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This month I would like to explore the idea of “Going with the Flow”. We have all used this phrase, but what is the real meaning of it? There is an ancient Taoist parable called “The Old Man and the Waterfall” which I believe beautifully illuminates this idea.
The Parable:
An old man is seen by onlookers being swept down a powerful river, rushing uncontrollably toward a massive waterfall. The onlookers fear the worst, assuming that no one could survive such a dangerous situation. Helplessly, they watch him disappear over the edge.
To their amazement, the old man reappears downstream, unharmed and calm, wading out of the water. Shocked, they run to him and ask how he survived.
The old man explains:
“I did not fight the water. Instead, I yielded to it. I let myself be carried by the current and flowed with it, diving when it pushed me down, and surfacing when it let me up. In this way, I remained unbroken.”
Over my many decades in business, I have faced many challenges – economic downturns, market competition, mistakes made, and lessons learned, decisions made, some good, some bad, and unexpected outcomes, highs and lows, relationship stress, family tragedy, and many others. And I have not always gone with the flow – there were times when I resisted, struggled, and stressed over matters beyond my control to the detriment of my mental and physical well-being. Accepting the world as it is and working every day on things within my control and to make things better is what I have learned. Like the old man, I remain unbroken. Maybe a little beat up at times but not broken.
This concept is called non-contention and it is summarized neatly below:
Characteristics of Non-Contention:
1. Flexibility Over Rigidity: Just as the old man avoided rigidity in the face of overwhelming forces, non-contention teaches that flexibility often leads to strength and survival.
2. Letting Go of Struggle: It involves letting go of ego-driven resistance, which often leads to suffering or failure.
3. Aligning with Nature: Instead of asserting control, one observes, adapts, and moves in accordance with the natural rhythms and forces around them.
The principle of non-contention doesn’t imply passivity or weakness but rather a profound inner strength and wisdom. It allows for harmonious interaction with the world, achieving goals without unnecessary conflict or strife.
2025 is a brand-new year. Give it a try.