The Virtue of Being You

Authority Information Coming Soon!

The Virtue of Being You20083The Virtue of Being YouTHE VIRTUE OF BEING YOU

When you are content to be simply yourself

And don’t compare or compete,

Everybody will respect you.

- from the Tao Te Ching

The Tao principle of Te, meansvirtue, but it does not relate to beinggood in terms of behavior, but rather to being good at the skill of living. Every thing in nature possesses an individuality that sets it apart from all others.

Recognizing that we are unique, we should follow our natural instincts and not allow others to force their expectations upon us. Nor should we impose ours on anyone else.

Consider the following from one of the great communicators of Taoist thought, Chuang-tse (as translated by Benjamin Hoff in The Tao of Piglet). Perhaps it will further clarify the true meaning of Te:

In the Age of Perfect Virtue, men lived among the animals and birds as members of one large family. There were no distinctions betweensuperior andinferior to separate one man or species from another. All retained their natural Virtue and lived in the state of pure simplicity.

In the Age of Perfect Virtue, wisdom and ability were not singled out as extraordinary. The wise were seen merely as higher branches on humanity’s tree, growing a little closer to the sun. People behaved correctly, without knowing that to be Righteousness and Propriety. They loved and respected each other, without calling that Benevolence. They were faithful and honest, without considering that to be Loyalty. They kept their word, without thinking of Good Faith. In their everyday conduct, they helped and employed each other, without considering Duty. They did not concern themselves with Justice, as there was no injustice. Living in harmony with themselves, each other, and the world, their actions left no trace, and so we have no physical record of their existence.

Notice, please, the five words which I have underlined above:Living in harmony with themselves. It is my firm belief that the most important work we can do for ourselves and those around us is to learn to live in harmony with our own bodies, minds and spirit. We need to learn the lessons of Te, and stop comparing ourselves to those around us. Only in this way can we begin the work of fully accepting our own strengths while forgiving ourselves our weaknesses. Next up: how the Tao and defiant woman incorporates Te into her life.

C.J. Golden, author of TAO OF THE DEFIANT WOMAN, and the award winning TAO-GIRLS RULE!

is a motivational speaker who travels the country inspiring all with her dynamic spirit and vision

as she helps others explore their unique journeys through life.

She is an increasingly important voice in the field of women’s studies as her message resonates with women and girls everywhere.

Visit CJ and connect with other Tao-Girls and Tao and defiant women at www.taogirl.com