Mindful College Writing: Daoism

What was striking about the five chapters in Tao-Te-Chang was the concept of love and nurture, but do not force, “…he does not lay hold (so), and therefore does not lose his hold” (62). My own revelation on this concept came to me while watching an interview about the Rapper Future after reading this section. According to the Dao a person should work with what is in front of them rather than trying to control what isn’t. Success is ruined when trying to manipulate the conditions that aren’t present, “…if they were careful…they would not so ruin them” (62). For example, Future before he became a super star was told by his record label to go to the strip club and throw hundreds of thousands of dollars as a method in promoting his music and brand. If I wanted to become a professional artist it’s important to focus on what is in front of me. If I don’t have a record label I shouldn’t put my energy into visualizing the demands of having one. It’s important to not push a desire to be what we expect it to be because than we aren’t open or flexible to the uncontrollable forces of nature. We should be prepared like an empty cup is prepared for the unexpected liquid that will be poured into it.