I am reading James Legge’s translation of the Tao Te Ching Chapter 16.1 an ode to the power of non-forced, unhurried being. A true effectiveness comes not from pushing or striving, but from moving in harmony with life’s natural flow. Here is the text:
“The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. All things alike go through their processes of activity, and (then) we see them return (to their original state). When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its root. This returning to their root is what we call the state of stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting that they have fulfilled their appointed end. "
As I was reflecting, I remembered Jet Li’s movie Fearless, specifically the scene where he plants rice seedlings. He learned that the seedlings need to be planted with space, and that each one thrives only when it is not crowded by other seedlings. He also learned that relationships flourish when individuals give each other breathing room and respect.