The Rut and The Tao
So I remember a little while back, adding a blog that was really a rant, about the rut of no results. Without going into it much, I do have something to share about that, an update I guess you could say. I had wished to provide an update on that rut of no results blog, because it was somewhat less than positive, which is no way to hang. What's the use of writing, ranting, blogging and venting, even exploring one's self, if nothing is ever solved?
What I have to share with you today is of a spiritual, magical nature. I love this place, this mental space of solace, where I can exist in escape from the world of fear and doubt, the place where magic is all you have left. There is such a place, I've discovered. And I've discovered it out of situations where magic was the only option left.
After struggling with the rut of no results and then surrendering to faith and relaxation, a book appeared before me one day out of nowhere. It was a copy of the Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tsu. The Tao was written in the 6th century BC and translated in number only second to the Bible. It is ancient wisdom in a philosophy of accepting what is in front of you and work with the natural order of things, rather than against it. Force creates resistance.
So there it is in front of me one day, and I took the hint and opened it up. The first thing I read was quote #30, which goes like this:
"Whenever you advise a ruler in the way of Tao,
Counsel him not to use force to conquer the universe,
For this would only cause resistance.
Thorn bushes spring up, wherever the army has passed.
Lean years follow in the wake of a great war.
Just do what needs to be done,
Never take advantage of power.
Achieve results but never glory in them
Achieve results but never boast
Achieve results but never be proud
Achieve results because this is the natural way
Achieve results but not through violence.
Force is followed by loss of strength,
This is not the way of the Tao,
That which goes against the Tao
Comes to an early end."
While I put together the many ways this relates to my situation of feeling like I'm lacking results, it is actually enough to see the word "results" repeated five times in front of me, as if trying to catch my attention. This is a clear message from that place where magic is real.
What I am hearing is, force causes resistance. Since everything is energy and like frequencies attract like frequencies, force must cause an equal force against you. When I don't see immediate results, I attack with army like force, with anger and destructive frustration. And I have also boasted about results before, which always seemed to backfire. The relations between this verse and all of us in our experience are many. My point is, this was definitely put in front of me, right when I needed it, and this magic was worthy of sharing with you.
May you find results in non resistance, may your cup always be full with your gratitude, and may you all recognize the magic that is in front of you, waiting to be discovered.
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Well on the downswing, I was unable to get the affiliate program working that I was accepted to, and the second main one I applied to that I was so excited about has rejected me. So I'm trapped in one of those valleys. I could drown here.
What kind of difficulty are you having with the affiliate program? Feel free to send me a Private Message if you want to. I'll see if I can help in any way.
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Brenda - I blogged about this quote from Goethe's Faust a week or two ago:
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
The book did come to you for a reason. Keep it in mind, even with the affiliate program issues. Keep in mind this "mental space of solace" as you called it and remain committed. More will come.
Not read that play for forty years, but it has always been a favorite.
Thank you Allyn. By "book did come to you" are you recommending the book Faust? Yes, I guess there is hesitancy, the very way I often tell myself, and the public, how much I hate this. I never enjoyed technology and computers. It;s just not where I find joy. I have to wonder if commitment can overcome lack of joy in a field. ? The lack of joy for this does enhance frustration, for me tenfold. And then there's fear. I;m doing this because there is no job market in my area. Even the most menial minimum wage jobs have long lines of applicants, so I fear loss and fear lack of success in turning this into any income, because it seems like such a desperate situation. I am aware that this though process hinders success. And I have tried so many techniques to relinquish it. Yet still it hangs over me.
Hi Brenda - I meant the Lao Tsu book when I wrote that particular comment, not Faust.
I've followed you quite a bit, so I understand your "lack of joy" with technology. Believe me, I spent 20 years in computer software but I still can't deal very well with technology that breaks or spits back an unreadable error message.
Can commitment overcome lack of joy? I think the answer to this is "yes", especially since you have the added situation of fear due to lack of opportunity.
I'm still pushing forward after 5 months, even though I haven't made a penny yet. I knew it could take time and I knew my situation would be different than others. It's commitment - and knowing that I left too early from my one previous try at having my own business.
This obviously can work because a lot of other WAers are making small or larger amounts around us. So stay committed.