Difficulty.


41

Difficulty



There have possibly been a few people in life who on the very first occasion of trying to draw have found that it has come in a flash, but they are few. Even the greatest of artists or sculptors have had to sit with a teacher or leader and learn their craft. Parents may often declare that their child took to something almost instantly, but in reality, it was never as simple as it was made to sound. 

The art of reading or writing eventually comes to most, for some after a struggle, for others much more simply. For those wishing to learn the art of Chinese calligraphy, many hours from a very early age has to be spent drawing the letters and symbols.

It is so with anything that is of value and worth. Lao Tzu speaks of the person discovering for the first time some knowledge of the Tao. He tells us the foolish person on hearing but not understanding makes fun and laughs out loud. For many they hear of the Tao and for a time may show interest but far too frequently they give up because of the difficulty of understanding. The wise person on the other hand listens and gives thought to what they hear, they try to learn more and take it to themselves, finding meaning and peace in the words.

When we find something we cherish we give time to it hoping that we can go on experiencing its wonder. The artist finds joy in the creative process and so gives attention to it, and soon cannot let go.

If we are honest with ourselves, we will agree that the things we hold dear, the things that lift us to another level of understanding, never usually come easily. The journey often seems difficult and the path rough. The music that flows so beautifully from a violin or the tender notes of the saxophone does not just happen, they come after long hours of practice and often much difficulty.

Whatever it is we endeavour to achieve is worthy of our time and more importantly our effort. There comes a time when we experience that wonderful harmony that shines forth from us like a beacon. From confusion comes understanding, from disorder comes peace, from scattered thoughts comes words of inspiration.

This comes from going with the flow.


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