I thought I’d share some of my favorite passages from Tao Te Ching and add a commentary about why they are important to me.

Here’s the first:

The Tao is like a well:
Used but never used up.
It is like the eternal void:
Filled with infinite possibilities.

This passage always leads me to two places: energy and creativity.

Whenever I am low on energy, I remember this lesson. All the energy, power or inspiration I need is already there, inside me. The question is: will I tap into this energy, or let the drowsy feelings of being tapped out decide for me?

Yes, there are times when we are truly worn out. But I ask myself this: if I were needed right now, to help in a crisis, would I be able to awaken, to use the force inside me to provide what is needed? The answer is yes.

The idea of infinite possibilities reminds me of creativity. I try to cherish what inspiration provides: the ability to create something new, wonderful and powerful. I like to think of this creative power as a stream, and I am gifted with the privilege of dipping into the flow, and drinking from this bottomless, refreshing well.

The quote is taken from the wonderful Stephen Mitchell translation of Tao the Ching.

If you are interested in Taoism, you might enjoy my book Tao of Thoreau.