What lies behind the words we speak and the wisdom we seek in the eternal, or Tao, as we reconnect with nature and live authentically? To be present while remaining mindful of the past. As a storyteller and writer, I strive to see myself reflected in real life. 
Not just relying on memories of where I’ve been but living as though there are always signs guiding the way forward. Perhaps even as steps waiting for us to turn the corner. Even finding yourself speaking of myths and legends that blend into history that makes any good story worth telling.
Avoiding becoming so absorbed in my own journey that I end up disconnected from others and the moments where they can show and teach me to see life more clearly, rather than distorting reality into my own image.
Still a little more than twenty entries to go here with commentary in “My travels with Lieh Tzu” with number one hundred thirty-five of one hundred fifty-eight. Are we rethinking or reliving history, or maybe a mix of both? The key seems to lie in whether we can find ourselves in time and how we juxtapose our responses to the everyday events we face. It’s about experiencing the act of placing things side by side, comparing or contrasting them, or creating an intriguing effect. How we navigate the daily nuances, our sensitivity, awareness, and ability to express what we perceive as our own unique self-expression of life.
Understanding and connecting with history is crucial in shaping our sense of purpose and role in life. 
Should we simply drift like a feather through life like a bird passing by, ignoring events that serve as reminders or gateways to deeper understanding and action? Why self-reflection becomes so paramount, or important in defining our role.
Many times, it starts by freeing us from situations that don’t align with who we are or what we aim for. It becomes our spirit reconnecting with nature as though there is a starting point we see as a beginning that begins with knowing where we’ve been… perhaps to even the portal we were talking about last time.
Signposts are all around us, and the closer we look, the clearer they become. In ancient times, and even today among Indigenous communities, when a child is born, they are given a totem—a protective symbol of nature or an animal—that links them to the eternal and the natural world. It’s a way of announcing to the universe that a new life has arrived, precious and deserving of protection. In death, we often honor those who have passed for their contributions, reminding us that the spirit is eternal. That we, too, are protectors, here to continue and build on our own presence in the present.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Eight – Explaining Conjunctions
135. What Can Remain Unspoken
Forever crossing the threshold. Coming in with those who know what lies behind the words we speak, without words ever needing to be spoken. Otherwise, forever paying consequences yet to come. Knowing that as you become one with the words you have written or will ever write that you may be giving yourself away as you speak.
This has always remained the paradox or contradiction of the true sage. Forever falling away as the person others may have come to know. As you fall away into the nothingness you are yet to become. Just as when the Duke of Pei asked Confucius:
“Is it possible to hint to a man without giving yourself away to others.”
Confucius listened but didn’t answer.
The duke continued: “Suppose I throw water into water. Ah, but if it were the water of the Tzu River and the Shang River wouldn’t the great cook Ya Yi know the difference. Of course, he would, simply by its taste.” The Duke of Pei then added: “What if I threw a rock into the water.”
Confucius answered simply that any good diver from Wei could find it. The duke finally said that it must really be impossible to hint without giving yourself away. Ah! Confucius laughed and added:
“Why shouldn’t it be possible with men who know what is behind words. The man who knows what is behind words, speaks without words.
It is said that fishermen get wet, and hunters get out of breath, but not for the fun of it. Hens the utmost in speech is to be rid of speech. While the utmost doing is doing nothing. Shallow minds will always contend for what does not matter.”
The duke could not follow the logic Confucius tried to convey to him. In revenge of the death of his father he urged others to war. In the ensuing battle that followed the Duke of Pei was himself killed. In seeking revenge for the acts of others, he failed to understand the importance of his own life and what should have remained unspoken. 8/13/95
Number one hundred thirty-five of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
Leave a Reply