Running into the Open Knife

Yesterday we were having a discussion at home why we as adults become much less open. After all, our little boys are open to everything and everyone, so why can't we? My sister-in-law conjectured that perhaps it is the education system, while my brother-in-law thought that it is a defense mechanism to protect yourself in the real world. I thought the expression real world was odd - does this mean the world little children see isn't real?

"Be ye as little children"  Jesus recommends. Does that mean that you are bound to get slaughtered like lambs? When I reflected on the title I thought that the expression is an odd one as well; after all, if the knife is open and visible, why would anyone run into it? Walking the Tao protects you - you are in fact encouraged and advised to have a childlike openness to everyone and everything. People who run into open knives do so of their own doing. It is their drive that gets them into that situation. If you want something, you lose your openness as you filter everything that happens to you from your vantage point. If you walk the Tao instead, you do not have an agenda, all you do is to follow the cues of the Way, because you have learned that this is the road that is associated with peace and happiness. If you happen to meet anyone who doesn't want to dance with you, or happens to walk in a different direction, your paths simply don't cross. Truth of the matter is, you don't need to scheme because the energy flow of the Tao protects you.

I have little to add to the discussion of my in-laws. It could well be that the education system makes you less open; it is certainly also the case that your family, friends and foes inflict a few mental wounds as you grow up and you consequently raise a shield in order to protect yourself.The good news is that there is a point in your life when the Tao invites you to reverse this process. As you re-learn how to interact with your fellow-beings you are encouraged to go back to the beginning and to become open like little children again. In this new world all sharp knives are safely put away, so have fun along your Way!