INCREASE HARMONY

Discord is exhausting; harmony is energizing. If we wish to live a life filled with positive energy, we have to start by decreasing discord and increasing harmony. This principle holds true in any setting: within yourself, with your friends, at the workplace and in your home.

The chaotic nature of the material world is such that harmony may not happen by itself. In a contentious situation filled with tension, things may rapidly go downhill. This is when you will be called upon to act in accordance with the Tao. That means applying the Tao teaching on softness, and being the one to raise a flag of truce.

This is necessary even if you are absolutely convinced that the fault does not rest with you. Let go of any desire to keep score and get even. Look instead to mending fences, healing divisions and being the bigger person. Be the one who has the strength to apologize first.

The Tao Today

Many people feel that apologizing will put them at a disadvantage, so they lash out in anger instead. Thus, their lives are filled with negativity, and they suffer from their own poison even before harming others. Let them be a warning of what to avoid, and be the one to make peace. Far from being at a disadvantage, you will find that the balancing mechanism of the Tao will make sure you end up amply rewarded for being the conduit of harmony.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin