Taoism for Writers

Sometime ago, I ran across this Taoist poem, which is a wonderful guide for living.

In dwelling, be close to the land.

In meditation, go deep in the heart.

In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.

In speech, be true.

In ruling, be just.

In business, be competent.

In action, watch the timing.

~Lao Tsu, 6th century BC~

And for me as a writer, it also beautifully encapsulates the main tools I keep in my writer’s toolbox!

In dwelling, be close to the land.

In meditation, go deep in the heart.

SET FEAR ASIDE in the writing process. Fear shuts the heart energy down.
BE AWARE of who to share with… and not allow the “What if”s in life to run thought processes.
GET QUIET ~ Life is too short for noisy small talk. ~ Here is where meditation comes into action… Saturation in noise, drowns out the inner voice from which stories unfold. I write from a place of active imagination that blends with my historic research. Getting quiet for several hours helps regain focus and helps with writers block – but then I write pretty heady stuff!

In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.

And that includes self-care! Be gentle with yourself, but stay focused! Contrary to the old tapes that sometimes demand to be heard, your inner critic is not your friend.
Gratitude is ever near. Remembering to appreciate the smallest things in life often takes the edge off the temper.

In speech, be true.

Identify your own voice… Learn to listen for it… to HEAR it… use it… speak your own truth. Rediscover it…. Then use it constructively.
Choose words carefully – Expand your vocabulary.
Silence is a form of speech– not the absence of it. In the space between sounds come the breath of deeper meaning.

In ruling, be just.

SELF – GOVERN

To self-govern means to take responsibility for all we do and say, feel and think.
Exercise self-discipline. Don’t neglect practicalities of life… Don’t be a martyr for the sake of the sacred craft…Make wise choices….Be grateful for abundance.

In business, be competent.

Make a PLAN. Then ask, “WHAT’S IT GONNA TAKE?
See the completed project in your minds eye… then stay the course…remain flexible in the execution of the plan… be open to new angles and possibilities. Keep an eye out for opportunities.
Educate yourself in the subject and mechanics of writing.
Edit edit edit! ~ Every trained set of eyes who sees your work makes it better. Take the advise or leave it… don’t take criticism personally.

In action, watch the timing.

The CREATIVE PROCESS can ACTIVATE at ANY time in life. BE PREPARED. Take charge of your thoughts and be proactive. It’s NOT going to be perfect… but the very action of putting thought to paper or computer can reinforce success. Don’t sensor in the beginning … edit later!
EXPECT SOMETHING GOOD AROUND THE CORNER ~ Just because today, or the month or even this year is filled with hard lessons does not mean that it won’t change for the better. If you expect good things, then it is just a matter of time before it shows up in your life.

Fun Reading for the Creative Mind

Other Writings:

Movies: