One of the great spiritual principles across many different philosophies is the concept of non-resistance
In our modern world we are often encouraged and expected to ignore this principle to our detriment, finding ourselves exhausted and depleted by constantly “swimming upstream”. This may mean different things to different people. Maybe for you it is playing the director in the show of your life, insisting that people play parts that they aren’t willing to play… if only my neighbour wouldn’t start their noisy car so early in the morning; or… if only my colleague would do what I say or would follow my advice!
I’m sure we all have examples to give.
In Taoism the philosophy of water teaches about Humility, Harmony and Openness. What this means is water (humility) doesn’t make any demands or need any recognition for its contribution to the life it gives to plants/ people/ animals. it doesn’t get angry if it comes upon an obstacle like a rock, it simply goes around it (harmony) at its own pace. Water can change (openness) according to its environment, it can be liquid, it can be ice and it can be light as steam…. It is flexible and adaptable.
So next time you find yourself feeling like you’re in a boat paddling upstream, perhaps you would like to try going with the flow, bending into the curves, holding on a little tighter when you go over the rapids, and enjoying the peaceful calm waters until you reach the sea. Maybe that neighbour or colleague will cease to be so annoying after all!
Hear more about the lessons from the philosophy of water in this TED talk that has been viewed over 4 million times!