Moderation.


59

Moderation.


When walking in forests we can frequently see trees that have been caught by the wind and now lay flat on the forest floor. At the end where the tree had planted roots, it can often be noticed that the tree has many roots, but they have never gone deep into the earth, rather they have spread out in all directions but very shallow. This is very true of  Firs and Pines. Other trees put down deep and strong roots and in early years stay supple and can bend and sway with the wind.

The Tao Te Ching advises,  "Plant deep roots.  Grow deep in the Tao."  It is in this way that we will learn to see things in a new light, ever fresh and vital. Inspiration, the food of the creative person will then be available. In moderation of all things, the artist will find the freedom to bend and sway and grow as each situation arises facing the artist with new challenges of expression.

Lao Tzu tells us that this is the gift that comes to the one who lives in such moderation, avoiding excess in all things. In this state of being, there are no limits, there is nothing out of reach, nothing that cannot be achieved. The mind is free and liberated from desires and addictions.

Fear is removed and full expression flows to the inner being. So do the Tao, as in all things, in this state of moderation. 


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