There is a theme that runs throughout the Tao Te Ching and it is to Be Like Water. This is a potent metaphor that I have been reflecting on recently. There are many incredible attributes of water, but there are two in particular that I want to highlight for helping you live a peaceful and joyous life.


That's right - you can freeze it, boil it, or vaporize it, and it still perfectly fine. It's still water.

It really doesn't matter what happens to it. Water cannot be grasped, it cannot be held. It cannot be hurt by the environment because it simply shapes itself accordingly and continues on its wondrous journey.

Which leads me to my next point:

2.) Water shapes itself to its environment, but it always gets to where it is going.
Water always gets to where it is going. You are probably familiar with the water cycle from Geology 101. Water is present in the ocean. It then gets absorbed into the clouds as moisture. The clouds then move over the land and it rains or snows. The water then eventually makes its way back to the ocean.

Sounds simple, right?

Well, as you know, water can take an infinite number of detours as it makes its way back to the ocean. It can remain frozen in a glacier for eons. It can end up in a dam.

It can flow its way through endless streams and tributaries. It can end up buried in the ground. But eventually it always makes its way back to the ocean. And then it always makes its way back to the clouds and falls down as rain.

Can you let yourself be like water?

Instead of holding yourself in opposition to the world, your life, and what is happening, can you think of this metaphor of water? Can you let yourself flow with what is, knowing that you will always end up where you want to go?

If you are experiencing turbulent times, trust that the greater part of you has the power to heal, to nourish, and to sustain you. And trust that this same part of you will keep you on track, no matter how many detours you seem to be taking.

The spiritual part of ourselves is always on purpose, gently helping you become the greatness that you are.

Be like water and become attuned to the endless flow of wisdom and insight within yourself. When you do, all of life will take on a whole new meaning

From Intent.com

Author's Bio: 

Sarah Maria is a body-image expert, author, speaker, and radio personality. After receiving her law degree from Stanford University and her Master's from Columbia, she founded her company Break Free Beauty (www.breakfreebeauty.com) to help people discover self-acceptance and self-love, while creating peace, joy, beauty, and abundance in every area of their lives.

In addition to having her own radio show, she speaks around the world, coaches couples and individuals, and recently finished her latest book, Love Your Body, Love Your Life. She is a Chopra-Center certified meditation instructor, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practitioner, and yoga instructor. It is her intention to help people experience peace and love, while recognizing the beauty in themselves and in the world. Please visit www.sarahmaria.com to learn more.