came out on this side! I wonder if it would do it again?” And he went back for some more fir-cones.

It did. It kept on doing it. Then he dropped two in at once, and leant over the bridge to see which of them would come out first; and one of them did; but as they were both the same size, he didn’t know if it was the one which he wanted to win, or the other one. So the next time he dropped one big one and one little one, and the big one came out first, which was what he had said it would do, and the little one came out last, which was what he had said it would do, so he had won twice. . . and when he went home for tea, he had won thirty-six, and that’s what he was. Instead of the other way around. . . . “ (p.149- 151)

This was the creation of the game of Pooh Sticks.  And demonstrates a very Taoist way of scientific discovery, but of course, what I learned in my previous assignment on the “Tao of Pooh” book was that Pooh is actually a Taoist master in disguise, so I’m not surprised. J  

“As we have already implied, there is a good deal more to the Importance of Observation than scientific discoveries. There is also the matter of Living Wisely and Well. In this area in particular, we believe, the West could learn a few things from the East. For example, what sort of education in Practical Wisdom do we tend to receive in school?

                There are three hundred cows in a field. The gate has been left open, and two cows pass through it every minute. How many cows are left in the field after an hour and a half? (*FYI: the answer is 120 cows)

This sort of thing, we’re told, will help us once we graduate- help us apply our learning to every day matters and, ideally, help us discern the true from the false. But, to return to the terms of the three-hundred-cow math problem: If you have ever herded cattle, you know that cows do not pass through an open gate at the rate of two per minute. They either go through all at once, or not at all. Or they wander through whenever they feel up to it. In all probability, there would be no cows left in the field ten minutes after a gate was opened, or a fence pulled down. But if you told the teacher that, you would be told that you were wrong. Such is the difference between School and Life . . .” 

(p.151-152)

This above example says that knowledge and wisdom (the application of knowledge) is the same thing. As We as Jedi and budding Taoists (I speak only of myself due to the emmensity of Taoist teachings lately) We need to understand the difference between knowledge and wisdom (something similarly stated in Star Wars Episode II:Attack of the Clones) where knowledge is facts, such as how many cows might be in a heard after such and such amount of time; and the Wisdom of understanding the underlining application that there might not be any cows after a certain time,and the equations and “rules” that denounce that, etc.

If we were asked to condense Taoist teachings regarding everyday life to their irreducible essentials, we would say: Observe, Deduce, and Apply. Watch what is around you- putting aside, as best as you can, previous conceptions that you or others might have about it. Ideally, look at it as though you were seeing I for the first time. Mentally reduce it to its basic elements- ‘See simplicity as complexity,’ As Lao-Tsa put it. Use intuition as well as logic in order to understand what you see (a vital difference between the Whole Reasoner and the Left-Brain technician.) Look for connections between one thing and another-notice patterns and relationships. Study the natural law you see operating through them. Then work with those laws, applying the smallest possible amount of interference and effort, in order to learn more and achieve whatever you need to – and no more.” (p.152-153)

Here’s where we get to the applications of Taoist Teachings that the previous “Cow” problem was unable to teach. That of appropriate application of knowledge; through the study of natural law and the actual world around oneself.  We should focus on our observations of the world around us, deduce what there is to learn and apply those lessons to better ourselves and the world around us.  Also mentioned here is a recommendation to study the natural world around us and learn and -APPLYING THE SMALLEST AMOUNT OF EFFORT- learn more and more and do what is needed and no more.

That idea of Smallest amount of effort seems to teach going with the flow of the world; ebb and flow with the pushes and pulls of life not as a way to conquer life but as a way to seek balance within all things. A great example of this is in the Wing Chun Kung Fu style where the only “real” attack at least in the beginning is a simple straight punch from the core and along the center line of the practitioner; with drills and techniques aimed to “clear the road” so that the fist can strike; One must get around the arms, and technique of the opponent in order to strike.  We must go with the flow in order to move further down the path.

“Once you make a habit of Observing, Deducing, and Applying, you may sense a pathway opening up ahead of you-or inside of you, or both-leading to a deeper understanding of things. You may even feel at times as though you’re in some sort of Other Dimension, like Thoreau’s example of the Arabian Nights’ Entertainments. But you’re not, really; you’re just seeing and experiencing Things As They Are, rather than as someone-or-other says they are. And the difference between the two can be considerable.

In a sense, though, the image of another dimension is an appropriate one. For as you follow the Way, you leave the land of Either/Or and enter the land of Both. As Lao-tse wrote in the first chapter of the Lao Te Ching, many people are unable to follow the Way because they are unable to SEE it, being stuck in Either/Or:

Those habitually without desire;

Perceive (the Way) as “subtlety”

Those habitually with desires

Perceive it as “action”

These two have the same source,

But different names.

Together they’re called ‘darkness’-

Darkness of increasing darkness,

All mystery’s gateway”

In other words, Tao is both “subtlety” and “action.” Those who consider it only as spirit and ignore its forms, or who notice its forms but disregard what is behind and within them, know of only half of it, at best- neither the Spiritual people who deny the world nor the Physical people who deny the spirit can know of and follow the Way. But YOU can.”

(153-155)

Mindfulness seems to be the lesson in this quote. Knowing the Tao and studying the Tao and the difference between that and Living and experiencing the Tao seems to all boil down to Mindfulness. Awareness of the world as it IS, is paramount to the budding Taoist in that by staying mindful and aware of the world around them; they can better see the forest from the trees; or see the larger picture of interconnectedness as well as the subtlety and beauty of that vision and put that mind state into practical application within ones’ life to better themselves.

“Taoism is not the reject-the-physical-world way of living that some scholars (and some Taoists) would have others believe. Even Lao-tse, the most reclusive of Taoist writers, wrote, ‘Honor all under heaven as your body.” To a Taoist, a reject-the-physical-world approach would be an extremist absurdity, impossible to live- without dying. Instead, a Taoist might say: Carefully observe the natural laws in operation in the world around you , and live by them. From following them, you will learn the morality of modesty, moderation, compassion, and consideration (not just one society’s rules and regulations), the wisdom of seeing things as they are (not of merely collecting ‘facts’ about them), and the happiness of being in harmony with the Way (Which has nothing to do with self-righteous ‘spiritual’ obsessions and fanaticism). And you will live lightly, spontaneously, and effortlessly.”

 (p.155-156)

Honoring all heaven as your body; careful observation of the natural law and living by them you can learn the morality of modesty, moderation, compassion and consideration seems like an interesting term: as a path to spontaneous and effortless living.

Hoff’s Lesson here is the spiritual pathway of Taoist teachings; Not as a rejection of the world but a life in balance with the natural laws in order to learn morality- meaning right action; modesty-meaning appropriate action and thought; Moderation- meaning a balance in all things; Compassion- meaning to love all beings as ones’ self; and consideration for the world we see around us. This is the path of the Taoist that lives in harmony with all things; leading to a life of spontaneous effortless, light existence.

Hoff’s next example is the story of The Old Master and the Horse which teaches to live within Wu Wei; that the simplest solution to a problem might be the best- in this case, instead of trying to combat the horse or control the horse in order to pass unmolested; the Master simply chooses a different path away from the horse to get to his destination; Being like water to pass around obstacles and live within the flow of the world instead of battling against it- or to try to control it; and by freeing yourself you honor all of heaven as a part of yourself and everyone else.

” When you observe the natural world, you’ll eventually see that everything in it is designed to succeed- including what some might judge to be ‘bad.’ If you want to learn the natural world’s principles of success, you’ll need to see things not as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ but as they are. This does not mean discard morality, or commonsense, or anything of the sort; it simply means—well, let’s show what it means by a couple of examples.

Many centuries ago, the Chinese Empress Si Ling-chi overheard complaints that ‘worms’ or moth larvae, were devouring the leaves of the royal mulberry tree. So she went out to see what was happening. She watched the larvae as they spun their cocoons of strong, shimmering threads. Observing their movements as they spun, she conceived of a way to extract the fibers and weave clothing material from them. Her observations and experiments led to the cultivation of what was to become the most highly treasured of all the world’s natural fibers – the magical material known as silk.

This idea of a bad thing being used for good is very Taoist; such as the moth larvae that were a menace to the mulberry trees and thus destroying a thing of pride and beauty, through careful observation and experimentation, they were able to find a silver-lining to the existence of the moth larvae; and produce silk which revolutionized clothing; high society and basic material for any number of uses. The calm, collected thought process put into this situation that allowed for the result was very Taoist; very much “looking at the writing on the wall and seeing things for what they truly are”. Another Revolutionary thing that came from the careful observation of the natural world was the discovery of a naturally occurring phenomenon and finding a way to synthesize it into the invention of Velcro.

“On returning from a walk about forty years ago, the Swiss engineer George de Mestral found cockleburs clinging to his clothing. Unlike countless other people who have cursed the prickly seedpods, (he) picked them off, and discard them, he asked himself, “Why do they stick?” Examining them closely, he found that they were covered with tiny hooks, which had become embedded in the loops of his clothing fabric. He wondered if it would be possible to develop fasteners based on a hook-and-loop principle, which would by their natural be more flexible than anything then being used. From his watching and wondering came Velcro- from “velvet crochet,” or “velvet hook”- fastening systems made from which are now used all over the world, in applications too numerous to mention.

Despite the tired old claim that Necessity is the Mother of invention, it’s usually Observation and Imagination that deserve the credit. The major portion of useful inventions, knowledge, and achievement has been brought about by curious, childlike, creative observers of the world around them, whose vision is unclouded by judgements of what is “possible” or “impossible,” “good” or “bad.” The telescope, for example, was invented in principle by some Dutch children playing with defective lenses discarded form the shop of a spectacles maker. They found that when the lenses were held one in front of another -which, of course everyone knew was not supposed to be done- distance objects appeared closer. News of their discovery spread to Italy and to the eager attention of a man named Galileo Galilei . . . When you see beyond “good” and “bad,” you are much better able to recognize and make most of What’s There. For example, when a bear overeats a bit and gets stuck in your front door, you can use his legs to hang the washing on. And then use the back door.”

(P.159-161)

The calm and inquisitive nature of George De Mestral brought forth a world changing material known as Velcro.  Most useful inventions came from a place where an ordinary person “woke up” to notice something about the natural world or social world around them and repurpose it into something revolutionary such as Sanitation, Velcro, and Telescopes.  Looking at the invention of the Telescope with the first ideas springing from stories of children’s play activities is a beautiful Taoist idea of seeing things as they are and using things in new and interesting ways. From the telescope later came the opposite function item; the Microscope; which was also an instrumental object that has brought forth world changing knowledge about cells, bacterial, viruses and the macro and microscopic world around us.  Hoffs example of Rabbit used Whinnie-the-pooh legs to hang the washing on in order to dry is both whimsical and functional for the universe in which it takes place as well as Rabbits inherit selfishness using a friend in a precarious situation in order to benefit himself best. While Hoff isn’t implying that nature in Rabbit it is worth noting that the majority of people are seen as using inventions for their own purposes.

“. . . If I could show you the true nature of advertising. . . I know- let me play you a recording I made when I was an investigative reporter. . . .I’m interviewing Rasmussen Slick, chairman of the American Tobacco Advertising Council. . .

‘Mr.Slick, many people have pointed out that tobacco advertising today hardly ever shows anyone smoking a cigarette- nor does it show ashtrays, smoke, tobacco ash, and other things people would naturally associate with your product. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to show cancer wards and lung operations. . . But aren’t those illustrations of clear mountain streams, snowy hillsides, healthy skiers, and so on just a little evasive and misleading? What could you say about that?” (*Note for reflection: I actually rarely see cigarette ads on tv anymore.)

“Well, first of all, young man, the American public for many, many years now has been deluged with statements alleging that tobacco is directly responsible for health problems of various kinds. I would like to say that the proof behind such assertions is entirely lacking. What we are attempting to do is merely provide a reasonable counterbalance to such ridiculous claims, and show our product in a better, fairer light. I am proud to say that I have been a cigarette smoker myself for many years now, and I have never (cough) suffered in any way because of my habit, which I find pleasant, soothing, and (ahem) relaxing. (Ahem) Nothing, I repeat nothing (cough, cough) could be further from the truth (wheeze) than to (COUGH) claim, as so many now are (HACK,HACK,HACK)- say, couldn’t we shut that thing off for a while?”  (*the “thing” being the recorder) (P.162-164)

This idea of advertising; the use of invention for personal gain and salesmanship example above is quite interesting. While I don’t know if it needs to be said; but I reflect on each quote before reading further in the text; so on the off chance that Hoff spells everything out in the next part; I will add that quote as well. Otherwise, as I was reading a few thoughts popped into my head.

The tobacco industry can’t be described as a Truthful Industry- in fact they spent many years falsifying medical reports and even originally had doctors recommending brands of cigarettes for their Health Benefits. But their ability to spin facts and sway opinion is quite prolific. They’re all about what ISN’T there. Very anti-taoist like mindset- but also, very much about seeing what’s there and not being fooled by false advertisement.

 

Hoff next speaks about this idea of us having an “image to maintain” and the distraction that causes from the theme of this chapter of “seeing things as they are”.

“. . . One unfortunate thing about Owl. . . is that he has an Image to maintain. And Maintaining an Image tends to get in the way of seeing What’s There. If one can’t clearly see What’s There, how can one Learn it? And if one can’t learn it, how can one teach it?

You may recall what happened when Rabbit found a notice from Christopher Robin saying “GON OUT BACKSON BISY BACKSON” and took it to Owl for his Wise Council . . .

                Owl took Christopher Robin’s notice from Rabbit and looked at it nervously. He could spell his own name, WOL, and he could spell Tuesday so that you knew it wasn’t Wednesday, and he could read quite comfortably when you weren’t looking over his shoulder and saying ‘Well?’ all the time, and he could-

‘Well?” said Rabbit.

“Yes,” said Owl, looking Wise and Thoughtful. “I see what you mean. Undoubtedly.”

“Well?”

“Exactly,” Said Owl, “Precisely.” And he added, after a little thought, “If you had not come to me, I should have come to you.”

“Why?” asked Rabbit.

“For that very reason,” said Owl, hoping that something helpful would happen soon.’

“Yesturday morning,” said Rabbit solemnly, “I went to see Christopher Robin. He was out. Pinned on his door was a notice.”

“The same notice?”

“A different one. But the meaning was the same. It’s very odd.”

“Amazing.” Said Owl, looking at the notice again, and getting, just for a moment, a curious sort of feeling that something had happened to Christopher Robin’s back. “What did you do?”

“Nothing.”

“The best thing.” Said Owl wisely.

“Well?” said Rabbit again, as Owl knew he was going to.

“Exactly,” said Owl.

For a little while he couldn’t thing of anything more; and then, all of a sudden, he had an idea.

“Tell me, Rabbit,” he said, “the exact word of the first notice. This is very important. Everything depends on this. The exact words of the first notice.”

“It was just the same as that one really.”

Owl looked at him, and wondered whether to push him off the tree; but, feeling that he could always do it afterwards, he tried once more to find out what they were talking about.

“The exact words, please,” he said, as if Rabbit hadn’t spoken.

“It just said, ‘ Gon out, Backson.’ Same as this, only this says, ‘Bisy Backson’ too.”

Owl gave a great sigh of relief.

“Ah!” said Owl, “Now we know where we are.”

“Yes, but where’s Christopher Robin?” said Rabbit. “That’s the point.”

Owl looked at the notice again. To one of his education the reading of it was easy. “Gone out, Backson. Bisy, Backson’-just the sort of thing you’d expect to see on a notice.

“It is quite clear what has happened, my dear Rabbit,” he said. “Christopher Robin has gone out somewhere with backson. He and Backson are busy together. Have you seen a Backson anywhere about in the Forest lately?”

As it turned out, Rabbit wasn’t any better than Owl at determining the meaning of the notice, because he too has an Image to maintain- an image of Captain-Rabbit-in-charge-of-the-situation, which involves so much rushing about, so much excitement and what-in-the-world, that it leaves him little time to sit down and reflect on what something is.” (p.168)

(P.164-168)

Because Owl is seen as the “Know-it-all, Wisdom-spouting Character of the Hundred Acre Woods, Pooh and Piglet and everyone else goes to him for advice regarding things they don’t understand. In “The Tao Of Pooh” we discussed how his scholarly insights actually distract and diminish his ability to see the world as it truly is; and Hoff is making a parallel to reteach that lesson with regards to Seeing things as they Truly are and not just what we want them to be, or hope them to be, or label them as.

Owls comment about how doing nothing is ‘The Best thing” for the situation speaks to his inability to read between the lines; to wait for meaning to be spelled out for him as if from the page of a textbook; wisdom being the combination of knowledge and the hoarding of knowledge in hopes of giving out advice and lifting his own status about his other friends- to be so focused on superiority of knowledge that he completely loses the point of the knowledge. His misunderstanding of the notice-while pontificating that his opinion is the best one- shows just where Owls focus truly is.  This one-up-men-ship concept becomes the important lesson to the Owls of the world; whereas living without an image to maintain, but instead, with the focus on the present moment, the true meaning of the notice- in this example- is a far more Taoist mindset.

“One of the many advantages of Seeing Things As They Are is that we can solve problems through observation and deduction. After all, how can we solve problems if we can’t first clearly see what they are? And the best time to see them is in the beginning.  Most major difficulties are caused by a failure to observe the minor difficulties that they start out as. ‘Trouble is easily stopped before it commences,’ Wrote Lao-tse, ‘put things in order before chaos occurs.’ In other words, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of pesticide. The overwhelming tendency in unobservant industrial society, however, is to ignore small problems until they become enormous- and then panic.” 

“Call out the troops! Mad Tyrant Number Twelve is taking over the world! We’ve got to stop him- even if we have to kill half a million people doing it! Oh, it’s simply awful!” Well let’s see. . . Who sold him his weaponry? We did. Who trained his military forces in the use of it? We did. Who supplied the material he wanted? We did. Who supported his vicious dictatorship for years because he persecuted our “enemies”? We did. And who ignored his unstable personality, his destruction of anyone who opposed him, and his repeated threats against world order for all that time? We did. So there you are.”

(p.169-170)

This is of course a reference to Saddam Hussain and as this book was written and published in 1992; his death is the early part of 2000s would, of course, not been referenced. How we perceive the world around us dictates our thoughts and our thoughts dictate our actions.   Now the budding Taoist in me says that everything is connected; and everything has its own rhythm; and I should strive to live within the harmony of the natural world around me.

This whole chapter is about many things that can distract us from our world; and thus our path to harmony.  This above example speaks of the Taoists mindset that is prepared by being aware and how when we aren’t aware of our actions; or put deep thought into our actions; problems of our own making can and WILL occur.  The United States fought against tyrants and, upon success- while we were busy celebrating our victory- we left behind a power-vacuum where other evil men rushed to fill.  From the fall of Saddam Hussein came the instability of Iraq, from that instability came the empowerment of Afghanastan and the rise of Osama Bin Laden.   SO while we won the battle; we in point of fact lost that war of Terror and created a worst adversary.

And on 9/11/2001; among increasing reports of immenant attack on the east coast; we Ignored them- and faced immediate consequences in one of the worst acts of aggression since Pearl Harbor. And thus we were once again thrust into the dangers of War, this time fighting a regime we -through our failures to focus on the long game- put in power.   I can’t help but think of all the people we could have saved- the passangers, the people in the Twin Towers; the people in the pentagon; etc. and All the people we lost since then- the many troops who lost their lives supporting the cause to fight terrorism.

While they should all be honored; it’s a shame that hindsight wasn’t foresight. The world would be a very different person today- and I can’t help but think it’d be better in some significant way. All thanks to giving in to distraction and fear.      Now I know this is all easy to say from the perceived safety of my room here in Oregon; and yes, it’s true I’ve never served in the military regardless of my many attempts to do so between the ages of 18 and 22.  I want to say that I in NO WAY wish to besmirch the amazing men and women of the American armed forces; Their dedication and admiration for this great country of mine is both amazing and something to garnish everlasting respect. But the idea of warfare for oil; for the weapons of mass destruction that ended up not existing in any shape or form; and in a way to needlessly harm Americans is something I don’t support.

“What can be just as hard to see as problems-in-the-making is that a good many ‘problems’ aren’t really problems to begin with. People who don’t see situations for what they are often struggle against difficulties that aren’t there and create difficulties in the process. Or turn small difficulties into large ones. Compounding any problem (or non-problem) is the traditional Western response to difficulties real or imagined: the tendency to see them emotionally, perceiving them as threats to one’s personal survival- threats that must be fought tooth-and-nail to the bitter end. In the East, such an approach to life is considered rather immature. Overdoing it, you know; wasting energy. . . “

(p.171)

I feel like that Woody Allen Quote of “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”, seems to fit this above excerpt in a few ways. . . We get a problem; from not seeing things as they are, and not acting accordingly and we create frustration. Repeat this by the multitudes of problems we face every day; and you can see that sometimes we become our own worst enemies.  Acting from emotion has been a real problem of mine over the years; When I lose students, I allow it to hurt me like I did something wrong; when I get dumped by a girlfriend, I use to obsess on the problems and what I could have done differently, When I have a hard day at work; I think about quitting all together even though I am a very good CAN.  I have always acted from emotion; even when I was actively trying to ignore my emotions and “tune out” from the world; it was still fueled by emotion.

The eastern philosophy seems to be far more practical then the emotional-driven western world; Trying to focus on the present without losing the lessons of our past in order to create a better future is Taoism in practice.

I’ve been trying to rush these assignments so that I can move past Taoism; and in doing so; I think I’m doing myself a disservice.  So my focus will be shifting to the same philosophy I use when training in martial arts.  One practice at a time, one class at a time, one belt at a time, and slowly progress will be made.  This focus has served me pretty well over the last 6 years; I’ve achieved a black belt in Karate and then started over in Tae Kwon Do and achieved a black belt in that.  I’m now focusing on being humble and continuing my journey; slowly; patiently; one day at a time.

“So in solving problems, one needs to know if they are problems. Is what appears at first to be bad truly bad? The following selected Taoist writings show the importance of that question. The first is our streamlined from the classic Huai-nan-tse:

                An old man and his son lived in an abandoned fortress on the side of a hill. Their only possession of value was a horse.

                One day, the horse ran away. The neighbors came by to offer sympathy. “That’s really bad!” They said. “How do you know?” asked the old man.

                The next day, the horse returned, bringing with it several wild horses. The old man and his son shut them all inside the gate. The neighbors hurried over. “That’s really good!” they said. “How do you know?” asked the old man.

                The following day, the son tried riding one of the wild horses, fell off, and broke his leg. The neighbors came around as soon as they heard the news. “That’s really bad!” They said. “How do you know?” asked the old man.

                The day after that, the army came through, forcing the local young men into service to fight a faraway battle against the northern barbarians. Many of them would never return. But the son couldn’t go, because he’d broken his leg.”

 (p.171-172)

This section and following stories are meant to teach that one must be able to see the whole picture to see the lessons from life events.  The above example of the boy who got injured just in before he could get conscripted into the army; While the injury initially is seen as a bad thing and many emotions could be tied to that including frustration, anger, sadness, etc. But then the army came.  And suddenly the sons focus shifts to one of appreciation perhaps.

When events occur that seem to be negative, we have to take a step back and ask “What can I learn from this?” and see what lessons can be learnt. Our focus must shift, we have to open our perspective and work within the flow of the universe. A very Taoist idea.

 

“The second selection is by Chuang-Tse:

Once when Duke Huan was passing by a marsh, a goblin appeared in the road before him. The duke turned to Kuan Chung, who was driving the carriage. “Do you see anything in the road ahead of us?” He asked. “I see nothing.” Kuan Chung replied.

By the time the duke returned home, he was speaking incoherently, and had become ill. For several days, he remained in his bed.

An officer named Huang Kao-ao called on the duke. “How could a goblin harm you?” he asked. “You are injuring yourself. If your vital energy is weakened by fears and anxieties, you will become seriously ill.”

“But do goblins exist?” asked the Duke.

“Yes, they do. By small mountain lakes, you will find the Li; around fires, the Ch’ieh; in the dust, the Lei-t’ng. In low-lying areas of the northeast are the Pie-a and the Wa-lung. In the northwestern lowlands can be found the I-Yang. The Wang-hsiang lives near rivers, the Hsin in the hills, the K’uei in the mountains, and the Fang-huang in wild places. Around marshes can be found the Wei-t’o.

“Describe the Wei-t’o,” said the duke.

“A Wei-t’o is as big around as the hub of a carriage wheel, and as tall as the length of an axle. It wears a purple robe and red cap. It hates the sound of passing vehicles, and when it hears one, it claps its hands over it ears. Whoever sees a Wei-t’o is destined to become a great ruler.”

“That is what I saw!” exclaimed the duke. He sat up and straightened his clothes. He began to laugh. By the end of the day, his illness had vanished.” (172-174)

This story about the Goblin teaches about the power of ones’ mind to create their own wellness based on their thoughts. We go about our day thinking things about our world and our place in it; we interact with others who affect us positively or negatively, and we choose our outlook on everything. And every day we get to do it all again; a clean-slate of sorts; a way to grow every day for the better or diminish every day for the worst. 

This duke believes himself to be so ill- or he’s been so ill for so long that he forgot how to be well- and so he remained ill. He believed that this Goblin had cursed him or caused his illness somehow. When it could possibly have just been a coincidence that he got sick after that event.

Even when Huang Kao-ao told him straight forwardly that the duke was harming himself; The duke refused to believe him; wishing instead to hold onto his belief of being cursed by a Goblin.  And when Huang Kao-ao explained how the goblin was actually a type of good luck; the duke changed HIS thinking on the situation and started to get better.  Perception and thoughts have a profound impact on our mental and physical health.

“The third selection also is by Chuang-tse, who uses an event in the difficult life of K’ung Fu-tse to illustrate a Taoist attitude:

The armies of Ch’en and Ts’ai were locked in battle, and K’ung Fu-tse was caught between them. For seven days, he had had nothing to eat but coarse soup. Although much tiredness showed on his face, he spent the time singing and playing his lute.

Outside the house in which he was staying, two disciples discussed the situation. “Twice now the Master has been driven from Lu. He had to from from Wei. In Sung, the very tree beneath which he rested was cut down. In both Shang and Chou, he was faced with the most extreme difficulties. Now here he is between Ch’en and Ts’ai. He could easily be killed or taken prisoner. Yet he plays his lute and sings! What irresponsible behavior!”

There words were repeated to K’ung Fu-tse, who pushed aside his lute and remarked, “ They speak like small men. Call them in, and I will talk to them.”

The two disciples entered the room. “Master,” said one, “we are concerned about your conduct. It seems very strange, considering that you are presently in great distress.”

“Oh, am I?” K’ung Fu-tse replied. “ When a man operates in harmony with the Way of Heaven, his teachings cannot help but succeed. When he cuts himself off from the Way of Heaven, his teachings cannot help but fail. Looking within and examining myself, I see that I am acting in harmony with the Way of Heaven. I have the principles with which to overcome the terrible disintegration that I see around me. Yet you see that I am in distress! There may be difficulty at the moment, but I will not lose the Virtue that I possess. It is when the ice and snow are on them that we see the strength of the cypress and the pine. I am grateful for this trouble around me, because it gives me an opportunity to realize how fortunate I am.” He turned back to his lute, and played again.

The first disciple began to dance. “I did not realize before how high and deep are the ways of heaven and earth!” the second one exclaimed.

(P.174-175)

These armies stopped their fighting to observe Confucius- as a strange man- sitting between them playing his lute without a care in the world.  After being forced out of Lu, Wei, Sung, Shang, and Chou; and facing many difficulties, Confucius still played his lute and sang.  Which was quite a strange thing to see in an environment of warfare.  When his followers asked about his behavior, he basically said that he was in harmony with the universe; and was trying to fight against the dangers and evil around him, in hope of saving his virtue.   His peace of mind through walking the way and seeing things as they are without distraction or illusion, allowed him to not be distressed at all and to celebrate the beauty of the world around him.  Seeing this, the first disciple began to dance, and the second one; internalizing the lesson found his own peace of mind within the Tao.

It’s through difficulty that we are tested to overcome and grow as people and strive to be in balance. When one is in balance with the world around them, the Tao, or the Force-as we’d call it- or the great energies of the universe, whatever you call it; when one is in balance with it; and able to see things as they truly are, there’s no need to fret about trappings and badness of life. I feel like being able to take a minute every so often to celebrate the infinite and the finite and the balance between them, we can strip away the noise and the drama and the trappings of our ordinary lives and find a little peace of mind.

“Is ‘good’ necessarily good? Is “bad” necessarily bad? It’s considered good to be beautiful, but many people through being beautiful have ruined their lives and the lives of others. It’s considered bad to be unattractive, but because of being unattractive, many have come to concern themselves with matters more important than surface appearance and have gone on to make something Special of themselves-In quite a few cases becoming Beautiful in the process. It’s considered good to be healthy and strong, but many energetic people lose their health and strength by taking what they have for granted, not knowing what it’s like to be old and depleted- and therefore not taking care of themselves- until It’s Too Late.. . “(p.175-176)

Hoff brings up some very good points about beauty, and our societal obsessions; as well as the nature of goodness. So this is going to take a minute to get through but I want to do it right.  So let’s get started:

Superficial goodness such as beauty is subjective. Society says it’s about being thin, having the “right” outfit, the “right” friends, being at the “right” club at the right time, and having the newest gadgets and pretty day glow ipod.  Superficial beauty however “beautiful” is fleeting; old age takes its toll on everyone, and fades.  

The budding Taoist in me is trying to wake up every day; focus on the little battles throughout the day. Try to build bridges that I don’t burn down later; and it’s hard to change.  I’ve always found peace in flowers, or a cold blast of air on my face, or just a moment where the sun comes out and everything is beautiful and still.   I’m feeling changed over the last year or so, since I started studying Taoism through the chapters of “The Tao of Pooh” and “The Te of Piglet”.  I feel like I’m maybe healing myself slowly- maybe a bit too slowly- but the main thing is I’m healing. I’m growing. I’m starting to see color in the world again after so many years of black-and-white living.  I feel scared because I feel like maybe I can make a clean break with my past, put away my ghosts, and start living again.  Anyway; with that detour; Onward into the hundred-acre woods with are brave little piglet.

“Many great achievers died young, yet lived every minute of the time they had. As Chuang-tse pointed out, even death itself may not necessarily be bad:

                How do we know that to cling to life is not an error? Perhaps our fear of its end approaching is life forgetting our way and not knowing how to return home.   Lu Chi was a daughter of the boarder chieftain Ai Feng. When Duke Hsien claimed her as his wife, she cried until her sleeves were soaked with tears. But after she had come to know the duke and shared his palace, she laughed at her former fears and sadness. How do we know that the spirits of the dead do not do the same?

                Those who dream of feasting may awaken to hunger and sorrow. Those who dream of hungry may, when they awaken, rise and join a hunting party. While they were asleep, they did not realize that they were dreaming. . . But when they awoke, they knew. Someday will come a great awakening, when we will know this life is like a dream. . .

These words may seem strange, but many years from now we might meet someone who can explain them, unexpectedly some morning or evening.

In the meantime, we can look clearly at our lives and the life around us, and Live. Before we start crying and praying to the Universe to take away our Trials and Tribulations, we might more closely examine what it has given us. Maybe ‘good’ things are tests, possibly rather difficult ones at that, and the ‘bad’ things are gifts to help us grow: problems to solve, situations to learn to avoid, habits to change, conditions to accept, lessons to learn, things to transform – all opportunities to find Wisdom, Happiness, and Truth. To quote William Blake:

It is right it should be so;

Man was made for Joy and Woe;

And when this we rightly know,

Thro’ the World we safely go.

Joy and Woe are woven fine,

A Clothing for a soul divine.”

(p.176-178)

During the initiate program we had to essay about out trial and tribulations we’ve faced in our lives and what we’ve learned from them and how we got over them.  This idea of cutting oneself away from the fears of death and loss; we can focus on the here and now and improve our lives. If what we thought was “bad” ended up not being so bad; and if what we thought was “good” wasn’t necessarily good, then what do we do with our lives? How do we grow?

Perhaps through introspection, and cutting away the bullshit and drama of life; We can see the forest through the trees and act in such a way as to find some peace of mind and self-knowledge. We try to make the world a bit brighter and a bit better for ourselves and those around us. And in doing so, we add to the “good” in the world. I think with an eye on the Tao and an honest heart; perhaps I can take these lessons and grow from them myself; and better the little bit of the world I inhabit.

“When we see Things As They Are, we find a world of Magic- the world that has been there all along. And we find ourselves wondering how we ever missed it. As Henry David Thoreau wrote:

                What is a course of history or philosophy, or poetry, no matter how well selected, or the best society, or the most admirable routine of life, compared with the discipline of looking always at what is to be seen? Will you be a reader, a student merely, or a seer? Read your fate, see what is before you, and walk on into futurity.” (p.179)

Making sure that we have an honest outlook on the world around us will allow us to learn more than any amount of history, philosophy, poetry, or other academic achievement. How we define ourselves says more about who we are or want to be then anything that others put upon us. But do we have the courage to be completely transparent with ourselves? Can we be honest with our short comings? Can we attack our goals in a way that is both achievable and empowering? These are questions we have to ask ourselves and be honest with the answers if we’re going to grow as individuals; and are definitely questions I’ve asked myself over the years.

“And now, here’s a Riddle for Piglet, when he returns: If “good” isn’t necessarily good; and “bad” not necessarily bad, what is ‘small’?” (p.179)

Chapter 7: Things as they might be (p.107- 142) (2/15/16; 3/09/16; 3/24/16; 4/19/16;8/6/16;8/31/16;9/03/16)

This chapter starts with the concepts of illusions as well as 3 stories about the perception of situations.

“In this chapter, we come from the illusions of Eeyore and Tigger to those of Piglet, and to illusions in general. To the Taoist, unhappiness is the result of being guided by illusions-such as the mistaken belief that man is something separate from the natural world. Problems . . .are caused by a failure to see What’s There. Unpleasant feelings come from illusions: fear from What Might Have Been . . . and so on. Piglets, living in fear of What’s Coming Next. . . cannot enjoy and make the most of the present moment. Later, they look back and realize that they didn’t Live it. And that realization makes them feel more inadequate than they already did. However. . . Piglets. . . have the ability to rise to a challenge and accomplish the most difficult tasks, once interfering illusions have been cleared away.” (p..108-109)

 So this chapter seems to be starting to discuss the differences of how we are raised to see the world versus how Taoist (and other religious ideas) teaches to see the world.  In Buddhism, they teach that all life is suffering and that we must detach from the world to find Nirvana; Jesus taught that ones’ beliefs are less important than ones’ actions. (*even though that isn’t what mainstream Christianity teaches; in fact, they seem to teach the opposite).

In Taoism; we’re taught to see and accept that everything is connected; we aren’t separate from the natural world and we must find a way to combat the illusions of the world and the pain that they cause.  Hoff demonstrates this over three narratives.

The first narrative is about a man who finds that his axe is missing; and coincidently sees a young man walking by. His opinion of the man saw him as a thief; that he walked like a thief; behaved like a thief. Later that day the man found the Axe. Only to see the boy the next day and saw the boy as an upright and honest person. (p.109)

This teaches that perceptions of the world dictate our reality, and that our past influences our illusions about the world dictates our actions.  A lot of Taoism is about perception versus reality. We cloud our realities with dreams and goals and they propel us to greatness or we live in our regrets or our past can shadow our present.  These illusions of failures and fears of the future have kept me from progressing as far as I’d like in my nursing career; has kept me stuck in a life that-while rewarding- isn’t financially able to provide independence.  I’ve been working really hard lately to live up to all my titles; that balance between the person in my head and the person I show the world depending on the job I’m preforming (sensei; C.N.A.; Uncle; Son; etc.)

(perception dictates reality; past and our illusions of that past dictates how we view the world; opinions aren’t facts)

 

The second narrative is from the Chinese story of “The Well by the Road.” (p.109)

“A man dug a well by the side of the road. For years afterward, grateful travelers talked of the Wonderful Well. But one night, a man fell into it and drowned. After that, people avoided the Dreadful Well. Later it was discovered that the victim was a drunken thief who had left the road to avoid being captured by the night patrol- only to fall in the Justice-Dispensing Well.

Same well, different views.”

This story about perception is very important.  I’ve already discussed this concept in great detail so far and feel that I will be finding myself repeating myself a bit because there’s all these amazing anecdotes and stories to illustrate these amazing Taoist beliefs and outlooks.  I’ve really started to find myself challenging my history with religion. 

The well-story shows that the outside world dictates the inner workings of our thoughts. We can see a well on the side of the road and use it for years, taking advantage of the resource. Then a tragic event can happen and it changes our perception of the world around us; -like a resourceful well could be seen as a dangerous well- or that same dangerous well can become a Justice-dispensing Well.

Lately I’ve been thinking that I didn’t spend enough time studying God and after many, many personal losses and tragedies, I spent a good portion of my teenage years and 20s trying to find my path.  In a lot of ways, I still am; but everything comes from my past has seemed to build a steady- if painfully slow- progress to where I am right now in life.   Spiritually I feel like things might be improving and reading this Taoism book; as well as other texts and personal reflections, I feel really empowered and growing; and my perceptions are changing.  Hopefully I will continue to challenge my perception and grow forever. Until then; it’s back to Taoism and the hundred-acre woods.

The third narrative tells the story of an archer who is skilled in his art and enters a competition. The first prize is a brass ornament. He has now issues. The prize is then changed to Brass and the archers’ hands begin to shake. Then to Gold and the archer is unable to hit the target.   The archers’ skills didn’t change; the target didn’t change; just the reward; and with each increase the Confidence of the archer changed until it shook him so bad he failed.

Hoff demonstrates this same concept with Winnie the Pooh and Piglet one day when they were walking around in the snow. Pooh walked once around Piglets house and when Piglet asked him what he was tracking, he said he didn’t know but it was possibly a Woozle. (p.111-116)

“It’s a very funny thing,” said Bear, “but there seem to be two animals now. This-whatever-it-was- has been joined by another-whatever-it-is- and the two of them are now proceeding in company. Would you mind coming with me, Piglet, in case they turn out to be Hostile Animals?”

And Piglet, who ought to have known better, didn’t. We mean, he did. Join him that is.

There was a small spinney of larch trees just here, and it seemed as if the two Woozles,. . . had been going round this spinney; so round this spinney went Pooh and Piglet after them;  . . And still the tracks we on in front of them . . .

Suddenly Winnie-The-Pooh stopped, and pointed excitedly in front of  him, “Look!”

“What?” said Piglet with a jump. And then, to show that he hadn’t been frightened, he jumped up and down once or twice in the exercising sort of way.

“The tracks!” said Pooh, “A Third animal has joined the other two!”

So-things were beginning to look Slightly Dangerous for Pooh and Piglet. But at least the third animal wasn’t a Woozle. . . .it’s prints . . .  were smaller.

So they went on, feeling just a little anxious now in case the three animals in front of them were of Hostile Intent. . . And then, all of a sudden, Winnie-the-Pooh stopped again, and licked the tip of his nose in a cooling manner, for he was feeling more hot and anxious than ever in is life before. There were four animals in front of them.

The Suspense was becoming unbearable.  . .

“I think,” said Piglet, when he had licked the tip of his nose, too, and found that it brought very little comfort, “ . . . I think that I have just remembered something that I forgot to do yesterday and shan’t be able to do tomorrow. So I suppose I really ought to go back and do it now.”

“We’ll do it this afternoon, and I’ll come with you,” said Pooh. . . .

Piglet, being a very small animal, is getting very nervous now and hears a whistle nearby.

It was Christopher Robin, whistling to them from the branches of a nearby tree. What a relief.

“Silly old Bear,” he said, “What were you doing? First you went round the spinney twice by yourself, and then Piglet ran after you and you went round again together, and then you were just going around for a fourth time-“

Oh, so that’s what it was. How Embarrassing. (116)

The above example is all about misunderstanding ones’ environment and creating ones’ own fears- Piglet with his insecurity about the possibility of Woozles; and Pooh trying to be a good friend and get over his fear of this unknown track; only to realize that from the outer perspective of Christopher Robin, that he and Piglet were creating their own anxiety situation by simply misinterpreting the tracks.

In addition to the common human tendency to misinterpret What’s There- as demonstrated by sometimes-a-little-too-human Pooh and Piglet in the snow just now- we might mention the inclination of a good many people to fail to notice anything but the unusual, as can be illustrated by the Chinese Story of “The Ox and the Rat.” (p.120)

 Without simply typing the whole thing; the basic story is that Buddha called twelve animals before him, and told them that he would name a year of the Chinese zodiac after each one. The animals were pleased but soon trouble began.  The rat thought that it should be first because of its intelligence. The Ox felt that he should be first because of his size.

“After a while the rat fell silent. ‘All right,’ he said at last, ‘ I admit that size is more important.’

‘Good’ said the Ox. ‘It’s settled’.

“Not so fast” said the rat, ‘My size is more impressive than yours.”

‘What?” snorted the indignant ox. “How can you, a mere rodent, impress anyone with your size?’

‘Let us go before the people,” replied the rat. ‘and let the opinion of the majority decide.”

“Ridiculous,” the ox exclaimed. ”Why should we waste time on your nonsense? Anyone can see that –“zs

“Now, now,” said the Buddha. “Let’s not argue about it any longer. Of course the rat is smaller than you are. But why not let the majority of the people decide? Whoever more impresses them with his size shall be declared the winner.” The Ox, certain of victory, agreed.

“Lord Buddha,” said the rat, “with the consent of the ox. I wish to have one favor granted before we present ourselves. If I am truly as small as the ox insists I am, I should like to lessen my inevitable embarrassment. Therefore, I ask that you temporarily double my size.”

“Buddha asked the ox if he had any objections. “ Of course not,” the ox answered. “After all, how much difference could it make? I’d still be one hundred times bigger than he is!”

“The ox and the rat, the rat now twice is ordinary size, went out and walked among the crowds. Everywhere they went, people exclaimed in amazement. ‘Look at the size of that rat!” they shouted. “Loot at that enormous rat!!” No one noticed the ox. Everyone had seen an ox before. There was nothing unusual about him.

And that is how the rat impressed the people with his size, and became the first animal of the Chinese zodiac.” (p.122)

 

This chapter is all about illusions. I keep thinking back to the Taboo book by Alan Watts; and how nothing we do or see or touch is the thing we name it. It just IS.  think of a thing like a shovel; its name is the action it does. If it couldn’t move dirt would it still be a “shovel”? would that diminish its name if it couldn’t do what it was made for? The illusion of control is another amazingly funny thing.   I have a feeling this will be discussed later so I will leave it til then (if it isn’t discussed; and I forget; simply message me and I’ll write an addendum to this exercise in my journal)

The Ox and the Rat teach us that the seemingly mundane is overlooked and only the unusual demands attention of the masses. We have seen the ox; we are familiar with its size, it’s shape, its demeanor; but a rat the size of an ox is something new, and scary, and different and will draw our attention because of it’s uniqueness or it’s “different-ness”.   Our attention is drawn to it; and it would shake our understanding of the world.

We in the western part of the world have our own illusions that are dependent on the world around us. We are complete dependent on technology and the ideals of capitalism; the idea that money can buy happiness and contentment, when truly it just distracts us with all the “stuff” from the natural world around us and the benefits of the Tao.

 Hoff had this to say on the subject:

” . . . probably the most destructive of all the Illusions of the West is the superstitious notion that Technology will solve all our difficulties.

This Technology Worship. . . started in Western Europe in the 1500s  or so, with Exploration and Expansions that led to the growth of Commercialism, which led to the Industrial Revolution of the 1700s. The rapid proliferation of Hungry Machines, and the accompanying breakneck exploitation of natural resources with which to feed them, quickly transformed rural, agricultural societies – ‘Good morning, Mrs. Witherspoon! What a lovely cow!’ – into city and factory societies (“I Certainly hope- gasp, wheeze- we don’t run out of – cough- coal before the day is over!”) and then into big city, big industry societies. (That’s right, Inspector- They stole everything that wasn’t fastened to the floor!) In the Victorian era, This Industrial Fanaticism was given a large boost by empire-and-opinion makers who believed that science could do anything, and that any opinions to the contrary were heresy.” (124-125)

I understand the demands and appeal of technology and I personally have had a hard time religiously living in the world of today while worshiping Gods of old that are so disconnected from our current spiritual ideals- even the “almighty” Christian nations are having issues keeping up with the demands of society and are becoming quite polarizing in their archaic practices and bigotry beliefs. I think the current society seems to enjoy polarizing issues- even in the political world right now- polarizing fear; gay marriage; e-mails; it’s all about selling the next fad to the public.    Science has been diminished by right wing religion; and bigotry runs rampant.    Much like the opposite of Technology worship of the 1500s that put a significant dent in the theocracy in the world. But now using technology to take down technology and trying to bring back archaic theological hypocrisy bigotry has become the new world.

” It would have been rather surprising if such a belief had NOT arrived on these shores, considering that a good many of the earliest immigrants were debtors from England’s prisons, fur trappers, tobacco and cotton barons-to-be, and Puritan tradesmen. Such people tended to know enough about the natural world to exploit it, but not much more- I indeed they knew even that. The Puritans in particular knew next to nothing about how to get along in the North American forests, meadows, and mountains, and next to nothing about how to get along with the people who did. . . “

This disregard to the natural world is paramount among Christian groups throughout history. Anything not through Christ was deemed “evil” or “scary”; and the natural living groups of the celts or the native Americans were crushed under the oppressive, god fearing cultures of the middle east when Christianity came to the north American continent.   We’ve been talking about technology killing the natural world and that our viewpoints dictate our place and relationship with the natural world and within ourselves.

Like the lessons of Joseph Campbell, or the “Mindwalk” video discussion; we on a biological level are all connected; we’re connected anatomically to the air around us and thus to the other people and objects around us.  Ancient cultures understood this on a spiritual level and lived in relative harmony for thousands of years before the rise of monotheism and the Middle Eastern theology of Christianity.

“As Luther Standing Bear, chief of the Oglala Sioux, described the situation:

We did not think of the great open plain, the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams with tangled growth. As ‘wild.’ Only to the white man was nature a ‘wilderness’ and only to him was the land ‘infested; with ‘wild’ animals and ‘savage’ people. To us it was tame. Earth was bountiful and we were surrounded with the blessings of the Great Mystery. Not until the hairy man from the east came and with brutal frenzy heaped injustices upon us and the families we loved was it “wild” for us. When the very animals of the forest began fleeing from his approach, then it was that for us the “Wild West” began.” (125-126)

This chapter is about things as they might be, or things that could happen if we start listening to that inner voice and our ancient ancestors and the start following what the world is trying to tell us. If we accept that we are all connected; we’d think twice about going to war, we’d not see borders that “keep out others” because there’d be no “others.” We are all human and according to Joseph Campbell, Alan Watts, Lynn McTaggart, and the writers of “Mind walk”; everyone is connected to everyone else; and it’s in trying to control others; in trying to force our will on the will of nature that we create disorder out of order.  We try to attack that which we don’t understand- that which we deem “Wild” and “Scary”- and in doing so, we unknowingly destroy ourselves.

“Today, thanks to this rather lopsided cultural foundation, we live in what is commonly described as a Materialistic Society. But that description is in error. Ours is in reality an Abstract Value society-one in which things are not what they Represent. If Western industrial societies appreciated the Material World, there would be no junkyards, no clear cut forests, no shoddily designed and manufactured products, no poisoned water sources, no obscene, fuel-guzzling automobiles, nor any of the other horrors or eyesores that haunt us at every turn . . . In truth, Western industrial society does not even notice the Material World. . . The material world is Here and Now, and industrial society does not appreciate or pay attention to the Here and Now. It’s too bust coveting and rushing after the There and Later On. As a result, it all too often fails to see what is right in front of it, and what’s coming from it. It forgets where it has been; It does not know where it is going.” (P.126-127)

Our society is so full of buzzwords that we find ourselves not really saying anything of substance. The above quote started a train of thought in my mind about the difference between saying and doing. We don’t appreciate the world around us and we show this in our everyday actions of polluting the world, placing each other with labels in little boxes, and then judging said boxes on things out of the control of those placed inside the box.

If we wanted to truly divorce ourselves from the material world we’d be able to take better care of the air that we breathe; of the water that we drink; and food that we consume. We’d take what was necessary and nothing more. We’d give freely of our skills, and loves. We’d love each other. We’d stop worrying about the future, and focus on the NOW; as the ancient Taoists taught. We’d take care of our world with compassion instead of controlling it with psychotic need or desire; and by forgetting where we came from; we rob ourselves of our next true step forward in life- of the way things Could Be.

Hoff next goes on to discuss the paradoxical views of the Eeyore state of religion and technology and how they are slowly destroying our chances at happiness and survival.

” Unfortunately for our chances of survival and happiness, we in the West have inherited an Eeyore place whose ways are to be ignored by the wise, and an Eeyore sore of science, which sneers at anything beyond a mechanistic view of the earth- the secrets of which it attempts to sneak out of it bit by bit, for the purpose of manipulating the natural world. Is either of these Ways very likely to get us out of the mess we’re in? or to even help us see what’s causing it? Eeyore religion says that the earth isn’t worth saving, anyway, and that when it comes to an end, the Faithful will be transported instantly to heaven. No problem. We’d like to see them explain things to Saint Peter at the Gate, when he asks them what they did with the world that God entrusted to them. THAT might get a bit sticky.” (p.130-131)

 

The imagery Hoff uses, that of St. Peter at the pearly gates asking the “true believers” about why they miss treated the world they came from as it was a GIFT from God to live there (in Christian Theology) has always been a problem with me. The hypocritical believers that preach about heaven and God’s love while polluting the earth and the oceans; like that won’t piss off the creator of the world? I could go on a huge anti-Christian rant here but I’m going to self-censor and move on to the next portion.

“Eeyore science on the other hand, insists that technology will rescue us from destruction-including the considerable destruction that Technology causes. When it tells us things like that, we can’t help but wonder if it isn’t trying to be some sort of religion itself. No, not a religion, exactly-some sort of Voodoo.

Wunga wunga, Moomba noonga- Great Tin God, save us from hexachlorobenzene, ethylene dibromide, toxaphene, chlordane, parathion, and everything else you’ve given us that’s gone wrong. . .”(p131)

“The fearful fantasies we have inherited have conditioned us to believe that we need to be protected from the natural world. Better Living Through Heavy Industry, and so on. In reality, as anyone ought to be able to see by now, the natural world needs to be protected from us. Its wisdom needs to be recognized, respected, and understood by us, and not merely viewed through the distorted lenses of our illusions about it. . . Chuang-tse’s words to that effect have a timeless ring:

When leaders pursue knowledge but do not follow the Way, all who follow them become lost in confusion. How can I say this is so?

Much knowledge is applied in the making of (weapons) but the birds in there are disturbed and injured by it. Much knowledge is used in making hooks, nets, and other such devices, but the fish in the waters are disturbed and injured by it. Much knowledge is utilized in the design and placement of traps, meshes, and snares, but the creatures of the ground are disturbed and injured by it.

Preserving the natural world has never been of any great importance to mankind; perhaps we lost it back sometime in antiquity but now it seems lost. With the rise of ego centric Christianity; we lost our respect for the natural world around us and try to control our place in the food chain.  We disturb and injure without thought to consequences; just because we CAN without any thought of if we SHOULD.

As knowledge becomes increasingly clever, versatile, and artful, the people all around are disturbed and injured by it. They then struggle to grasp what they do not know, but make no attempt to grasp what they know already. They condemn the misunderstanding of others, but do not condemn their own. From this more confusion comes.

We are the creators of our own confusion. Much like the loss of respect for the natural world sues confusion; we use our cleverness and artfulness to try to one-up those around us in some inherent survival of the fittest mindset. You need only to look at the mainstream religions of today to know that we judge that which we don’t understand instead of trying to find a happy symbiotic relationship between that which we know and that which we don’t know or don’t WANT to know.

If the sun and moon lost their light, the mountains and rivers abandoned their vitality, and the four seasons came to an end, no insect or plant would retain its true nature. Yet this is the condition produced in men by an obsession for knowledge. Honesty and simplicity are overlooked, and restlessness is admired. Quiet, effortless action is forgotten, and loud quarreling is heard. Such is the nature of hunger for knowledge. Its noise throws the world into chaos.” (p.132-134)

And, of course, it ends in Chaos. Everything I’ve learned has led to an understanding that this detachment from the natural world is what creates the chaos of the world or, at the very least, got the small snowball rolling; only to have it now become a full scale avalanche that we simply refuse to see; we seek knowledge and control over knowledge without thought or care for the possibility of abuse that that knowledge could lead to, or the Chaos that that hunger creates in this world.

”We might add some other worlds by Chuang-tse: Men honor what lies within the sphere of their knowledge, but do not realize how dependent they are on what lies beyond it.

To illustrate the vital truth of that last statement, we have decided to give a very brief history of what we call Popular Radiation. In the 1930s, as people were dying from the effects of radium-laced Health Tonics, the U.S. government established its first maximum level of tolerable exposure to radiation. Just in case, you know.

In the 1940s following study of Hiroshima bombing victims, that level was halved. Just to be safe, you understand.

In the 1950s, in response to concern over nuclear-bomb-testing fallout, which seemed to be affecting some people in unpleasant ways, the maximum tolerable level was substantially lowered. Just as a precaution. ” (p.133-134)

During the 1950s the nuclear power was advertised as “clean, safe energy” with billboards inviting the unsuspecting public to “Take the family to the Nuclear Power Park”; There were portable x-ray machines used in doctor offices for medical purposes, and in public shoe stores to help size shoes and as treatment for “supposedly-enlarged-but-actually-normal thymus glans irradiated.” And a sizable number of people were suddenly developing cancer and died.

“In the 1960s, more and more people came to suspect that they weren’t being told the Whole Truth about this sort of thing. And then. . . In the 1970s, researchers reported that Americans were being exposed to nine times more radiation from medical applications then from atmospheric nuclear fallout- which by then, . . . was being connected with all sorts of problems. In 1979, the Three Mile Island nuclear power facility (in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania) broke down and irradiated the surrounding area. In the 1980s, new data on the Hiroshima victims and their descendants showed that the risk of cancer from radiation was up to fifteen times greater that authorities had previously believed. Emissions from nuclear plants were linked with thyroid damage, miscarriages, and other health problems. And before the end of the decade, the Chernobyl nuclear facility, like Three Mile Island before it, had done what experts in the field had said it wouldn’t do in a thousand years. Reports of near-disasters at other plants were being leaked to the press  . . . so the “safe exposure” level was lowered again. Not taking any chances. . . Today the public is being captivated by computers, word processors. . . They’re perfectly safe, authorities assure us. And if any difficulties should happen to develop, we will certainly be notified later on.

The latest Popular Radiation device is the Microwave Oven, Which bombards food with high frequency electromagnetic radiation, irritating it until it heats up. This sort of perweren’t, the Wonderful Machines wouldn’t be on the market. Maybe the authorities are correct this time, just for once. On the other hand, maybe they’re not.” (p.135 -136)

Okay, this is a long quote and honestly it could have been longer except at some point I’d just have to copy paste the entire chapter and that’s not the point. So let’s take this in pieces.

My father and mother were both born in the early 1940s. (1942 and 1944 respectfully) and raised in lower middle class towns here in Oregon. Born at the tail end of world war 2, they grew up with fear of atomic warfare and “the big one” hitting at any moment and both my parents have told stories of “Atomic bomb drills” where at a certain signal they’d hide under their desks (as if a desk could actually save them from anything; but ignorance is bliss) and, I remember childhood stories of my father being told by his father to not sit so close to the new technology of the day- that of television; or he’d “grow a third eye.” So that generation had a knowledge of radiation but not a useful knowledge.

The continual change in what the “safe” level of radiation lead to lead-based paints, radiation-fueled “cars of tomorrow”; and medical “advancements” such as x-rays, radiation treatment, etc.   Each time the “safe” level was reevaluated and changed.  The quote of Chuang-tse is all about our perception of our knowledge. In the 1940s we KNEW that radiation was bad but not just HOW bad. In the 1950s We KNEW that nuclear power was “safe”; in the 1960s we KNEW that something was making people sick who were exposed to “safe” levels of radiation; in the 1970s we KNEW that nuclear fallout caused massive tumors and other health complications; and in the 1980s We KNEW that nuclear emissions increased rates of cancer, miscarriages and thyroid damage as well as other medical issues.  Imagine what We’ll KNOW in the next 20 years about the world we live in- this world that manipulates nature and tries to control the viewpoint of the masses- or how our views will change.

This chapter is all about what COULD be and the Illusions we all seem to propagate and I am truly enjoying discovering other nuances of Taoism and the living WITH the world as it IS; and hopes for what it WILL BE or COULD BE. I like that Taoism focuses on the day to day; moment to moment; events of life without worry of the past or what we feel we need (aka: our illusions of our selves); or concern of the future.  Although I’m quite concerned for the future of this world I live in.

While not quoted on this assignment; Hoff’s discussion with Piglet seems to center on the existence of Huffelumps; an expedition to find “the north pole”, and that being an illusion and thus this theme of illusions.  The Dangerous illusions of the world of whinnie the Pooh seem to revolve around Heffulumps. Where a simple garbage man doing his job; can scare poor little Piglet. And dangerous illusions in our world can destroy our own spiritual progress and growth.

This chapter ends with a synopsis on the themes of interconnectedness between us and the natural world and the western worlds’ great “religion” of Logic.

“. . . Our body of knowledge and tool development has never given, is not presently giving, and almost surely will never give us either physical security or well-being. The more vast and awesome our tool production has become, the greater our anxiety, hostility, fear, resentment, and aggression. But the direct correlation between our anxiety and tool production is almost beyond our grasp because our intelligence is itself the result of our conditioning by and within the very body of knowledge. . . “

“In other worlds, modern man’s difficulties, dangerous beliefs, and feelings of loneliness, spiritual emptiness, and personal weakness are caused by his illusions about, and separate from, the natural world. . .  ” (p.141)

I’m choosing not to dissect this quote because it is perfect in its own right as a synopsis for the themes and meanings of this chapter.

 

Chapter 6: The Tigger Tendency (p.83-106) (01/10/16; 01/12/16; 01/26/16;2/01/16; 2/04/16)

 

“How can one begin to overcome the Eeyore Within, and thereby begin to counteract the Eeyore Effect?  We will get to that in a moment. But first. . .

 

THE TIGGER TENDENCY

 

When I was a child around the age of 6 or so, I loved “Whinnie the Pooh”; my favorite character was of course the main character, but my second favorite was that of Tigger because like myself at that age, he had boundless energy, always bouncing from one thing to another, and 0to my 6 year old mind- was the most fun to watch get in trouble (which pooh would have to come a save him from).   Maybe it was my hyperactivity caused by ADHD, or the low attention span; or maybe my 6 year old mind just liked the colors and the bouncing.  But as I grew up; and when re-watching Pooh cartoons and reading the original stories with my now deceased step daughter; I remembered the adventures and sort of reignited my love for Tigger.

 

“In this chapter, we look at Eeyores Opposite- an animal who believes in everything and believes that everything is Something He Can Do. All things are possible to a Tigger, at least until he tries them. . .Tiggers are first-rate at starting things, but are not very good at completing them. Life is always greener elsewhere to a Tigger once he’s started something, and the Endless Possibilities constantly beckons- especially when he gets himself into a difficult situation, which is one thing Tiggers do quite easily.”

 

Hoff uses the example of Tigger getting goaded by a mole and a bird into climbing a very tall tree (with Roo) only to find that he can’t climb back down (*out of fear he’d never admit to)

 

“How did you get there, Roo?” asked Piglet

 

“On Tigger’s back! And Tiggers can’t climb downwards, because their tails get in the way, only upwards, and Tigger forgot about that when we started, and he’s only just remembered. So we’ve got to stay here for ever and ever- unless we go higher. What did you say, Tigger? Oh, Tigger says if we go higher we shan’t be able to see Piglet’s house so well, so we’re going to stop here.”

 

As anyone who’s been around one knows, Tiggers are first-rate at starting things, but are not very good at completing them. Life is always greener elsewhere to a Tigger once he’s started something, and the Endless Possibilities constantly beckon- especially when he gets himself into a difficult situation, which is one thing Tiggers do quite easily.

 

‘Tigger was holding on to the branch and saying to himself: “[jumping down]’s all very well for Jumping Animals like Kangas, but it’s quite different for Swimming Animals like Tiggers.” And he thought of himself floating on his back down a river, or striking out from one island to another, and he felt that that was really the life for a Tigger.

 

‘Come along,’ called Christopher Robin. ‘You’ll be all right.’

 

‘’Just wait a moment,’ said Tigger nervously. . . .

 

“Come on, it’s easy!’ squeaked Roo. And suddenly Tigger found how easy it was.

 

“Ow!” he shouted as the tree flew past him.

 (p.86-87)

 

Here Hoff warns of the dangers of overenthusiasm.  Over enthusiasm burn brightly but burns out quickly and often we find ourselves , like Tigger, Leaping before we think and ending up in a mess of trouble.  There’s an element of fear in this shortsightedness and example quoted above.  The Tiggers of the world don’t think about consequences of their actions; too caught up in the present desires or thrill to worry about the “future”.

 

The Tiggers see the world as “grass is always greener on the other side” and thus diminish their focus on the now instead focused on how things could be better if only This had happened, or That had happened or This action hadn’t been interrupted by such and such exterior agent.   Much in parallel and like a hyper-active reflection with the Eeyores of the world, they fight a self-defeating game of “I’m better then you because. . . “(Similar to what I covered in the “Taboo” reflection by Alan Watts.) And thus lose sight of the world AS IT IS and damage their own path to enlightenment.

 

 “There’s nothing wrong with being an Enthusiast. If it were not for enthusiasts, there would be no Major Advances in life, and very little excitement. But enthusiasts are more than Tiggers. They soon become well enough acquainted with whatever they’re enthusiastic about to know when not to put their foot in it. Tigger is an over enthusiast (and what he accomplishes is anybody’s guess.) . . .  In The house at Pooh Corner, Piglet describes tigger as ‘a Very Bouncy Animal, with a way of saying How-do-you-do, which always left your ears full of sand, even after Kanga had said, ‘Gently, Tigger dear,’ and had helped you up again.’  Rabbit described him as “the sort of Tigger who was always in front when you were showing him the way anywhere, and was generally out of sight when at last you came to the place and said proudly ‘Here we are!’.  Alexander Pope described him quite nicely when he wrote: ‘Some people never learn anything because they understand everything so quickly.’ A psychiatrist might describe him as ‘ an impulse-driven personality.’ We would describe him as an animal with a whim of iron and the inner discipline of mush.’ “ (p.88-89)

 

Being enthusiastic about any given topic isn’t in its own right a hindrance or negative thing. People get enthusiastic about any given topic- especially when it’s the new and shiny thing in their life- but that sparkle sometimes fades away and they move on to another passion, another thing to be enthused about hopefully with more knowledge and a better understanding of themselves for the effort.

 

Tiggers on the other hand are OVER-enthusiastic about EVERYTHING! Balancing many interests in a cosmic juggling act that seems doomed to end in everything crashing to the ground.  The Alexander Pope quote above makes me remember those Tiggers in my own life that fit it.  The ones that in conversation wait for their turn to talk (*hopefully) instead of listening to what the other person says.  This behavior actually diminishes the conversation and can, overtime, make it a chore to simply talk with the other person without resentment.    I’m guilty of being overly enthusiastic about certain topics –mostly martial arts and the vision of my school- and with my ADHD on board sometimes conversations can derail and diminish the relationship which is after all what a conversation is.

 

“while the Teachings of the West tend to encourage Tigger’s sort of behavior, the Teachings of the East contain many cautions against it. In the Tao Te Ching, for example, we find:

‘High winds do not blow all mornings;

Heavy rain does not fall all day.

Are not these made by heaven and earth?

If the power of heaven and earth

Cannot make violent activity last,

How can you? . . .

 

This first section discusses the natural violence of the world and the Taoist point of view on the mortality of violence. The Buddha taught that the only constant thing in this world is change, like the heavy rain storms (violence) must give way and cease, so too must violent actions in time.

 

Standing on tiptoe, one is unsteady.

Taking long steps, one quickly tires.

Showing off, one shows unelightenment.

Displaying self-righteousness, one reveals vanity.

Praising the self, one earns no respect.

Exaggerating achievements, one cannot long endure.

Followers of the Way consider these

Extra food, unnecessary baggage.

They bring no happiness.

Therefore, followers of the Way

Avoid them.

 

This Second section discusses the dangers of exaggeration and pride. When one goes too far to one extreme to another, showing off, and “exaggerating achievements” they distract from the Way and damage ones’ own progress towards inner happiness; and should avoid these distractions.

 

. . . .

Do not conquer the world with force,

For force only causes resistance.

Thorns spring up when an army passes.

Years of misery follow a great victory.

Do only what needs to be done,

Without using violence.

. . . .

 

 This third section again discusses the dangers of being resistant using force against force to create opportunities. It’s human nature to push back when pushed; and trying to force spiritual growth only results in the opposite of growth.  Not overdoing things but instead only focusing what needs to be done in order in grow without the use of violence.

 

It is not wise to dash about

Shortening the breath causes stress

Use too much energy, and

You will soon be exhausted.

That is not the Natural Way.

Whatever works against Tao

Will not last long.

(p.89-90)

Fourth section discusses overusing energy.  Taoism walks the line between the pull of the natural world and the over abundant, social media hungry world.  Over using energy; trying to force things only exhausts the practitioner and derails the Path of the TAO.

(p.91)

Hoff next discusses how the west is full of Tiggers;- those “restless seekers of instant gratification, larger-than-life over achievers. . .” who are idealized because they are “bouncy and Exciting.”

“The West idolizes them (the Tiggers) because they’re Bouncy and Exciting. Maybe even a bit too exciting. And it seems that it’s no longer adequate to be a True Individual, or even a Hero; now one needs to be some sort of Superman, living an overinflated life punctuated (in true Tigger fashion) with exclamation marks. Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! This is the age of Supereverything-Superstar, Superathlete, Supercoach, Superpolitician, even Superbusinessmen: faster than a speeding ticket! More powerful than a profit margin! Able to lease tall buildings in a single day!

Tiggers are not necessarily what they seem, however. While they may appear to be self-propelled, they are in reality jerked this way and that by whatever immediately appealing object or sensation catchers their attention. And while Tiggers may appear energetic to the extreme, their love of ceaseless action and sensation is actually a form of spiritual laziness. Tiggers are not in control of their lives, as is clearly shown by their behavior. . . “(p.91-92)

This chaotic speed that the Tiggers’ of the world live their lives at searching for immediate instant gratification diminishes their happiness as they are never content. They just keep bouncing from one extreme to another, loving the thrill but obtain nothing of merit for all their bouncing around; completely out of control of their lives.  The term that most spoke to me so far in this chapter is the “Over inflated life” –the hyperactive pursuit of things for their own ends without rhyme or reason except the next big thing! The next shiny object! The next philosophy without settling.

I want to take a second and reflect on these things and some pitfalls I’m experiencing doing this assignment; perhaps this is my own Tigger tendency seeping through. As I’ve written before I have quite pronounced ADHD and have a history of troubles writing assignments because I want to simply sit down and write the full thing in one sitting but of course that’s not how these assignments or regular college papers work.  There’s always a first draft and then editing, and then a second draft, and editing etc. until the paper is “finished” in a way that is consistent, and clear.  

I’m finding myself a bit overwhelmed with Taoism lately, while trying to balance 2 jobs, a new romantic relationship, family obligations, masonic obligations; all while trying to get enough sleep to stave off illness and just survive day-to-day. The point I’m trying to get at is; it’s hard.  My own search for peace, my own inner growth and journey in Taoism is at times crushing me.  I often feel I’m a juggler juggling flaming poles or knives and every so often things devolve into chaos and come crashing down.  I describe these as pitfalls as it breeds a day-to-day existence that- while pleasurable- doesn’t build upon itself towards a happy and often creates a self-perpetrating chaos in its own right. I’m finding many, many parallels’ to my own life while working on this particular chapter and it’s getting a bit hard to balance and focus on controlling these ‘Tigger Tendencies’.

 

” In chapter 12 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-tse described what’s wrong with the Tigger’s sensationalists approach on life.

                The five colors blind the eye.

                The five tones deafen the ear.

                The five flavors deaden the tongue.

                Racing and hunting maddened the mind.

 

While America is in many ways becoming Eeyore Country, in other ways it is turning into Tiggerland. A truly schizophrenic situation, one might say. The minds of American children are now so stressed and crippled by Tiggerish wham-bam Video Games, Television Shows, and Instant Left-Brain Computer Activities that many of them are unable to concentrate on anything for more than five minutes. . . If something can’t be immediately grasped, they won’t understand it. And if it can be immediately grasped, they won’t understand it, either- because Instant Information Accumulation is not understanding.” (p.93-94)

The American children are being overwhelmed with advertisements, instant gratification with no effort and are filled with a sense of entitlement.  There has been many arguments since the beginning of video games mass appeal on whether or not they actually diminish concentration, or damage the mental development of children.  Now in my opinion its all about content. If you’re 6 year old is playing video games and not outside playing with friends, or interacting with ACTUAL human beings then there is a chance your social skills could be stunted but take the 16 year old, who does their homework, is active in school and social outings, has friends they see in the real world and happens to also spend some of their day playing video games; I don’t see that 16 year old being an “outcast” or socially stunted.   Like Buddha taught, it’s all in moderation, having a harmonious balance between school work, video games, and social activities.     I agree that there is a lack of concentration in todays’ youth that can diminish their ability to learn and needs to be slowed down a bit for most; focusing more on knowing facts then knowing how to apply those facts in order to enhance their lives and the lives of those around them.

“kung fu-tsu and his followers were on their way to the state of Ch’u. . . .they came upon a hunchback catching cicadas on the end of a stick as they flew by. ‘How skillful,’ exclaimed the Master, stopping to watch, “Sir, what is your method?”

“At first,” the man answered, “I practiced balancing pellets on this stick. After five or six months, I could handle two until they never fell down. Then I failed with only a few of the insects. I went on to three pellets. After that, I missed only once cicada in ten. By the time I could manipulate five pellets, I was catching cicadas without effort.”

 “When I focus my attention, my body becomes no more than a stump, and my arm the branch of a tree. Heaven and earth are great, and the ten thousand things multiply around me- but I pay no attention to them, only to the wings of the cicadas. My mind does not waiver; my body maintains its balance. With such an attitude, how can I fail?”

‘Kung Fu-tse turned and said to his disciples, “Remember the saying of old: ‘When one’s will is not distracted, one’s power is increased.’ How well has this gentleman demonstrated the truth of that today! ’ “(p.94-95)

Much like the shaolin teachings of meditation, the man catching cicadas on the end of a stick; and how he achieves that task demonstrates patience, perseverance, moderation, calmness, and the need for focus; running parallels to these impulsive Tiggers who, by inference, would be too distracted to achieve this task. Another parallel I can make is to the world of martial arts.  When we bow, and square off a good student (and isn’t any good practitioner always a perpetual student regardless of rank of belt?) will focus on fighting their fight, not so much on reacting to the opponent but ACTING against the opponent. This is how we use mindfulness, how we tune everything out except our immediate surroundings and the opponent and how those two things interact; and by doing so increase our chances of success (whether that be a clean hit, a take down, or an opportunity to run from danger. (*street defense))

 

 Next we come to the story of the Samarui and the Zen Master. (as well as a nice modern parallel to the movie “Kung Fu Panda”)

“ . . . The samurai set down his empty bowl. ‘Truly magical soup! What secret spices did you use tobring out the flavor?’

“Nothing special,” The Zen Master replied.

“No, no- I insist. The soup is extraordinarily delicious!”

“Well, there is one thing. . . “

“I knew it!” exclaimed the samurai, eagerly leaning forward. “There had to be something to make it taste so good! Tell me- what is it?”

The Zen Master softly spoke: “it took time.” He said. (p.97)

In the Movie “Kung Fu Panda” Po, voiced by Jack Black, unravels a seal told to hold the secrets of kung fu and by reading it (and training hard) he’ll be worthy of being the warrior, only to be tested time and again, to fail but learn, and grow stronger over time.  Only to have the scroll reveal a shiny mirror surface. The meaning of which is “the secret lies within oneself”; “The journey is more important than the destination” and that the value of something is also held within. The fact that there is no secret; but instead it’s the one participating and believing in the training; or making the soup; or making the greatest meal (as Hoff described) that makes it have value.

“ The final problem we might mention about the Tigger Tendency is that the worthwhile and important things in life- wisdom and happiness in particular- are simply not the sort of things once can Chase After and Grab. They are instead the sort of things that comes to us where we are, if we let them- if we stop trying too hard and just let things happen as they need to. Tigger found this out in spite of himself in the second chapter of ‘The House at Pooh Corner.’ “

“Tigger had just come to the Forest and needed breakfast. So Pooh offered him some honey- being sure to ask, of course, if Tiggers like honey. ‘They like everything,’ Tigger cheerfully assured him. But it didn’t take Tigger long to realize that . . . ‘Tiggers don’t like honey’ .

‘ Oh!’ said Pooh, and tried to make it sound Sad and Regretful. ‘I thought they liked everything’

‘Everything except honey,’ said Tigger. . .  (p.98- 100)

Pooh, after finishing his breakfast, takes Tigger to Piglets to try some of his haycorns, then to Eeyore to try some of his thistles, then finally they went to Kangas.

“So they went to see Kanga. And when they had explained the situation to her, she kindly told Tigger to look in her cupboards to see what he’d like. ‘But the more Tigger put his nose into this and his paw into that, the more things he found which Tiggers didn’t like. And when he finally had found everything in the cupboard, and couldn’t eat any of it, he said to Kanga. ‘What happens now?’ “

But Kanga and Christopher Robin and Piglet were all standing round Roo, watching him have his Extract of Malt. And Roo was saying, “Must I?” and Kanga was saying, “Now, Roo dear, you remember what you promised.”

“What is it?” whispered Tigger to Piglet.

“His Strengthening Medicine.” Said Piglet. “He hates it.”

So Tigger came closer, and he leant over the back of Roo’s chair, and suddenly he put out his tongue, and took one large golollp,and, with a sudden jump of surprise, Kanga said, “Oh!” and then clutched the spoon again just as it was disappearing, and pulled it safely back out of Tigger’s mouth. But the Extract of Malt had gone.

“Tigger dear!” said Kanga.

“He’s taken my medicine, he’s taken my medicine, he’s taken my medicine!” sang Roo happily, thinking it was a tremendous joke.

Then Tigger looked up at the ceiling, and closed his eyes, and his tongue went round and round jus chops, in case he had left any outside, and a peaceful smile came over his face as he said, “So that’s what Tiggers like!” (103 -105)

So while Tigger was so busy jumping around in search of trying to find something to eat, and trying everything just to be disappointed, his pursuits were for not as he wasn’t patient and letting things come to him. Throughout his search he didn’t take the time to think about what he’d actually want and just sort of chanced into finding “what Tiggers like”.

I feel this chapter is teaching that when we take a moment to think about what we want, ignore the hyperactive Tigger within, and instead be present (as Taoism teaches) we can cut out all the work and go-after what we actually want by going with the flow of the world.

 

CHAPTER 5 THE EEYORE EFFECT

 

“Along the way to developing and applying sensitivity, there are things a Piglet needs to watch out for. And one of them is found in the next chapter.” (p.52)

 

With that warning at the end of chapter 4: Hoff begins a chapter starring (or co-starring) everyone’s favorite sad sack.  Eeyore; and what Hoff refers to as “The Eeyore Effect”.

This chapter starts with the description of what Hoff will later deem “The Eeyore Effect”; or that old adage “Misery Loves Company,” With Piglet as the target of Eeyores’ misery.

 

“What’s the matter, Piglet?” I asked

 

“ I was walking through the flowers just now,” he said, “singing a little song, when Eeyore came up.”

 

“Oh. Eeyore. What happened?”

 

“He said, ‘ Be Careful, little Piglet – someone might pick you up along with those pansies and put you in a vase on the mantelpiece. And then what would you do? Then he walked away, chuckling to himself.”

 

“ Oh don’t mind Eeyore. . . likes to make others feel small,. . . That makes him look big- he thinks.”

 

“I wouldn’t mind his being miserable by himself, if he enjoys it so. But why does he have to spread it around?”

 

“There’s something in each of us that wants us to be Unhappy. It creates in our imaginations problems that don’t yet exist- quiet often causing them to come true. It exaggerates problems that are already there, it reinforces low self-esteem and lack of respect for others. It destroys pride in workmanship, order, and cleanliness.  . . It contaminates the mind behind the face with its negative energy and spreads outward, like a disease. And then it comes back, projected and reflected by other unhappy minds and faces. And on it goes. . .The Eeyore Effect can be seen in every socially accepted negative phenomenon, such as the growing number of elderly young people whose governing philosophy seems to be: It Won’t Work So Why Try? . . .  “ (p.52-56)

 

Sometimes I-like most humans- feel sad or depressed or just sort of “down and out”; While dealing with PTSD from a sexual assault; or stress over my jobs; things can become a bit overwhelming,  but what Hoff is hinting at is the “Misery loves company” adage; or the idea that we are our own worst critics.   We occasionally diminish our successes instead of celebrating them.  We hear society pressures (family, home, bad blood, etc.) saying “You should feel bad because. . .”, and we listen; more so we revel in the loathsome, the sadness, and the bitterness of the human condition.  Very much distant from the Tao; isolated together; a society or group of “independent” individual children.

 

“The original Eeyore had at least a certain grim sense of humor, a sort of funniness-with-its-lights-turned-out. Latter-day Eeyores seem to be missing that. One thing they do have, however, is fear.  Eeyores are afraid- afraid to risk positive emotional expression, positive, action, positive involvement in anything beyond Ego. Those things are stupid, they say, and they don’t want to look stupid. (They don’t seem to mind looking Paralyzed with Fear- they just don’t want to look stupid.) Unfortunately for those around them, complaining is one thing that Eeyores are not afraid to do. . . Eeyores are Realists, they say. But reality is what one makes it. And the more negative reality one nurtures and creates, the more of it one has. Eeyores see only what they want to. . . “ (p.56-57)

 

The Eeyores of today run on fear; the fear to try for fear of failure, completely self-absorbed in their fear and gloominess that they can’t see any other path. And thus feed the fear and negativity which only breeds more fear and negativity, and the “Eeyore” sees this and thinks “well that’s just the way things are” and refeed the fear and negativity and the cycle continues on and on, endlessly.

 

Hoff put this wonderfully when he writes:

“ . . .For Example, never before in history has the individual had so much power and so much opportunities to effect change. That assertion can be easily verified by taking a good look around. But the Eeyore Effect makes a great many people believe that they are powerless. And because they believe they’re powerless, they are.” (p.58)

 

Hoff next has a little story about Christopher Robin finding Eeyore in the snow to demonstrate the above example and the following parallels.

 

“Hallo, Eeyore,” Said Christopher Robin, as he opened the door and came out. “How are you?”

“It’s snowing still,” said Eeyore gloomily.

“So it is.”

“and Freezing”

“Is it?”

“Yes,” said Eeyore. “However,” he said, brightening up a little. “ we haven’t had an earthquake lately.”

And a bit later as the snow falls harder, and starts to build up on Eeyores’ back.

(Eeyore) “I don’t know how it is, Christopher Robin, but what with all this snow and one thing and another, not to mention icicles and such-like, it isn’t so Hot in my field about three o’clock in the morning. . .”

Without difficulties, life would be like a stream without rocks and curves- about as interesting as concrete. Without problems, there can be no personal growth, no group achievement, (and) no progress for humanity. But what matters about problems is what one does with them. Eeyores don’t overcome problems. No, it’s the other way around.

(Eeyore) ‘and I said to myself: The others will be sorry if I’m getting myself all cold. They haven’t got Brains, any of them, only grey fluff that’s blown into their heads by mistake, and they don’t Think, but if it goes on snowing for another six weeks or so, one of them will begin to say to himself: ‘Eeyore can’t be so very much too Hot about three o’clock in the morning’ And then it will Get About. And they’ll be Sorry.”  (p. 57-59)

 

Hoff demonstrating that the Eeyore is a whiner. They focus on the negative and expect the negative and thus feed the negativity in their life until it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Lao-tse put it as follows: (p.60)

“When they hear of the Way

The highest minds practice it;

The average minds think about it

And try it now and then;

The lowest minds laugh at it.

If they did not laugh at it

It would not be the Way.”

 

Hoff next speaks about the “Eeyores” we interact with in real life.  A personally loathsome creature I’ve noticed hypocrisies from for years. That of the Negative News Media. (p.62-65)

 

“Today, thanks to the Negative News Media, we are informed about problems we can do little or nothing about. Despite the great fanfare made about these problems, few of them have much of anything to do with our lives. When it comes to those that do- such as the matter of what the local Nuclear Power Plant is doing to our health- the media are quite often silent. . . . The Negative News Media sneer at everything and everyone, and call that Objectivity. Although they are courageous, noble-minded investigators and communicators in the news business, all too many of the rest behave like Peeping Toms with notebooks and cameras, If the media builds up some individuals in the public eye, it seems to be for the purpose of rubbing their remains in the public eye later on, in order to sell automobiles and toothpaste.” (P.62-63)

 

“ The heroes have flaws, we’re told. Like Tigger, they can climb up but not down; their tails get in the way. . . For some reason, however, the negative newsmongers tend to ignore the doings of the Biggest Crooks in the Highest Places- the ones who cause the greatest damage. Last month’s Admirable People are now in disgrace and will quickly fade from sight. A new set will pop up in the latest broadcast or magazine issue, like targets in a shooting gallery. They in turn will be gunned down, and so on. . . In reality, heroes are heroic because they, despite their weakness- and sometimes because of them- do great things. . . Their strengths and weaknesses could be presented in an objective manner, for the enlightenment of others. But that’s not what the negative news media do. Instead, they focus on the flaws  . . in order to make themselves wealthy. . . “ (p.63-64)

 

This is a personally hated thing I hold for our disposable society. I remember watching the news as a child; and thinking that there was too much negativity.   The old “if it bleeds, it leads” mentality and the fear mongering of the news media has been a personally distasteful part of daily life.  Hoffs’ opinion is so beautifully expressed in this Eeyore in our midst that I will probably quote it myself in the future.  The fact that these Eeyores in our midst are so unavoidable has brought me too many things in my life.  My flirtation with Buddhism comes from a rebellion against the political arm of the Roman Catholic Church and all the gay bashing done by “religious” people.

 

While I’m a bit more mature now and understand that these things that get 100% of the attention is only really 10% of the population. Most people are much more accepting, and tolerant but that’s not interesting enough to add viewers and so they don’t get the attention necessary to balance and show an accurate portrayal of humanity on any given topic (Gay Marriage; Marijuana reform; Womens’ medical clinics that offer many great services to aid those in need; abortion only being a small part of their income or day to day patient needs; there’s many more.)

 

I truly feel a bit bitter holding so much hatred in myself towards this aspect of our society; this hatred towards this particular Eeyore.  I’ll try harder to be more like the Taoist; seeing things as they are; not attaching emotions or memories to things unnecessarily.   That’s the lesson I’m taking from this particular portion of this chapter; and how I battle this particular Eeyore.

 

 

Hoff next attacks the Eeyores known as “The Critics” of the world.  P.66-70

 

“ All this about newspapers, gossip, and such brings us to those classic Eeyore killjoys and spoilsports known as The Critic. You know what they are, whether they be professional Reputation Smashers or the Old Grump next door. If you sing, they can sing better (even though they can’t sing). If you dance, they can dance better (even though they can’t dance) if you direct a theater production, they can direct better (even though they can’t direct). Whatever you do, they can do it better, even though they can’t do it as well as you can. And since they can’t do it as well as you, if shouldn’t be particularly surprising if they don’t accurately Judge it. . . The Critics tend to be wrong a disturbingly large amount of the time. Yet they can have tremendous influence, just the same. And that influence is responsible for the tragic loss of much that would have been of benefit to the world.” (P.66)

 

 When reading this the first time for this assignment I was instantly reminded of a few friends of my ex-girlfriend who chose to gripe over the slings and arrows of their life under the guise of wanting advice (but of course not truly wanting to be told how to fix their problems but instead wanting to instead of overcoming the challenges.) The Critics of the world see things as half-empty; any and everything in their life is ammunition to bitch and moan about.   Whereas the Taoist- sees the same things- decides to look deeper asking themselves “How can I do better? Be better? Overcome this situation? Etc”.

This ever present “one-up-menship” of the Critic, distracts them from their troubles in a reversed “grass is always greener” scenario, or “negative nancy’s” of the world, and thus distracting them from the NOW and diminishing their journey to the Tao.

 

Hoff goes on to describe a story of the Critic that demonstrates the truly unruly and intolerability of the “Critic”.

 

“When traveling separately through the countryside late one afternoon, a Hindu, A Rabbi, and a Critic were caught in the same area by a terrific thunderstorm. They sought shelter at a nearby farmhouse.

 

‘That storm will be raging for hours,’ the farmer told them. ‘ You’d better stay here for the night. The problem is, there’s only room enough for two of you. One of you’ll have to sleep in the barn.’

 

‘I’ll be the one,’ said the Hindu, ‘A little hardship is nothing to me.’ He went out to the barn.

 

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. It was the Hindu. ‘I’m sorry,’ he told the others, ‘but there is a cow in the barn. According to my religion, cows are sacred, and one must not intrude into their space.’

 

‘Don’t worry.’ Said the Rabbi. ‘Make yourself comfortable here. I’ll go to sleep in the barn.’ He went out to the barn.

 

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. It was the Rabbi.’ I hate to be a bother,’ he said, ‘but there is a pig in the barn. In my religion, pigs are considered unclean. I wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing my sleeping quarters with a pig.’

 

‘Oh, all right’ said the critic. “I’ll go sleep in the barn” He went out to the barn.

 

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. It was the cow and the pig.’

(p.67-69)

I truly loved this little story of the farmer, showing that consistent negativity and harshness can isolate and frankly piss off those around and negatively affecting the people around The Critic.  The critics of the world bring down all those around them. Alienating those they care about with petty nothingness and creating lots of company for misery and a ‘happy’ Eeyore.

 

“Next we come to the Educator Eeyores, whose idea of teaching is impress the maximum number of unpleasant things upon children at the minimum possible age.  Perhaps in the past these Eeyores were stepped on once too often by the Heel of Fortune and now want to take out their frustrations on people smaller than they are. Perhaps they truly believe that their approach to teaching is the best (despite the fact that few of their graduation students can even spell, or punctuate a sentence). We don’t know. But we do know that their approach to education works against natural laws at practically every step of the way. Mentally, emotionally, and physically, the human being is designed for a long childhood, followed by a short adolescence and then adulthood-the state of responsible, self-reliant wholeness. What we see children experiencing now, however, is an ever-shorter childhood, followed by a premature, prolonged adolescence from which ever fewer seem to be emerging. Rather than help children develop the abilities needed to overcome the difficulties immediately confronting them, in the natural order in which they need to develop them, the Eeyore Educational system . . . is forcing too much inappropriate information on them too soon, concerning- and causing- problems they can do nothing about. Then the children get stuck. “(P.70-72)

 

Hoff next discussed the Educator Eeyores; those Eeyores that teach the “right” way and pound facts into the brains of youth and emphasizing test scores instead of teaching how to live a whole and good life.

The development of a human being from infancy to adulthood is becoming ever more truncated and focused on memorization and regurgitation of “facts” because that’s how the previous generation was taught and that’s all they know. This creates stunted adults, some without the basic knowledge necessary to understand the wide world of problems they inevitably find themselves is after the guise of childhood has worn off.

 

I can run a parallel in my current business venture as a martial arts instructor and person who has trained in multiple styles by multiple instructors each with a different teaching approach over the last 20 years* (since I started martial arts training in childhood- *including the years between trainers).

Many martial arts instructors and schools as a whole focus on: “I teach this way because that’s how my teacher taught, regardless of usefulness (self-defense) mentality of some martial arts schools.*

This of course exists through every grade and every age level of education from grade school up through college (which sometimes have very “stuffy, uppity professors” propagating a system that serves the majority but not an applicable way to enhance the lives of their students.)

 

This education system- this educator Eeyore- sees the gloom and doom of the world and doesn’t just propagate it endlessly generation after generation, they actually ADD to it by passing on traditions of teaching that may be out moated or out dated.  Creating highly intelligent but emotionally stunted adults unprepared for the world around them, unable to revel in the power of childhood, and blind to the Tao or being present of the Now.

 

“The more the children are educated by Eeyores, the more problems they develop. And the problems they develop, the more the Eeyores insist on educating them, at an ever-earlier age. The Educator Eeyores’ answer to the problems that the Eeyores create is: Crack Down. The children’s response is: Crack up.” p.73-74

 

Lastly, Hoff discusses the redundancy of the Eeyore Amazons. The feminists that on one hand demand to be equal and masculine while cursing the very thing they are emulating. Hoff describes it as such:

“Like the Iron Fist educators just mentioned, the following Eeyores work against natural laws and then complain about the results. In their behavior, they might be said to personify the opposite of the Taoist belief that the masculine and feminine earth energies need to be kept in balance, and that when the masculine is excessive the feminine needs to be advanced . . . the Eeyore Amazons . . . are emotionally descended from the Puritans. . The Eeyore Amazons call themselves feminists. But the word doesn’t quite fit them somehow. They don’t like femininity. Instead, they covet masculinity. . . “(p.75)

 

“. . . They break up Men’s Clubs, which, they say, mean discrimination. Then they establish Women’s Clubs, in which no men are allowed. They accuse men of being Sexists. Then they behave like Sexists. They say they want Sensitive Men. When they encounter such men, they shove them about. . . . Countering hyper masculinity with hyper masculinity is rather like dousing a fire by pouring gasoline on it. You can’t beat sensitivity into people. But you can beat it out of them. . . ” (p.78-79)

 

Personally I’ve had some experience with this last group and feel it is sort of like they are screaming “We are all the same and must be treated the same,” while demanding to be seen as unique, or “better than” the aforementioned masculine counter parts. In my experience these people wear their hatred to the terminology on their sleeve, but still want to be seen as stronger than the perceived threat of the “ghosts” they rebel against. (*ghosts being of the masculine man outlook on life.)   While I am all for Equality between the genders, these Eeyore Amazons hypocritically want to have things swing 180 degrees back towards the feminine and better-then treatment under the guise of Equal treatment.

I want to take a second and write about a unique experience I had in a past romantic relationship that this type of Eeyore made me remember.  I was dating a women who is bisexual- which is perfectly fine with me- but she constantly mentioned her sexual orientation; so much so that often I wondered if she was really just a lesbian;  this created some problems in the relationship as you’d imagine but I loved her so I toughed it out. . . for a while at least.  Accusations of me being intolerant or sexist were made often without any real basis in fact. (*she admits that now)

 

After our one year anniversary I tried to discuss this with her- her comments had reached a stage that even my friends were commenting on them and wondering why she mentioned it so much. But when trying to discuss this aspect of our relationship with her in an adult way; things would just spiral into the oddest way.  We’d start on why I felt uncomfortable –but tolerant and accepting of her status- and she’d get defensive like I was asking her to be something else. 

 

When push came to shove we did end up splitting up (*for many reasons) but this Eeyore behavior of hers- this scream for tolerance and acceptance –which she already had; damaged things. I am more mature now and looking back I don’t regret the time with her; but I found this parallel to be interesting and wanted to share it as an example of the Eeyore attitudes we allow into our lives. The Eeyores we chose to parallel or allow to affect us. And as a reminder to focus on the NOW and the Tao; and to not listen to the Eeyores around me; be they the negative news media with their fear mongering, or the educator Eeyores courting prestige instead of adding to the beauty of the world, or the Eeyore Amazons whose hypocrisy against feminism is a great example of self-propagating problems; of the battle with our own inner Eeyores. How to overcome that Eeyore is discussed in the next chapter; which I eager look forward to working on soon.

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Chapter 4: Very Small Animal  (8/12/15; 8/23/15; 8/28/15; 9/04/15;9/09/15)

“The piglet lived in a very grand house in the middle of a beech-tree, and the beech tree was in the middle of the forest, and the Piglet lived in the middle of the house. Next to his house was a piece of broken board which had: ‘TRESPASSERS W’ on it. . . Christopher Robin said you couldn’t be called Trespassers W, and Piglet said yes, you could, because his grandfather was, and it was short for Trespassers Will, which was short for Trespassers William. . . . And so we were introduced to Piglet, .  . . who craves security (he lives in the middle of a house in the middle of a tree in the middle of a forest); Piglet, who wants to be Somebody .. .Piglet, a squeaky voice with pink cheeks; Piglet, the Very Small Animal. Unlike Pooh, who simply Is and Does, Piglet Agonizes.”(p.25-26)

This beautiful, unassuming character of Piglet is introduced to us in the third chapter of “Winnie the Pooh” and immediately we are told indirectly that Piglet is a character who craves security. Hoff goes into a story of Pooh and Piglet finding themselves in what pooh thinks is a Heffalump trap; Pooh –the unassuming Taoist that he is- is able to see the situation as it is and react as things change; where as Piglet is stuck in a perpetual state of fear.  Pooh explains that he will continue to “ho-ho” the heffalump; ignoring its advances until the heffalump gets frustrated; Piglet decides that this is a grand idea and he will try it the next time a heffulump comes by.   Christopher Robin comes along and Piglet- trying to unsettle this new heffulump- that has stolen Christopher Robins voice- but he fails.

“How did you get there, Piglet?” said Christopher Robin in his ordinary voice.

“This is terrible?” thought Piglet. “First he talks in Poohs voice, and then he talks in Christopher Robin’s voice, and he’s doing it so as to Unsettle me.” And being now Completely Unsettled, he said very quickly and squeakily: “This is a trap for Poohs, and I’m waiting to fall in it, ho-Ho, what’s all this, and then I say ho-Ho again.”

“What?” said christoper Robin.

“A trap for ho-ho’s.” said Piglet huskily. “I’ve just made it, and I’m waiting for the ho-ho to come-come.”

Not very impressive, we’re afraid.

(p.30-31)

“We might point out here that Taoism has always been fond of Very Small Animals. Aside from animals themselves- which Confusianists saw as mere things to eat, sacrifice, or pull plow and wagon- the Very Small Animals of traditional Comfucianist-dominated Chinese society were women, children, and the poor. Stepped on by greedy merchants, landholders, and government officials, the poor were the very bottom of the Confucianist social scale. To put it another way, they weren’t on it at all. Women, even those of wealthy families –especially those of wealthy families- weren’t much better off, as the Confucianists practiced arranged marriage, polygamy, foot-binding (foot-breaking actually), and other customs so repressive to women that no one in today’s West could comprehend them. Children didn’t have a very jolly time of it, either. To the stanch Confusianist, children existed to carry on the family line, unquestioningly obey their parents in every matter, and take every care of them in their old age- not to have ideas, ideals, and interests of their own. Under Confucianism, a father could justifiably kill a son who disobeyed or disgraced him, as such behavior was considered criminal. ‘ (p.32-33)

 Okay I know this doesn’t say anything about Taoism (which the next paragraph will contrast the two ideologies) but I want to break these up and reflect on the above paragraph for the simple reason of it feels like I should. This may be a bit of a rant as I will compare western Christianity to this idea; so bear with me a bit please.

The ideas and practices of ancient eastern cultures, ideologies, and religions are always initial seen as strange and different to the western world, some might say there still exists a “wall” between the western mans “Christian” thinking and the eastern minds that perpetuate Taoism and Buddhism. 

Throughout the Initiate program and now in my apprenticeship; I’ve been forced to reevaluate how I view the world. What “Truth’s” I believe in and what “Truth’s” I’ve never or no longer believe in.  Without going into a long personal history of my theological path, I’ve questioned my religious beliefs many times in my adolescents and 20’s. Now as I quickly approach the age of 30, I find my world view to be much broader than most other my age or even older than me, and I wonder why so many people seem to regurgitate the “company line’ of mainstream Christianity (or it’s many off shoots) without ever researching, questioning, or even analyzing their own thoughts on the matter.

Christianity as it stands as a religion defined as “Following the teachings of Christ to better oneself and society” is a wonderful thing; the only problem is that’s not what I’ve experienced and not what most people see as “Christianity”.   Most “True Believers” just want to spout bible verse and mythology they don’t understand to justify HATE which I don’t feel Christ would personally condone.   Confuscianists- with their rituals, and strict dogmatic social structure (much like the Roman Catholic Church of our current society) was sorely lacking in introspection;  A practice I have personally found to be extremely beneficial to a personal relationship with God (however you define that)

I’m wondering what strange behaviors (like Confucianism condoning killing of a disobedient Son) the future religious organizations (or future revivals of ancient religions) will have as their official “dogma” and how society will be changed for the better (or worst) by these things.    Okay slight detour-rant OVER.

“ In contrast, Taoism held that respect was something one earned, and that if Big Daddy misbehaved, his family had the right to rebel. . . If the emperor was a tyrant, the people (his “family”) had the right to take him off the throne.  High Confucianist officials lived in constant fear of Taoist- and Buddhist-influenced secret societies that were ever ready to defend the stepped-on and attempt to topple the Dragon Throne if conditions became intolerable, which they often did.” (p.33-34)   

Many people talk about the idea of earning ones respect these days; but back in the early days of Taoism, Respect was more important to the Taoism then any material possession.   The fear of the “underdog” rising up against the tyrant government officials were a real threat when Taoism was emerging out of Confucianism. 

“The Chinese martial arts were developed primarily by Taoists and Buddhist monks, in order to defend the defenseless and enable them to defend themselves. They might better be termed “Anti-martial arts” as they were employed not only against armed bandits, but also against the soldiers of warlords and governing bodies, whenever they turned their swords against the weak. . . .  In countering what they saw as abuse of power, Taoist writers did with their communicative skills what Taoist martial artists did with disarming moves and pressure points. Utilizing the vehicles of literary fact and fiction, they publicized the misdeeds of the powerful and ridiculed the devious, the arrogant, the pompous, and the cruel. . . . “ (p 34-35)

This parallel of cultural rebellion is interesting to me. Taoists and Buddhist- some of the most peaceful philosophies to come out of the eastern world- are also the foundational spirituality of the forefathers of martial arts philosophy and practice.  As a martial arts instructor myself, I’ve given a lot of thought over the years on violence, and its place in my life as a deeply spiritual individual. (*former Minister/Theology Major) I have come to a bit of a compromise in that I teach martial arts specifically geared towards escaping dangerous situations, attempted murder/rape, or in the protection of ones loved ones and those weaker and unable to defend themselves.   This balance is precarious and perhaps moot, but I find that its’ extremely interesting that some of the most physically trained “killers” in history were inherently passive and holy men.

“ …Considering that High and Mighty Confucianists tend to have little respect for animals, and they sometimes referred to the ‘lesser’ peoples of China as ‘pigs’ and ‘dogs’, it is not surprising that Taoist writers recorded many animals stories. . . in which maligned creatures such as mice, snakes, and birds of prey demonstrate virtuous conduct that Prestigious People would do well to emulate. . . . The courage, affection, faithfulness, and honesty of animals are contrasted with the pretentiousness and hypocrisy of wealthy landholders, merchants, and government officials. . . “ (p.35)

This continual comparison to confucianism is very interesting; Taoism reverence for the natural world is very interesting.  That all things are equal or at least respected for the roles they play is something not often seen in modern day religions or even other spiritual practices (outside the indigenous religions of North America and Pre-Christian paganism)

Hoffs next story is about the Taoist and the pear tree and is yet another example of Taoisms view against the Ego of Officials. This small little trick that essentially befuddles and robs the greedy man of his Pears in a way that also promotes charity and positive distribution of wealth; is quiet interesting. I find that its inherent lesson is self-explanatory above; and yet another wonderful example of a “very small animal” overcoming corruption in a socially positive way. (p.36-39)

 

“In order to understand Taoism support of the Underdog, one needs to understand the Taoist attitude towards power, from the Power of the Universe on down. As with other matters, the Taoist view were historically more or less the opposite of the Confusicanist.  The Confusicanist conception of Heavenly Power, . . . bore a certain resemblance to the Middle Eastern, Old Testament image of God. The Confusicianists called it ‘T’ien’- “Sky,” “Heaven”, or “Supreme Ruler.” T’ien was seen as masculine, sometimes ferociously so. It needed to be appeased with sacrifices and ritual. It took sides; it granted authority. It transmitted sovereignty directly to the emperor, the Son of Heaven. From him, dominion spread downward and outward- from the highest officials to the lowest. . . T’ien was imagined as dazzling in appearance. It was said to grant material prosperity as a reward. . . In other words, it was considered awesome- soothing to fear, rather than love. . . Such was the image of Heavenly Power that Confucianists presented to the common people. . . . (Allowing many to abuse their power)” (p.39-40)

T’ien in the world of china was exemplified by the Emperor. The often cruel and fearful leader of Chinese Royalty.  At the community level, shown through courtroom proceedings, and subsequent torture to “Justify” punishment. The Emperor was able to “justify” the poor treatment of his subjects because he was “divinely” appointed and so was his judges who spread the emperors’ abuses.

“Unlike the Confucianists, Taoists saw the Power of Heaven as both masculine and feminine, as symbolized by the taoist tai chi- the circle divided by a curved line into light and dark, or male and female, halves.  Heavenly Power at work in  the natural world, however- what Lao-tse called ‘The Mother of Ten Thousand Things’- has always been seen by Taoists as mostly feminine in its actions. It is gentle, like flowing water. It is humble and generous, like a fertile valley, feeding all who come to it.. . . It takes no sides, grants no authority. It cannot be influenced or appeased by sacrifice and ritual. In dispensing justice. . . it operates with a light touch… Shying away from displays of arrogance and egotism, it communicates its deepest secrets not to high government officials. . . . but to penniless monks, little children,animals,and “fools”.   .. .and that brings us back to Piglet.”  ( P.41-42)

 

This idea of a spirituality flowing with “water” or fluid with the situation the practioner finds themselves in- this subtle influence- lacking the authoritarian approach of confusianism- seemed to favor the small man, the powerless man, which brings us to the character of Piglet.   Piglet is a fearful creature (as in “full of fear” as opposed to “causing fear”)  because he views himself as “small” and thus powerless.  Often it’s through his friendship and interaction with Pooh that he finds validity of the self.  And when he tries to veture out of that protection; he’s often misunderstood.   This brings me back to the above quote.

Hoff is making a parallel between Piglet and the flow of water (and Taoism as a whole) as well as the “small animal” who isn’t bogged down by arrogance and his own ego. Piglet is the sole creature who matures by overcoming his fear over the course of the Pooh stories.  Which I will discuss next.

“. . . Yet he is the only one of them to change, to grow, to become more than what he was in the first place. And in the end, he does this not by denying his smallness, but by applying it, for the good of others. He accomplishes what he does without accumulating a Large Ego; inside he remains a Very Small Animal- but a different Kind of Very Small Animal from what he was before.”(p.50)  But more on that in my next reflection.

Hoff ends this chapter- or more accurately has Pooh end this chapter- with a song. (Quoted Below) as a way to beautifully reassert his theories of The Very Small Animal and the lessons of this chapter.

“Animals so shy and small,

Dreaming you were Bold and Tall-

You hesitate, all sensitive,

Waiting for a chance to live.

 

Time is swift, it races by;

Opportunities are born and die. . . .

Still you wait and will not try-

A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly.

 

But that You, you want to see

Is not you, and will never be.

No one else will ever do

The special things that wait

Inside of you.

 

You can be a guiding star,

If you make the most of Who You Are.

And the sensitivity

That you’re now ashamed to see

Can be developed even more,

So you can find the hidden doors

To places no one’s been before.

And the pride you’ll feel inside

Is not the kind that makes you fall-

It’s the kind that recognizes

The bigness found in being Small”