sjofn_

Living with an Independent Mind

13th verse
( taken from one of the meaning of the Tao)

Favor and disgrace seem alarming.
High status greatly afflicts your person.

Why are favor and disgrace alarming?
Seeking favor is degrading:
alarming when it is gotten,
alarming when it is lost.

Why does high status greatly afflict your person?
The reason we have a lot of trouble
is that we have selves.
If we had no selves,
what trouble would we have?
Yes this post is a little different but I hope you still enjoy it....
Man's true self is eternal
Yet he thinks, I am this body and will soon die,
IF we have no body, what calamities can we have?
One who sees himself as everything
is fit to be guardian of the world.
One who loves himself as everyone is fit to be teacher of the world



I take this as it's crucial to remain independent of both the positive and negative opinions of other people. Regardless of whether you care for them or not.If we make there opinions more important then our own. I believe that is a huge mistake and why we have so many problems with relationships. Or at least part of the problems.

We need to be free of other people's opinions. Allow yourself to be just you. That listens to your independent mind. For you to chase after favored status or to try to gain importance from others, it will destroy you.

Let things happen naturally . Whatever approvel is suppose to come your way let it come on it own. What ever disfavor shows up is suppose to happen. it's all part of the perfect alignment of things..

Remember that someone else opinion will be directing your life. You need to be the one in control of your own life. Not someone else. This has to do with the Ego. The Ego has a need for importance, No ego means no trouble. Practice trusting your on inner self and follow your independent mind.

Remember that others opinions about what what you should or shouldn't be doing aren't taking into account your true person. So why do you need their approval? Respect yourself and your mind