Blog Post
#008 Letting Go, Lao Tzu and The Power of Unconditional Self-Acceptance
- By Erin Cobb
- •
- 02 Nov, 2017
In Episode #008 Letting Go, Lao Tzu and The Power of Unconditional Self-Acceptance I explore the de-motivating nature of self-imposed ideals. In an effort to advance we must first lay a foundation, this power comes from accepting ourselves and choosing to work for our own fulfillment (not for the fruits of our labor). Intention > Expectation.
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
-Lao Tzu
Show Notes:
Shoshin (初心) is a word from Zen Buddhism which means "beginner's mind". It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject.
In the beginners mind there are many possibilites, in the expert's mind there are few. --Shunryu Suzuki
In the beginners mind there are many possibilites, in the expert's mind there are few. --Shunryu Suzuki
Letting Go of Ideals (Should's)
- Are my Should's getting in the way of my happiness?
- Let go and return to the source (that which is already deep within)
- Let go MORE
- UNCONDITIONAL Self acceptance
Life is full of paradoxes. We're going to first open our minds to what our life could be, then we're going to listen to our heart and remove fear. In this space of inner harmony and clarity we will set clear goals and get out of our own way.
Letting Go of Expectations and Results (remove fear)
- The Bhagavad Gita talks about man having a right to his labor but not the fruits of his labor.
- Pain occurs when our expectations about the future don't mesh with reality.
- Consciously let go of expectations and become outcome independent.
- Once your goals are set, abandon any desires about the future and simply enjoy the toiling in the present toward some future ideal.
- As we pursue goals, we must focus on intention rather than desire
Rookie Mistake:
- Only doing this one time. You don't shower once and stay clean forever. Cultivate a daily practice.
- We need to cultivate curiosity and a lifetime of learning, of letting go of our "shoulds" and of accepting our present reality.
“Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Sources:
- The Bhagavad Gita
- Suzuki, Shunryu (1970). Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind.
- Thang Nguyen My yoga instructor.
- Lao Tzu
Remember: I don't have all the answers, I'm not a guru. Just a companion on the path.
What should I talk about next? Please let me know in the comments below.
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