I am currently reading the Tao Te Ching, which was written by Lao Tzu, a philosopher from 500 BC. I came across the following lessons that I found both simple and profound. The beauty of the Tao Te Ching is that its wisdom evolves as you evolve and the message you can take from it will change depending on your life experience and what stage you currently are in life.
Here are 6 powerful lessons I learned:
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
Our society places a premium on living on higher floors but what are the real benefits? Privacy, Seclusion, Exclusivity? Are these the things you really want from life? No man is an island and I don’t think anyone wants a life devoid of connection. Also, on a more practical note, if something ever happens to the building, those living on the top floors are the least likely to survive.
We may live in buildings above the ground, but we need to make contact with the earth each day. This process is called grounding, and is vitally important to maintain balance on an energetic level.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
It is easy to outsource our thinking to Google these days. Just about any problem has an answer online. I take this quote to mean, use your own brain and think through things about work, relationship and other important aspects of your life.
When our thinking is simple and removed from everyday chaos, we are open to the thoughts from the Universe, that is our intuition.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
This is Lao Tzu’s way of saying always seek a Win-Win solution. If you ever want to dispel conflict, remember to make sure both parties get what they want. If you crush the other party, be ready for their retaliation one day. So to repeat: Be both fair and generous. It’ll work every time.
In governing, don’t try to control.
When given power, remember that it is not about control, but rather about leadership which will achieve the best outcome. Give your subordinates (employees, children, etc) autonomy, but at the same time lead by example, so they will learn the necessary resources for their success. History has shown that control is not a good long term strategy. Lead by empowering.
In work, do what you enjoy.
Work comprises a good part of your life. Why spend that time doing something you don’t enjoy. Find the intersection between your strengths, your interests and your career. This way you can spend time building on what you do best, and have people pay you for doing that for them. Those who achieve great things always follow their passion.
In family life, be completely present.
How many times do we “spend” time with our loved ones and find our minds somewhere else. We’re either thinking about the future things we have to do or the ways we were hurt in the past. If you want a excellent relationship with your family, be completely present with them and enjoy the moment. They’ll thank you for it.
There you have it. Six simple lessons I find applicable to my daily life and I hope you’ve found them applicable to yours as well.
If you look carefully at these simple lessons, they are in fact defining a minimalist life.
