FOUR FOR FRIDAY 33: SPIRITUALITY
“It is like a finger pointing a way to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.”
–Bruce Lee
1.One Of The Trickiest Battles
One of the trickiest battles for me is beginning to encapsulate what spirituality may even mean. I believe this is a phenomenal place to start because I admittedly cannot explain a global meaning of spirituality, nor would I try. The attempt to do so would be ignorant and akin to “pointing a finger at the moon”.
With that being said, I can try to explain what spirituality may mean for me and the ways I've seen and felt it show up. As I sit in the doctor's office waiting for my annual physical appointment, I can say that in this moment, my spirit or inner voice shows up when I'm quiet. When I'm comfortable and when I'm quiet. I know this because I can sense a growing irritation as a man behind me plays his YouTube video out loud instead of putting headphones in. Erghhh.
In addition to this, I have definitely felt spirituality in sports. Running has done this for me, or hiking—preoccupying my body while allowing my mind to feel free. I have felt this in church, whether it's through the songs that move me to tears or speak to some part of me that needed to be heard. There are many other ways: writing, meditating, prayer etc...
With all that being said, I can only be curious about what I find that allows and offers me this solace, solitude, freedom, creativity, and connection. As Bruce Lee said, “It is like a finger pointing a way to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.” My words are not the way; your feeling, which may resonate in ways with those who have connected with spirit, is the moon. Others' explanations of that are mere fingers pointing towards truth.
2. Book Of The Week : Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings Of Bruce Lee
To expand on the quote mentioned above, one person I admire is Bruce Lee. I can't really explain why that is, but I can make an attempt. From my experience with him, it seems he falls into the category of the FOURM’ed individual. He is someone who continues to evolve while honoring spirituality, fierceness, the physical world, the internal world, wisdom, dedication, hard training, and the limelight just as much as the sedentary, secluded life. He seems to blend many realms, and for me personally, these are the individuals I look up to the most—those who can span many realms.
With this in mind, I gave his book a try. Written by Shannon Lee, Bruce Lee's daughter, it describes the life and teachings of Bruce Lee. Each chapter of the book explores different aspects of Bruce Lee's wisdom, using personal anecdotes and lessons from his life to illustrate how being like water can help us navigate life's challenges with flexibility and resilience. Shannon Lee shares previously untold stories about her father, providing deeper insights into his thoughts and practices.
The book aims to inspire readers to embody fluidity and naturalness in their own lives, encouraging a mindset of adaptability, self-expression, discipline and belief in thyself.
3. The Tao Of Today
"The Tao of Joy Every Day" has been a book which has stayed close to me more recently. It's a daily read filled with parables from the original Tao Te Ching. Each excerpt is broken into a new day, offering a life lesson and parable from the Tao Te Ching, giving the reader something to focus on each day.
"The Tao of Joy Every Day: 365 Days of Tao Living" by Derek Lin offers daily insights and wisdom based on Taoist principles. The book reminds me of another “The Daily Stoic” which is aimed at helping readers break down and incorporate large topics into their everyday lives.
Each day features a short passage that provides a piece of wisdom or a story, encouraging reflection and mindfulness. Here are a few examples of passages from the book:
Day 1: The Gift of Life
"We need to open our eyes to see life itself as a gift, and perceive the goodness embedded everywhere. Every day is a blessing, and every moment is an opportunity to express the Tao."
Day 45: Flow Like Water
"Just as water flows effortlessly around obstacles, we too can navigate life's challenges with grace and ease. By being flexible and adaptable, we can find our way through any situation."
Day 120: The Power of Stillness
"In the stillness, we find clarity and insight. Taking time to be quiet and reflect allows us to connect with our inner wisdom and the greater flow of the universe."
These passages illustrate the core Taoist values of mindfulness, adaptability, and inner peace. The book encourages readers to take small, daily steps towards living a more joyful and harmonious life.
4. Taoism
With all this talk about being like water, Taoism, and the Tao of today, I thought it might be helpful to provide some understanding of what Taoism stands for. As mentioned earlier, don't let words be the ultimate truth; true understanding comes from engaging with the practices. Words are merely pointers towards the truth; experience trumps all. So with that being said, let's talk about Taoism.
Taoism, also known as Daoism, is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (Dao), which translates to "the Way." The Tao signifies the underlying natural order of the universe, guiding all things in existence.
Origins and Foundational Texts
Though argued as to the origins of Taoism it is generally believed that Taoism originated in the 6th century BCE, attributed to the sage Laozi, who is traditionally credited with authoring the foundational text, the Tao Te Ching. This text, along with the writings of Zhuangzi, forms the core of Taoist philosophy, offering insights into the nature of the Tao and guidance on living harmoniously within it.
Central to Taoist thought is the concept of wu wei, often translated as "non-action" or "effortless action," which advocates aligning one's actions with the natural flow of life, avoiding unnecessary force or struggle. Another fundamental principle is ziran, meaning "naturalness," encouraging authenticity and spontaneity in one's behavior.
Philosophical vs. Religious Taoism
Taoism encompasses both philosophical and religious dimensions. Philosophical Taoism focuses on personal cultivation and understanding the Tao, while religious Taoism incorporates rituals, ceremonies, and the worship of deities. Both streams aim to harmonize individuals with the Tao but employ different practices to achieve this harmony.
Influence and Practices
Throughout Chinese history, Taoism has significantly influenced art, literature, medicine, and governance. Practices such as meditation, Tai Chi, and Qigong are rooted in Taoist principles, promoting balance, health, and spiritual well-being. Books like "The Tao of Pooh" have made these concepts accessible and comprehensible.
For me, the principles of balance, fluidity, adapting to nature and reality, and effortless action have guided me towards the Tao. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to explore it further. Here's a video I recommend.
