by William Martin, The Experiment Publishing 2000, 2010
William Martin’s The Sage’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for the Second Half of Life is first and foremost a book filled with love. Each page is gently written and calls for us to dance through our days as elders with boundless compassion, grace and suppleness. Developing this approach to our lives as we move toward the age of wisdom is coupled with the stillness of observation, fearlessness and letting go.
The author declares the book’s purpose in the 2010 introduction when he writes that “the older person who becomes a sage is a model of the life of freedom and contentment to which we all aspire … as the essence of humanity.” He then proceeds to enlighten us as to how we might accomplish this by “reformulating” the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu in 81 verses, focusing upon the path we must follow to reap the rewards of aging.
See what is needed
Themes of compassion, acceptance and fearlessness are interspersed throughout and continue to surface like minnows in a stream reinforcing the concepts. If we lead with compassion, Martin explains, we develop a deep understanding of the world around us. No longer must we grab what we need or want and can instead “see” what is truly needed. We can then guide others with love while sharing our energy, understanding and experience. As sages we do not need to guide as a means of control but as a way to teach peace through our right action.
Letting go of regrets, fears, possessions, hurts and desires, the verses tell us, allows us to have our hands free to accept what is offered. We are then open to the freedom of exploration and discovery without the hindrance of this heavy baggage. Travelling light gives us a physical suppleness and keeps our minds alert and focused. Focus and contemplation must be developed so that as our bodies slow our minds stay strong. Through curiosity and passion we can dive into what life has to offer without hunger, fear or distraction. As we shed old burdens a “lightness of being and clarity of seeing … makes a heaven of each moment.”
The modern myths of aging, that we are declining and useless, are smashed in these verses. As tribal elders we have so much to offer and experience. By being alert and mindful we have no need of fear. We can enjoy with passion the potential opportunities life has in store for us. Simplicity and service to others with gentle grace opens doors before us and “people soften in the sage’s presence and minds open up to learning.”
Wisdom comes from our selves
Is The Sage’s Tao Te Ching a how-to on becoming wise? No. The verses give us a path but it is up to each of us to read and reflect upon what they mean to us. The scattered experiences we have had and the life we are currently living can be tied together so that all of our years can be seen as one life. Then we can approach the future unafraid, joyfully and passionately.
In 2013, Karen Clancy made the move to the Big Apple at age 50 to share her creative talents. Through writing, singing and piano-playing (and sparkling wit and conversation!), Karen is making her way in a new city — and following her dream. Her music can be heard in various venues in NYC and her writing can be found here on WiseTribe and on her blog. Connect with Karen on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @klclancy.
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