Forrest Gump

My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." - Forrest Gump

Both Tom Hanks (as Forrest Gump) and Peter Sellers (as "Chance" in Being There) took on rolls in two movies I have always felt provide insight into such things as living in the "present moment" and "the Tao". They both portrayed simple souls yet provided a simple complex way of life we all should strive to achieve.

These two characters, because of their simple minds, were naturally open to the influences of nature and the Universe. Both lived exclusively in the present moment. We, on the other hand, are sometimes trapped by our ego's and the minds tendency to "chatter" about the past and future while keeping us so engrossed that we have forgotten natures natural state of being in the present moment.

This does not mean we should be with out the natural abilities but to achieve a way of life that allows us to be open and receive the influences that come from the Tao. Only by living as they did, in the present moment, can we achieve such a level of enlightenment.

Some of my favorite books outside of the many translations of the Tao are some that use the Tao view to help us understand the complexities of Tao and Present Moment Living.

1. The Tao of Pooh.

2. The Tao of Star Wars.

One singular form of training that provides us with moments in the present is the "Way". The Way is another form that allows us to see the potential of the "Tao" which in reality brings us to an understanding of the "present moment".

We sometimes are in awe of those who somehow "create" a thing that when seen by us provides us "the wonder" of creativity. When asked about how they "came to achieve such things" most will say that "it just came to me". This is an example of what I speak of here. Achieve a state of present moment.

Study this carefully. The Kempo Gokui in Tatsuo Sensei Isshinryu is merely a window into the possibilities. We as humans sometimes need only a small crack in the wall that will allow us to remove the veil that blinds us to the present moment. This is the kenpo gokui; one such crack in the wall.

p.s. I once gave thought to writing my own interpretation of the Tao-te-ching using Forrest Gump and/or Chance, "The Tao of Gump" or "The Tao of Chance". Maybe one day if I can achieve that level of creativity.