Step Back to Move Forward!

Take Five

In current culture, we’re pressured to do more, want more, get more, not only for ourselves, but others, too. Doing everything in excess sometimes doesn’t turn out well, though. Overworking, taking more than we need, loving money, worrying about what others think–none of these sound like benefits, do they?

This week, we will look at each of the five lines of wisdom from the Tao:

“Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill.” You don’t have to have it all and have it right now. Allow some room for development; give yourself space to grow. Don’t assume you’re accomplished because your bowl is already full.

“Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.” Don’t overwork yourself. Focusing too hard and too long on any one thing dulls your senses and wears you out. If you’re at the top of your game, why would you need to do better?

“Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench.” Anyone obsessed with wealth probably doesn’t offer compassion or service to others. Those who always seek safety always fear risk. Do what you love, accept risks, and the rest will follow.

“Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner.” Do you work to satisfy yourself or others? Can you ever find happiness if your only concern is pleasing everyone else? Take pride in a job well done, then let it go. Your enthusiasm about your work will show, and anyone who doesn’t like it isn’t worth worrying about.

“Do your work, then step back.” It’s easier to see where you’ve been than where you’re going. The journey to happiness begins by stepping back and releasing your endeavors. Let them go and free your mind for other pursuits. Good or bad, put it all behind you and look forward.

Choose one line for each day of your work week, write it down, post it in a prominent place, and focus on the wisdom in each. You may not reach the serenity level by Friday afternoon, but you’ll certainly be on your way.