States of Mind

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's learning to dance in the rain.

Do you remember a time when seemingly everything went your way? A time when you were exuberant, joyful and full of bliss? Perhaps you are even so lucky to be in that state right now. Your hormones are surging, your heart beats faster and your creative and the love zones in your brain are sparking like a Christmas Tree. When you are young you probably feel that this state is normal, when you are a little older it probably dawns on you that this phase will end one day.

We Tao travelers study the yin and yang of life. We certainly can't promise you an eternal mountain view. What we can promise, however, is the presence of a Force that will take you on a magnificent ride up the mountain and down into the valley, and you will feel connected no matter what. You may be a little less excited than your brother who is on the top of the world, but you share his happiness, and you may not as devastated as your heart-broken sister; while sad, you still are looking forward to the next day because you can find spiritual meaning in the situation that confronts you. Your emotions vary, but your connectedness is always present along the Way. No matter what, you are happy to be alive.

With the Tao as a companion every state you are in is worth living for. Sometimes you walk, sometimes you run, sometimes you rest, but mostly you dance. Respect all the states of mind you are in. They move by like acts in a theater. Before you met the Tao you may have been caught in loops that seemed endless. This wasn't life beating you up, this was you abusing yourself, or you, unwilling to walk through an open door right next to you. We are not here to suffer, we are here to advance. Depression is the mirror image of exuberance, submission is the disowned child of control. Accept every state you are in, be mindful, and let it pass by.

Every state you are in needs to be respected, every voice you hear needs to be honored, every situation and event welcomed into your life. She brings these presents, and some are diamonds wrapped in coal. Hold Her hand and dance through life together. Enjoy!