Sometimes a passage from the Tao te Ching comes to light at just the right time. With the storms in the Western US and the upcoming change in government, this seems to be a timely share.
Water is unquestionably soft and yielding,
Yet it can carve massive canyons
And sweep away entire cities with ease.
This is because it does not rise up in solid fragility like the structures of humanity,
But flows in low places, fluid and flexible like humanity itself.
There is great strength in what seems weak,
Great instability in what seems strong.
The creation of grand structures implies their inevitable destruction.
Humble, flexible, transitory existence implies true continuity.
In this way, things imply their opposites.
We all know this, because we have seen it.
Somehow, in living our lives, we forget.*
~ Lao Tzu
“Things imply their opposites” yet we make judgments, along with our plans. Are we really ready for the unexpected?
The future has yet to unfold.
Be open. Be ready.
Be ready to be fierce. Be ready to be kind
*Braun Jr., John; Tzu, Lao; von Bargen, Julian; Warkentin, David. Tao Te Ching (Kindle Locations 1028-1041). . Kindle Edition.
Find Your Middle Ground 
Very great words indeed! Thanks for taking the time to share this. Love it when people can speak from the heart!
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Me too! Thank you ❤️
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Reblogged this on Beaming Light and commented:
Gratitude to Val at findyourmiddleground.com for this timely reminder♥
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Speaking from the heart is a very hard thing for people to do in this world, and yet very few are good at it. I am and have been open as I can be with myself, as you read my blog you see my feelings hanging out there. But thanks again for your kind words…
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Fierce, but kind. We can do that. ❤️ 💛 💚
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🐥Yes indeed Van!
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Val how is it that you posted the words I needed today. Lots of changes for us coming. Moving house, husband has a new job and I need to find my way with my art. Thank you, have a great day. Im reading a book on being assertive without being aggressive. i guess that could count for being fierce and being kind at the same time.
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Change can be unsettling … until we realize it is always happening. We all get stuck in our ways of doing things and our attitudes too. If it wasn’t for change we wouldn’t learn new things or keep growing as human beings. Breathe easy my friend and trust it will all work itself out .. perhaps in an unexpected way 💛
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Bigger rental house, with a spare room for a studio, whats not to like. Yes I agree I’m just going with the flow and breathing deep Val thank you. I have always enjoyed change it invigorates and excites me. But my husband and son stress at change and so I am their coach cheering them on when change comes and they have to step out of their comfort zones.
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Being the coach isn’t easy. Nourish yourself dear Kath🍊
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Will do dearest Val xxx
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So, so often you publish an item that really gets to the heart of life.
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Thank you Paul 💛 It’s so good to connect about vital aspects of life these days 🙏
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Loved this post today, Val! ❤
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So glad you liked it Jill 💛❣💛
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Here’s to going with the flow!
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Yes indeed Nancy … although for many the flow may feel more of a struggle in these challenging times! Let us stand for the goodness and trust that balance will prevail. 💛
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‘Fluid and flexible’ Open and Strong. Wise words for 2017 Val 🙏🏻💕🙏🏻
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So glad they resonated with you Karen 💕
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Excellent in its wisdom and timeliness! 🙏
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Thank you Dennis. Peace 🙏
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Water is unquestionable soft…had me at go!
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Smiling …
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Wow, such a powerful post. Absolutely encouraging and beautiful. Ready for change. Thank you for sharing!
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So glad you appreciated this EG. Thank you for being here 💛
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I love this Val! Lao Tzu is one of my favorites, his wisdom is inspiring. Thank you! 🙂
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Thank you Ally 💛 So glad you enjoyed this wisdom.
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:..There is great strength in what seems weak,
Great instability in what seems strong…”
These words are here to remind us that sometimes we choose to believe what we perceive to be true and not what actually might be true.
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Being aware of our perceptions and beliefs is key to our harmony and evolution. Thank you Dace 💛
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Loved this, thanks Val! ❤
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Thank you Julie 💓
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Good one for these times. Thanks.
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Glad it resonated with you Marlene 💛
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Nice one!!!
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Thank you!
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