"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." - Lieh Tzu

When I first read that quote, I thought it implied that I need to stop thinking. After letting it 'sit' for a while in my mind while I put away laundry, and prepped things for work tomorrow, I got it. I immediately made a decision when I read the quote. By doing that, I exemplified what Tzu was saying NOT to do. In our world of instant information, and texting, BlackBerry messaging, E-mail, and cell phones, we absorb layers and layers of information and have to perceive it and process it quickly so we can move on to the next data tidbit. Unfortunately, by doing that, we may be missing out on fully understanding the attempted communication. But the quote applies to other things. Simple things...like food. Growing up, my parents expected us to eat what ever they put in front of us. If we didn't, we had nothing to eat. Period. Now I'm not saying we starved to death (Mom, I know you are reading this), but we learned to be thankful for the food we had. We also learned there was no reason to fear food. Mom and Dad took us everywhere. We ate out at 'fancy' (fancy for Iowa in the 70s) and if we ordered something, we ate it. But, we could also try everyone else's food. As an adult, I'm shocked when I meet adults who won't try a food, or music, or an activity because they are afraid they won't like it. Think of all the life experiences they are missing. So sad.

Having a still mind is also a great way to construct a strategy. Take for example a business meeting. Typically, the agenda is announced so attendees are aware of what topics will be discussed. That also means people probably come to the meeting with a predisposed reaction to all of the topics. Now, I'm not suggesting that agendas are a bad idea or that meetings shouldn't be organized. What I am saying is that it may be better to go into the meeting with an open mind and allow yourself to absorb the data fully before you respond. I have a difficult meeting planned for tomorrow, and although I was initially instructed to come prepared essentially with a speech, I am going to enter with a completely still mind. Ohm.

All the best, m