Find Your Middle Ground

* Tao Inspiration – Excess

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Let things be

On tiptoes is no way to stand tall.
Walking over others is no way to get ahead.
Showing off is no way to shine.
Self-righteousness is no way to respectability.
Boasting is no way to achievement.
Complacency is no way to endure.

Minimalism is the way of Tao .
Too much indulgence,
Too much interference,
Lead to the opposite of the intent.

Since excess is excrement,
The followers of Tao
Move on and let things be.*

Lao Tzu

The third last line in this translation got my attention. What surprising wisdom!

Check in with yourself …

Are you physically, mentally or emotionally overloaded and constipated?

Here’s to acknowledging the ability to excrete excess and move on 🙂
 

 

*Braun Jr., John; Tzu, Lao; von Bargen, Julian; Warkentin, David (2012-12-02). Tao Te Ching (Kindle Locations 374-383). . Kindle Edition.

14 responses to “* Tao Inspiration – Excess”

  1. Hariod Brawn Avatar
    Hariod Brawn

    That’s an interesting thought, that excess is excrement, which it is, quite literally. I wonder if a foodstuff will ever be developed, one which we ingest completely, without waste. This leads me to ponder whether bums would become redundant, and what the bum-less human will look like. But then I’m mental. [wanders off contemplating a bum-less Kim Kardashian]

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Life would be different that’s for sure …. Without the Kadasian women. Lol

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Ann Koplow Avatar
    Ann Koplow

    Just right, Val.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Ann 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  3. Sue Dreamwalker Avatar
    Sue Dreamwalker

    Yes that 3rd last line is an amazing observation.. That excess is excrement.. More than we need is but a waste.. loved reading this..

    have a perfect weekend Val.
    Blessings
    Sue

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you for your comment Sue. Have a lovely weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. nrhatch Avatar
    nrhatch

    When we excise the excess we are left with the essential. _/!\_

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Beautifully put Nancy!

      Like

      Reply
  5. Paul Handover Avatar
    Paul Handover

    Once again, that old saw is spot on. This one: Less is more! Another great reminder, Val.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      In so many ways Paul 🙂 thank you for stopping by!

      Like

      Reply
  6. Tiny Avatar
    Tiny

    The excess creeps in unnoticed…and leads to the opposite of intent. That’s my take away from this great post.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Great insight Tiny!

      Like

      Reply
  7. Louise Gallagher Avatar
    Louise Gallagher

    Great observations! Love reading the comments — lol — a kardasian-less world. Imagine! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Keep smiling and enjoying all you have on your plate Louise!

      Like

      Reply

I’d love to hear from you …

● About Me

My name is Val Boyko, a dual citizen living near Philadelphia, originally from Scotland.

This blog came to life one morning in 2013.  I woke up with these words in my mind:  “Life is a series of highs and lows. Be grateful for the highs. Be graceful in the lows. And find contentment in your Middle Ground.”

Find Your Middle Ground blog started to explore, reflect, ask deep questions, share insights about awakening, and connect with wonderful people like yourself. Thank you for being here and being such an inspiration.

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