Tao Te Ching 7th Verse Thoughts

Heaven is eternal – the earth endures.  Why do heaven and earth last

forever?  They do not live for themselves only.  This is the secret of

their durability

For this reason the sage puts himself last and so ends up ahead. He

stays a witness to life, so he endures.

Serve the needs of others, and all your own needs will be fulfilled.

Through selfless action, fulfillment is attained

being a silent witness

Wayne suggested that if we have the opportunity to offer up advice or our two cents on a subject, don’t.   Choose to be a silent witness and he adds, “note how uncomfortable your decision to remain quiet felt.”  In other words, just listen; something I have struggled with but have gotten better with over the years.   I do like to give my two cents, (hence this blog), but it isn’t always what someone needs. and I grudgingly admit that it can be uncomfortable to be quiet as Wayne stated.  Now this doesn’t mean I’m quiet the whole time but I have found that unless it is asked for, my opinion is usually not warranted.  I have found through my silence, I have done more good than with my words.

I took this a step further and not only observed and practiced how I can serve but I took notice of others serving as well.  When you do look for it, it’s amazing how much you see.  Could be as simple as someone letting a car merge in front of them or a special education teacher working with a child with autism.  Being a “witness to life” as l Lao Tzu wrote and observing others serving inspires me to do the same.   So not only should we serve but also be present enough to witness others serving as well.

Living the Tao each day

What are you doing in your life to serve or what things have you seen while being a “witness to life?” Please leave a comment below.

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