How Can We Be More Like Water?

                                          Photo by Bella Tindale

The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.

When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.

- Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching: 8th Verse

Being like water enables us to become one with the world and with others around us. We don't oppose things any more, but we surrender to the invisible force that pulls us along. This is the ultimate wisdom: to be flexible and to yield rather than being defensive and opposing what is. We become attuned to our circumstances instead of fighting them. We appreciate what we have instead of rejecting it. We live in the present moment, absorbing the essence of it and enjoying it to the fullest. Water is a fluid substance that can take any shape. It keeps us grounded, down to earth and natural. We accept everything and everyone unconditionally, without prejudices and without contempt. Water is simple and pure; it has no ambivalence. It gives without striving and without expecting anything in return. It leads gently and without coercion. We are immersed in it like we are in a job that we love.

Just like the oceans surround islands and continents, we surround our family with protective arms as we embrace our home life. Right now, I am completely here with my loved ones, because this is what I choose to do, and it means the world to me. Right now, I am myself because I don't want to be anyone else. I am happy to be who I am, without trying to be someone I am not. I believe others respect me because I want to respect myself, and I want to treat others the way I want to be treated. And wanting is the most important thing, as I am not perfect, far from it. Like all humans, I make mistakes. Sometimes I lose my temper... But then I forgive myself and start again.

Just like water, the present moment is always fresh and full of possibilities. We can't grab it like we can't grab water as it will flow through our fingers. But we can go with it. We can go with the flow...

With love,

Bella