Obscurity

I had one of those ah ha, moments recently while reading verse 36 of the Tao. This particular verse talks about the "Wisdom of Obscurity". Its about releasing the need to compare yourself and fit in, and releasing the need to be more, in the eyes of others. Oneness and connection are neccessary in our lives in order to help achieve this. As we reduce and eliminate competition and comparison from our lives, we allow our quiet, gentle strength and the true essence of who we are, to expand.

Although I have understood the concept of everything being connected for many years now, I have struggled with applying that knowledge to myself, which has resulted in feeling disconnected at times. My understanding has definitely grown this year due to many factors and that knowledge has helped me to experience that connection more.

So the question is how do we feel that connection and oneness in our lives? In order to feel and know a particular emotion, we must first have felt the opposite emotion. We can only know sadness if we have previously experienced happiness. If we allow the two emotions to be felt without the connection of its opposite, a disconnect is created and it can leave us feeling out of balance. The awareness and understanding that you can not have one without the other creates oneness and connection. When this is realized the natural flow of energy and balance is restored. With balance and energy is at its optimum the need for competition and comparison is eliminated and we are able to see ourselves as equals. Connection needs to be felt within ourselves as well as with everything and everyone around us.

Michele Ward