TWO-MINUTE MONK
Ancient wisdom for modern life, every Monday.

🧘 Monk Thought

💡 Monk Light

It is said that LaoTzu was conceived by a shooting-star, carried in his mother’s womb for 62 years and born, white-haired, in China in 604BC.

This is my favourite verse from The Tao. In it, Laotzu suggests what a person should do when faced with seemingly insuperable odds.

It’s not what we are traditionally taught. Often, when growing up, we’re told to “deal with it” or “move on” or “buckle up.“

But if you are facing a difficult situation, then that’s like saying: here, add this additional difficulty to your already difficult situation.

And that’s stressful.

Instead, LaoTzu imagines us being in the middle of a torrent, a fearful rush of water, and what does he suggest? He says, do nothing. Lie still. He goes on to say:

“How can a man’s life keep its course
If he will not let it flow?
Those who flow as life flows know
They need no other force.
They feel no wear, they feel no tear,
They need no mending, no repair.”

👣 Monk Move

When the pressure builds today, don’t push back.

Pause. Breathe. Whisper this to yourself:

“I will lie still and let the noise flow over me.”