Painting by Numbers

At work I sometimes describe my work style as painting by numbers. I take the inputs of others, the resources that I have access to as my input and build a case around it. Sure, I sometimes have to ignore advice of some people who appear to be headed in the opposite direction, but they too are part of the numbers game, their numbers just point to a different painting in the book, a painting that I will surely tackle one day, just not today. You will ask how do I know which voices to choose and which to ignore and all I say is that  it is coming directly from the working by numbers exercise. As easy as 1 2 3, remember the note from last time? You just know at each moment what the preceding number was and what the next number will be.

I do not want to generate the impression that walking the Tao is easy, it is not. It is just that you figure out along the Way that only you can cut into your energy supply, the Tao will never drain your energy. Yes, it is a uphill journey to always do the right thing, to avoid the activities that are sure to boost your energy level short term, but without a doubt demand it back from you with interests on the next day. Still, before you know it the fog lifts and everything is clear to you. Here is the pathway, all you have to do is to climb a few steps each day and soon you will be running downhill. Walking the Tao is as easy as painting by numbers but it does require concentration and it sure requires dedication. But in the end the painting will be beautiful, especially after you have added the color.