Direction.


53

Direction


Although we are frequently told in the Tao Te Ching that we must, "Go with the flow," this does not mean that we are being told to travel along life's road blindly and without meaning. There has to be some sense of overall direction or the whole of life could end up being fairly meaningless. It could even be worse than meaningless, but dangerous for us as individuals. There is surely some truth in the idea that idle hands do little good.

Most people do in fact have some kind of vision about where they are heading or would like to reach but it is very simple to be side-tracked from this destination. For the creative person as an example, it is very easy to be led off course by the many new and tempting materials being made available. There is worth in staying the course until we have mastered something before attempting yet another technique.

For all, and especially the creative, it is wise to know that there is a time to stay with the familiar and time to seek new ways of expression. A time to paint and a time to consider. A time to be brave and a time to hold on to the familiar. Everything in nature has its balance and this should be true for all.

One of the most important lessons the creative from all disciplines should hold onto is this: There should be a time to tear up and begin afresh, there should also be time to set aside and look again afresh after a time of contemplation. In simpler words, there should be a time to discard and a time to keep.

For all, there should be a time to love but unlike the words that can be found elsewhere never a time for hate.

So, hold firm to the vision and do not allow yourself to be led astray by empty promises or empty dreams and temptations.

Never forget there must always be a time for peace and a time for quiet and rest.


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