The Tao as a Stress Manager

Have you ever had the experience that you are very stressed, so you make a project out of finding relaxation only to realize that you are as stressed as before despite your best efforts? You put on the candles, listen to some chants, you meditate, but the thoughts keep on popping to the surface like water does in a pot that soon reaches boiling temperature.   Don't be upset if this happens to you. Even a goal as innocent and well-intended as relaxation is set up by the ego. Whatever the ego touches comes with stress and effort attached.

Maybe you can do this instead. Tune into your environment and get in touch with what is going on inside you and just become aware of what happens. With no intent to change anything, see how your environment and your mood changes with this new approach. For example, when you are stressed, see how people and situations show up in response. Some may give you an opportunity to step out of it, some may intensify your stress; in fact, often these situations give you an either or dependent on how you end up reacting.

Realize when you are angry how people present themselves, sometimes literally waving a red flag in front of the charged bull. In turn, they may  offer themselves as perfect doormats to walk if you are inexperienced enough to make this mistake. Notice how stress, anger or worries pop up to the surface, but see how the solution to the problem presents itself. In particular, see how the bubble immediately deflates when you become aware of the yin and yang of life. No yoga, no meditation or stress management class is required. Just be aware of how connected the "inside" is to the so-called external environment.

Accept every emotion as is. Your inner nature just reacts to the environment you are in just as the flow of life you experience responds to your inner pace. When you feel that something is off kilter, some stress, anger or some lingering worry, accept that stage. Life - everything and everyone the Tao sends your way -  is a perfect stress manager. Observe and accept everything and don't give any more power to the emotions and thoughts that bubble to the surface. You can dance  to the tune of the Tao just as you would do meditation. The stimuli come, they reach you, but you decide to engage with some and let the others just fade into nothingness.

As you tune into the Tao, you naturally drop your personal agenda. Let the Tao lead you out of the stressful situation back to the peace of mind that is always yours to reach for.In fact, the Tao is doing the job for you if only you let Her. Peace and silence is always at your disposal no matter where you are. It takes some practice to become a Tao master but keep on trying. The Tao is wherever you are, so the next opportunity to try is just around the corner.
 

By Christian and Su Zhen