Find Your Middle Ground

* Tao Inspiration – Your True Self

—

, , , , , ,

uncarved stone

If you would seek your true self:

Begin with simplicity,

Overcome your desire for false adornments,

And embrace the nature of the uncarved block.

~ Lao Tzu

 

The uncarved block is a metaphor representing potential and what is possible. It is also a caution against self-imposed limits.

May we be like the uncarved block at all times, being the material ready to be shaped and used as needed.

 

Braun Jr., John; Tzu, Lao; von Bargen, Julian; Warkentin, David (2012-12-02). Tao Te Ching (Kindle Locations 317-321). . Kindle Edition.

24 responses to “* Tao Inspiration – Your True Self”

  1. Tom Merriman Avatar
    Tom Merriman

    My self imposed limits need sorting out, Val! I like the idea of being open for what is.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      It all begins with simplicity. I like the idea of letting go of all the complexity we add … And connecting to the essence of what we are without this thoughts. Thanks for being here Tom 💛

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  2. Susan Scott Avatar
    Susan Scott

    Lovely metaphor thank you 🍁

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Walking My Path: Mindful Wanderings in Nature Avatar
    Walking My Path: Mindful Wanderings in Nature

    It reminds me of being a hollow flute. Ready to have what is needed played through us.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      I love this analogy Mary. Thank you 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. socialbridge Avatar
    socialbridge

    Hi Val, interesting one! I hover at the edge a little just in case there is any question of being shaped and used in a negative sense as can happen so easily.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      I think we all have that self protection thing Jean… Until we realize the edge isn’t an edge at all.
      Thank you for being here Jean ❣

      Like

      Reply
      1. socialbridge Avatar
        socialbridge

        I guess a few times very badly bitten has led to the caution. Unfortunately there are some devious users out there amongst the good. x

        Like

        Reply
  5. den169 Avatar
    den169

    👍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      😍

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Jill Weatherholt Avatar
    Jill Weatherholt

    This is awesome, Val! xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Jill ❣so glad you enjoyed. xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. baimeilian Avatar
    baimeilian

    I love the idea that I will never be a finished product. I will always grow and change and improve and even at my “best”, I have potential… how much more at my worst 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      We are all evolving and trying to find the balance of our lives. Thank you for being here 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Jet Eliot Avatar
    Jet Eliot

    It really does begin with simplicity. Thanks for the reminder, and profound quote, Val~~

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      So glad you enjoyed it Jet.
      “it can be that simple” is a favorite mantra of mine. 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Nurse Kelly Avatar
    Nurse Kelly

    Thank you for these lovely thoughts, Val. They are so refreshing. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Kelly for your kindness and presence 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Nurse Kelly Avatar
        Nurse Kelly

        Always, Val. xo

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  10. IreneDesign2011 Avatar
    IreneDesign2011

    Lovely post Val. We need to find back to the raw an unshaped to find ourselves, as we really are, before the society kicked in. From there it seems to be more easy to stay with the simplicity. Enjoy a beautiful day Val ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Irene for your wise words. Getting back to our essence and rawness allows the complexities and burdens to fall away. 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. David Avatar
    David

    Familiar with the uncarved block, but love the hollow flute not seen before. I find the letting go the most difficult, when I think I’m there I realise I’m still holding on … so I need to sort out those unmindful moments! Ha, ha 🙂 Love, David

    Like

    Reply
  12. Healing Grief Avatar
    Healing Grief

    Beautiful Rock and words of wisdom Val 🙏🏻Thankyou

    Like

    Reply
  13. Ann Coleman Avatar
    Ann Coleman

    Love this metaphor!

    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.

● Recent Articles