Mud Settling

         A good friend recently wrote: “I’m really at odds with myself lately.  Trying to listen to what my heart needs.  Could use advice from a wise friend.“

         Presuming she meant me, I responded:  “Trust your heart, my friend.  Pose your question gently.  Let go of figuring and searching.  Allow heart-sense to appear when it’s ready. 

         “Having opposing feelings about things is part of the human condition.

         “Meanwhile, find enjoyment and nourishment in odd, small moments – like right now.” 

         The exchange reminds me of a quote from Stephen Mitchell’s translation of Tao Te Ching:

         “Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear.

         “Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself.”

         We stir up muddy water with our ruminations – figuring and figuring, round and round.  In the quiet of gentle breathing and simply being, muddy waters settle and clarify.