Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. – Lao Tzu
There was once a butcher who was carving a joint of meat for a customer who had been coming for many years.
“Pardon me,” the customer asked, “But isn’t that the same knife you had last year? Do you need to sharpen it often?”
“It’s the same knife I’ve had for the last 17 years,” the butcher replied, “And I haven’t had to sharpen it even once. For, when I cut the meat, I allow the knife to find its own way through the flesh without effort or stress.
“And when I come to a tricky bit with lots of cartilage, I just slow down and allow the mystery to solve itself and in no time the meat falls right off the blade.”
http://www.taoism.net/stories/home.htm
When life is not flowing easily, we often resist and this can create more stress around our problem. Slowing down to see a bigger picture and a different perspective, allows the mystery to solve itself.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Letting go and allowing. Solves so many challenges. 🙂
It does Eric, and makes life a lot easier. 🙂
wonderful insight
of the bigger picture, Karen!
feeling relief
that i can let of resisting
this chocolate’s temptation
& go with the flow of it 🙂
Well enjoy every moment David! 🙂
This is very right Karen and possible to do, when it’s only about ourselves. More difficult when it’s about others.
Yes it can be Irene. One challenge at a time!
Fear makes any initial stress grow, and it can get so bad it hurts! I’ve found relaxation and breathing techniques help, but getting to the core of the problems requires more. I will try to rationalize ‘why fear?’ Then it comes to a choice of Love or fear. In Love stress dissolves and wonder keeps things interesting!
Good techniques that always work for me too. Thankyou.
Yes, absolutely if we can just slow ourselves down and remember to breathe things oftentimes work out just as they should. We tend to want so much control over things that we dull them!
I agree, control always creates resistance for me and you are right, our breath always brings us back to this moment.
This is such a brilliant piece of wisdom Karen ~ wrapped in a great story, this is the heart of Daoism. If we let life flow (all while living well), things will fall into place without effort. It is good to slow down every now and then accept the good life can give us.
I have seen how life falls into place when I live this way Randall. As soon as I get out of the way, I find the way. Thankyou, your comments are great.
A lot of wisdom in this story. Thanks Karen! So easy to get in a hurry sometimes. Ok Mary, deep breath, slooooow dooown. Pay attention. Be mindful. Love the moment. 🙂
Peace
Mary
Yes! that’s the formula for life Mary. Slowing down to hear the voice within that guides us. Peace to you always.
Beautiful wisdom
Thankyou, so nice to have you here.
Love this one! I read The Tao of Pooh in college and realized Winnie the Pooh really had it all going on:). Changed my outlook on things . . .
I have not read that, but it sounds great. Anything that changes our perspective for the better is definitely worth doing. Thanks Kristine.
It made Taoism extremely easy and accessible :-). Not that I’m a Taoist but I found the book quite interesting.
great advice and I love all the quotes on the other post too….deep breath it will happen no matter…make it happen as natural as possible….kat
I agree, the natural flow of the universe has much more wisdom than we could ever think up! Thanks Kat. 🙂
to bad people can’t learn to step back, take a breath and feel it…..kat
I have had a bit of an epiphany. My ongoing struggle to forgive the handful of people who have been horrible has now diminished into a realisation that they actually don’t matter to me anyway, so why am I expending so much energy on them when I have so many more friends who are supportive? You are such a piece of peace in my life and I am very grateful.
This is wonderful awareness Julie and only you can come to this realization. Letting go, forgiveness, and awareness has always lightened my energy. Focusing on positive thoughts and actions always allows us to find our true path. Thankyou for your comments.
More amazing wisdom. My favorite writer is Og Mandino. He wrote of life lessons and a better way to live. Your words remind me of his with a different tone.Thank you for sharing your words and thoughts. I do enjoy them.
Thankyou for your support John and your kind comments. I also love Og Mandino and his work.
I saw him in person at my Grandfather church as a Kid. Him and Robert Schuller came to my Grandfather church often. Powerful speakers.
Reblogged this on johncoyote and commented:
Great wisdom shared by a talented writer. Please read and enjoy.
Thankyou John. I appreciate that.
Was my pleasure and you are welcome.