Answers from Within

The Tao, the I-Ching, and many other classic writings speak of finding the answers. Where do they say we should conduct the search for answers. This, to me, is a real mind bender of a question. A question I hope to one day answer.

If I am understanding the Tao-te-ching, I-Ching, Kenpo Gokui, the Power of Now, and other classics, the truth is within us but if we keep looking outside of ourselves we will be searching for answers that will never satisfy our needs.

What I am trying to say is that we can keep looking outward for our answers only to be disappointed or we can look inward for the answers and find understanding and enlightenment. I don't mean we ignore those around us, the classics such as the Tao-te-ching and or our own inner voices. Take it in and then focus inward and let the answer come from the void that is the Tao that is in each of us.

If I continue to look to others for my answers I will never find the truth. All I will do is provide my ego, inner voice, the perfect excuse for not finding the truth and living it. Instead I will find the ability to lay blame on others when in reality the blame is all mine.

Using the fighting arts as an example. When one does a technique wrong they usually find out instantly, i.e. get hit, etc. They can look at it and say that the other person cheated, did a technique that is not allowed, or that you were not ready yet or we can say to ourselves that we need to work on that weakness a bit more diligently.

We can practice kata and say to ourselves that because of the long day our kata is imperfect or we can simply say that this kata at this moment is what it is and what lessons can I learn from this moment. Ah, I can work a bit harder on this part by doing it several more times a day or I can blame outside forces and say because those bleeping persons at work bothered me I am doing terrible. Instead, say, today was a good lesson in life and I need to stop focusing on the past, get into the moment, and focus on practice. What is there to learn in this moments lesson?

Stop looking outside for answers! Stop relying on others for the answers! Stop looking for excuses in others! Be your own best teacher, confidant and be independent.

Remember that we are affected only if we take it personally. If we say to ourselves that it is not personal and that what is happening is as if it was happening to someone else, decide on an appropriate way to handle it, and then move on to the next moment then maybe we would see the truth of it.

Look within, seek the answers there, no one else can answer it for you. Remain open and do not take anything personal. Let it be just another teaching lesson, learning opportunity, to see yourself up close and personal. Use it to teach yourself life lessons.

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