The Tao moves by returning in endless cycles.
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 40
The Tao Te Ching echoes nature’s cycles of growth and renewal. Each winter, the vibrant autumn leaves fall from the birch and maple trees, leaving their bare branches reaching for the sky. The nights are long, darkness falls early, and in many parts of the country animals hibernate. Winter is a season to go within, a time of contemplation to prepare for a new springtime of growth and renewal.
In our western industrialized culture, we can easily forget nature’s cycles. With electric lights, the Internet, and 24/7 connectivity, we are pressured and pushed to be always “on,” to multitask, to rush from one thing to another in a frantic pace that is both unnatural and unsustainable.
Nature’s changing seasons affirm the cyclical wisdom of Tao. In January, I prune the rosebushes in my northern California garden to reinforce them for winter dormancy. Pruning encourages new growth and leaves the center open, giving the roses room to breathe. In order to flourish, rose bushes need a period of dormancy to promote new growth and abundant blossoms in the spring.
As you enter this season in your life, could you benefit from pruning away unhelpful attitudes and emotional states to make room for new possibilities? If so, here are some ways to begin:
Stop Worrying and Complaining. Incessant worry and complaining can lead to a downward spiral of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression.
The next time you find yourself facing a problem:
- Ask yourself, “What can I do about it?”
- If you can do something, take positive action.
- If you can’t solve the problem, reach out to get help. Find someone who can.
- And remember to treat yourself with compassion
Release Envy and Resentment.
These negative states can poison your mind, draining your energy and even undermining your health.
- If you find yourself envying someone else’s accomplishments, tell yourself, “That’s great that ____ did that. I can fulfill my dreams too.”
- Closely associated with envy is gossip. It’s amazing how much time we can spend talking about others, usually unfavorably. Make it a point not to talk about other people’s business. When someone tries to engage you in gossip, change the subject.
- Release resentment. Whenever you feel an old hurt or disappointment, label your feelings (“hurt,” “angry,” “disappointed”), then express compassion for yourself, treating yourself as you would a dear friend. Take a deep breath, release it, and return to the present moment.
Release Feelings of Inadequacy.
Whenever you feel inadequate, stop comparing yourself to others. Remind yourself that you are a unique human being with your own talents, strengths, and destiny. Take a slow, deep breath and release it. Continuing to breathe slowly and deeply, put your hand on your heart and say to yourself:
- May I be filled with loving kindness
- May I be safe
- May I be well
- May I be peaceful and at ease
- May I be happy.
The loving kindness meditation is a simple but powerful way to overcome any negative emotional state. First ask yourself “How am I feeling?” Next send loving kindness to yourself, and then ask “What do I need?”
Since there is a lot of suffering in our world these days, why not share this compassionate practice with others? You can extend loving kindness to the people in your life (“may [name] be filled with loving kindness. . .”), to your country, and to this beautiful planet we call home.