Happenchance,


58

Happenchance.                

There is no word in Chinese that corresponds with the English word, one seldom used, so the above translation is the combination of both words. It is a shame that we seldom use the word happenchance because it says very clearly what Lao Tzu speaks of in this chapter of the Tao Te Ching.

When living in Tao we accept life as it comes to us, we go with the flow, trying not to manipulate circumstances, rather accepting life as we find it. The artist and other creative people should take this word to heart and allow ourselves to be inspired by moments of such happenchance. 

Life can frequently take unexpected turns. Something that begins well, and we put our trust in can very quickly and unexpectedly turn sour and wrong. Without expecting it happiness can turn to sadness, a joy to pain. it can equally go the other way. Something that at first looks like a disaster can without rhyme or reason turn to something exciting and marvellous. 

Reality is this, we just never know how things are going to develop. The creative person should be very aware of this. A painting or work that started badly can become something the artist is proud to show when completed. Or an artwork starts with some very positive feelings and in the end comes to nought and is cast aside for a later rework.

Those who live in this knowledge hone their eyes and minds to its possibilities.  That time of rest and a walk along a beach by happenchance might inspire the most marvellous of landscape or seascape.  As the artist walks and catches a glimpse of a rock its colours and shapes might be the food of an abstract painting or a wonderful knitting pattern.

When we are aware of the happenchance of life, we more and more become alert to the simple things around us. Going with the flow we are never caught completely off guard and we grow in the acceptance of things as they are, always making the very best of every happenchance. 

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