Our role has always been meant to be to find and express our niche to nature’s benefit. The structure and design of nature is dependent on every living entity finding its highest and best role in living to its fullest potential in such a way that other things have an opportunity to do the same. Why habitats are so important that we don’t destroy solely for our personal benefit. Destroying the Everglades so we can build more houses where they shouldn’t, building houses along the outer banks in Carolina destined to be destroyed with the arrival of the next hurricane probably cause by global warming, California’s fires and mudslides… The list is endless.
History teaches what Indigenous peoples have always known. It’s what the I Ching and early Taoism taught as they developed over the centuries. That man (and woman) was but one of the ten thousand things. We were to develop a reverence and respect for nature as our own livelihood was dependent on nature’s success. We are always to be the voice for doing the right thing by and for all. Living beyond what might be defined as only our own self-interest, staying on the edge of things simply means change must occur and is inevitable, and we can be responsible for its success. To follow the ideas expressed by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce which focused on human equality, by expressing his “disbelief that the Great Spirit Chief gave one kind of men the right to tell another kind of men what they must do.”
Chief Joseph often spoke of the importance of Nez Perce culture that is characterized by a deep respect for nature and a spiritual connection to the land. Their traditional ecological knowledge encompasses a profound understanding of the environment and sustainable practices. The tribe’s belief system is rooted in animism, which holds that all living beings and natural elements possess a spirit. This worldview fosters a sense of stewardship for the land and its resources. It mirrors what is found half the world away in Eastern philosophy and Taoism.
It’s the little things that matter and are long-lasting. Seeing us as instrumental in doing our part. To be as Gandhi famously said that “we are to be the change we want to be in the world”. Nature tells us intrinsically of what our role should be once our talents point in its direction. Its like stepping out each morning with your own to do list and being told no this needs you attention first. Then okay, now you can do that other stuff. Or when the plants in your garden needing water and they let you know. Or a complementary planting of marigolds to keep the bugs away. The plants know you know, you planted them, now do the right thing and plant the marigolds. Plant those zinnias while you/re at it.
Staying on the edge with each day’s arrival leaves little doubt as to natures and/or our true purpose. Note… the car I drive happens to be a Ford Edge.
Voices of the Dragon Part 2 Number 16
Thresholds Approaching the Edge
Approaching thresholds and new beginnings ever ready to start anew. Casting off old ways and relationships as a ship setting out on a long voyage.
Only taking what is required leaving all excess baggage behind. A cruise as such to become refreshed and renewed. Only departing with a one-way ticket over the edge.
The way ahead long and tedious with change the order of the day. You have received the dragon’s marching orders and are bound to follow them unimpeded and undeterred. Events and elements only serving as a guide to show the route to be taken. Approaching thresholds as you would staying on the edge. Always challenging convention and leaving what is expected to others who unknowingly find only the unfortunate comfort of conflicting realities leading to nowhere important and things wholly uneventful.
Stay on the brink of immortality and follow the ways of the dragons. Approaching levels of attainment requires a clear mind, sincerity and purpose. Remember what you have written and learned, and your travels will become a little smoother each day.
As the One Hundred Flowers comes to its end, appreciate what you have accomplished. Not for accolades that may come. But simply for the realization of what lies ahead and inside you to find. The door is opening a little wider. The real journey just beginning. Come to live and know the Tao everyday with every action you possess and pass through to new horizons. Forever keeping your head in the clouds and thresholds approaching the edge. 4/18/94
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