Be Gentle

The season is upon us: good will toward men and shopping mall lunacy.

I have noticed, here in Hawai'i, not much has changed. There are houses electric with holiday cheer, and our few stores are brimming with reindeer. Yet, the birds seem unaffected; the clouds settling the same.

I plan on packing this quietness and wrapping it in a bow for Christmas; let the currents swirl around me and stay the inner course.  Will I? Will you? If we both, will that decrease the piper's piping and let our swans a-swimming do so in their own peace?

This holiday, with calendars ending and concurrent thoughts beginning, perhaps the best thing to do is slow down. Take one mistletoe at a time and kiss the present passionately.

"Know this Primal Power
that guides without forcing
that serves without seeking
that brings forth and sustains life
yet does not own it or possess it

One who holds this Power
brings the Tao to this very Earth
He can triumph over raging fire
or the freeze of winter rule
Yet when he comes to rule the world
it's with the gentleness of a feather."
      - Tao Te Ching
                    translated by Jonathan Star

    

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