How To Be Better and Happier in 2018

How To Be Better And Happier in 2018

As a New Year resolution, reflect on your current state of being, and see others as the same. They are not better or worse than you are, but just different in their own ways. There isw no basis for you to be angry with them, or to be envious of them. There is no rhyme or reason for you to dwell on “what could have” or “what should have”— they only prey on your mind, preventing you from being a better and happier you.

To be a better and happier you, follow the behaviors of the ancient masters and sages.

“The ancient masters were

subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.

The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable.

Because it is unfathomable,

All we can do is to describe their appearance.

Watchful, like men crossing a winter stream.

Alert, like men aware of danger.

Courteous, like visiting guests.

Yielding, like ice about to melt.

Simple, like uncarved blocks of wood.

Hollow, like caves.

Opaque, like muddy pools.

Who can wait quietly while the mud settles?

Who can remain still until the moment of action?

Observers of the Tao do not seek fulfillment.

Not seeking fulfillment,

they are not swayed by desire for change.”

(Chapter 15, Tao Te Ching)

Be watchful: be aware of living in the present moment.

Be alert: be mindful of self and others; be perceptive of the whole picture so as to see the reality of anything and everything.

Be courteous: be loving of self, and be compassionate to others.

Be yielding: be ready and willing to embrace what life has to offer—including life challenges and difficulties.

Be simple: be simple in your needs and wants; simplicity leads to non-attachment.

Be hollow: be open-minded and receptive to new ideas.

Be opaque: Be patient, letting go of anything and every-thing, and allowing nature to run its course because the way of nature is unchanging.

Stephen Lau

Copyright© by Stephen Lau