Issue #1 The art of living life wisely
Life Lessons from the Tao of Pooh & Te of Piglet for a Fulfilling Life.
Approximately five years ago, I stumbled upon a book titled "The Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet." This discovery marked a turning point in my perspective on life. Drawing from the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, the book imparts invaluable wisdom about navigating life by harmonizing with the natural order of the universe, often referred to as the "Way" or the "Tao." It emphasizes the art of embracing, learning from, and cooperating with life's ever-unfolding events. This profound philosophy is exemplified through the experiences of the simple-minded yet profound character, Winnie the Pooh.
Prior to my encounter with this book, I lived as a fervent perfectionist, consumed by the pursuit of perfect outcomes, with little tolerance for the journey itself. Today, I identify as a recovering perfectionist, devoted to the pursuit of a fulfilling and wholehearted existence. Whenever perfectionism attempts to resurface in my life, I turn to four fundamental yet transformative life lessons inspired by "The Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet" to keep me grounded:
Life Lesson #1: Cultivate self-awareness, understand your inner essence, and lend an ear to your inner voice.
Life Lesson #2: Develop gratitude for your unique self and the blessings that surround you.
Life Lesson #3: Summon your courage and take bold steps in pursuit of your aspirations.
Life Lesson #4: Nurture unwavering faith in your path and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Life Lesson # 1: Cultivate self-awareness, understand your inner essence, and lend an ear to your inner voice.
“Everything has its own inner nature – no two snowflakes, trees or animals are alike – no two people are the same. Unlike other forms of life though, people are easily led away from what is right for them. Because people have Brain, and Brain can be easily fooled. Many people do not look at [their inner nature] or listen to it and consequently do not understand themselves very much. Having little understanding of themselves, they have little respect for themselves, and are therefore easily influenced by others” - Benjamin Hoff
Just a simple-minded Bear?
In all the adventure stories of Winnie the Pooh, Pooh often emerges as the hero, but how can a seemingly simple-minded bear save the day? The truth about Pooh is that he just is. Unlike his friends, Winnie the Pooh doesn't carry the weight of complexities. He accepts life as it comes instead of molding it to his desires. He doesn't resist change; instead, he gracefully adapts to the natural rhythms of life, trusting in the wisdom of the universe. Pooh has no ego to inflate; instead, he humbly acknowledges his limited knowledge and eagerly learns from others.
According to Benjamin Hoff, Pooh's simplicity embodies the concept of the uncarved block. This notion suggests that things in their pure and simple state possess an inherent power, a power easily tarnished when simplicity is altered. The uncarved block serves as a metaphor for our core selves – our inner nature. It represents our authentic state of being before external influences like parents, friends, society, and the ego shape and change us.
The Ego
Our ego is a delicate and easily swayed aspect of ourselves. This characteristic makes our sense of self unstable and susceptible to external pressures. In challenging situations, which, according to Taoism, offer opportunities for personal growth, the ego-mind tends to shield itself with defense mechanisms instead of seeking understanding of its true nature. Over time, reliance on these defense mechanisms complicates our lives unnecessarily. They impede our ability to effectively handle unconstructive thoughts, emotions, actions, and behaviours, ultimately locking us into counterproductive thinking patterns that hinder our personal development.
In today's meritocratic society, many of us are ensnared by the complexities embodied by Hoff's description of Winnie the Pooh's friends. We strive to appear as wise as Owl, as productive as Rabbit, while grappling with elements of Eeyore's pessimism, Tigger's impulsiveness, and Piglet's anxieties. Through Pooh's friends, we learn that complexities often obscure the inherent power of simply being ourselves, the self that is in line with our original design – free from the need for defenses and inadequacies to bolster. We discover that complexities cloud our judgment when it comes to discerning what is genuinely necessary to "save" the day. In Pooh's life, we find that embracing and heeding our inner nature leads to simplicity, which, in turn, paves the way for clarity. This clarity empowers us to take purposeful and constructive actions, much like Pooh himself, ultimately resulting in saving the day.
Life Lesson #2: Develop gratitude for your unique self and the blessings that surround you.
"The Eeyore effect exaggerates problems that are already there. It reinforces low self-esteem and a lack of respect for others. It destroys pride in workmanship, order, and cleanliness. It turns meetings into confrontations, expectations into dread, opportunities into danger, and stepping-stones into stumbling blocks". - Benjamin Hoff
The Eeyore effect
The essence of Taoism is beautifully encapsulated in the saying: "What truly matters about problems is how one responds to them." A Taoist thinker refrains from imposing rigid order upon the ever-changing landscape of life and the challenges it presents. Instead, the Taoist thinker approaches change and difficulties with a gentle touch, embracing, appreciating, and learning from the natural ebb and flow of existence.
Attempting to force circumstances into our preferred mould often breeds discontentment. It's common for many of us to grumble, fret, lose hope, and magnify the problems we face. It's as if an inner force within us conspires to keep us unhappy. Benjamin Hoff aptly labels this phenomenon the "Eeyore effect." Eeyore, as described by The Guardian, is the quintessential outsider, dwelling in solitude on the far side of the stream, both physically and mentally distanced from others. While his companions embark on their daily adventures, Eeyore's inclination is to remain alone with his thoughts, a tendency that only deepens his discontentment and unhappiness. Despite repeated invitations and offers of inclusion, Eeyore remains unappreciative and continuously amplifies his feelings of isolation.
A relatable donkey
Eeyore is a character riddled with inner conflict. He yearns for companionship yet struggles to give or receive it. As pessimistic as he may be, Eeyore strikes a chord with many of us, as we too find ourselves miserable when we dwell excessively on our problems. Our desires for different outcomes often remain unfulfilled, and the entanglement of our thoughts can leave us feeling powerless to affect change, to the point where we may question the very purpose of trying.
The tragic outcome of this cycle is that our unconstructive thoughts leave little room for gratitude. Our failure to appreciate what we have closes our eyes to the possibilities around us, leaving us feeling powerless. The"Eeyore effect makes many people believe that they are powerless, and because they believe they are powerless, they indeed become so," as Benjamin Hoff aptly notes.
Gratitude, the happiness formula
From Eeyore's experiences, we uncover profound truths: happiness blossoms from gratitude, misery stems from discontentment, and discontentment germinates from resisting change. Resisting change often takes on several forms, and from personal experience, I have recognized three key avenues through which my discontentment arises. Firstly, by being reluctant to accept myself and my present circumstances. Secondly, by focusing excessively on outcomes rather than engaging in actions motivated by love and passion. Finally, by failing to acknowledge what I have and succumbing to unhelpful comparisons.
The antidote to all of these ailments is gratitude. It empowers us to appreciate what we possess and maintain a genuine, unwavering focus on the present moment.
"Do you wish to find true happiness? Begin by appreciating who you are and what you have. Do you wish to embrace misery? Start by embracing discontent. Just as Lao-tse wrote, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,'" as beautifully conveyed by Benjamin Hoff.
Life Lesson #3: Summon your courage and take bold steps in pursuit of your aspirations.
"There are things about ourselves that we need to get rid of, there are things we need to change. But at the same time, we don’t need to be too desperate, too ruthless, too combative. Along the way to usefulness and happiness, many of those things will change themselves, and the others can be worked on as we go."- Benjamin Hoff
Heart over mind
In "The Tao of Pooh" and Te of Piglet," the characters Winnie the Pooh and Piglet symbolize distinct stages of wisdom and personal development within the context of Taoism. Pooh embodies the archetype of a Taoist sage, someone who already possesses profound wisdom and insight into living life harmoniously. In contrast, Piglet represents the novice or disciple, who is in the early stages of acquiring wisdom and learning to live life wisely. Remarkably, Piglet is the only one among Pooh's friends who undergoes significant personal growth and transformation, ultimately evolving beyond his initial state.
Piglet's transformation is epitomized by the Taoist principle of Tz'u, which emphasizes living with heart over mind. Initially introduced as a character overly fixated on his limitations, particularly his small size, Piglet's fears and anxieties stem from his belief that his smallness renders him insignificant and incapable of making a meaningful impact on others. He yearns to be something he can never become, thus overlooking his inherent potential.
However, as the story unfolds, we discover that Piglet is a deeply compassionate and loving character. His heart is capable of holding a substantial amount of gratitude, a quality recognized by A. A. Milne. This gratitude serves as a catalyst for Piglet's ability to recognize his own uniqueness despite his small stature. It also nurtures the wisdom and courage required to utilize his distinctive qualities, including his smallness, for the betterment of those around him.
Silencing the Inner critic
Piglet's story imparts a valuable lesson: that we all possess the internal resources needed for a rich, meaningful, and happy life, regardless of our perceived limitations. Even when real limitations exist, they do not prevent us from effectively utilizing our unique qualities for the benefit of others. What often holds us back are unrealistic expectations and self-limiting beliefs, stemming from self-criticism. We tend to compare our actual selves to an idealized self-image, often based on unattainable perfectionistic ideals.
Compassion and gratitude have the power to silence the inner noise of self-doubt. They open our hearts to possibilities and remind us that we already have everything we need to effect positive change. Gratitude helps us acknowledge and believe that, despite our limitations, we have enough within us to make a difference and that we, as individuals, are enough. Gratitude breaks the chains of self-limiting beliefs and empowers us to take the first courageous steps toward applying our unique qualities for the betterment of others, even when we cannot predict or control the outcomes.
Life Lesson #4: Nurture unwavering faith in your path and the possibilities that lie ahead.
“In order to take control of our lives and accomplish something of lasting value, sooner or later we need to learn to believe. We don’t need to shift our responsibilities onto the shoulders of some deified spiritual superman or sit around and wait for fate to come knocking at the door. We simply need to believe in the power that is within us and use it. When we do that, and stop imitating others and competing against them, things begin to work for us.” -Benjamin Hoff
Self-belief is a growth mindset
In "The Tao of Pooh," Piglet's journey serves as a profound illustration of how our ego can be swayed by external influences, often leading to detrimental comparisons and the adoption of constraining beliefs. Many of us can relate to Piglet's struggles, as we have all encountered moments of self-doubt and insecurity driven by these external factors.
Nevertheless, Piglet's transformation imparts a valuable lesson: self-belief doesn't sprout from suppressing or denying these feelings but from acknowledging and respecting them. In Piglet's evolution, we witness a shift from an external locus of control, wherein he believes that his well-being is at the mercy of external forces, to an internal locus of control, where he realizes he possesses the power to shape his own destiny. This transition is a fundamental component of the growth mindset, a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck.
A growth mindset is the conviction that abilities and intelligence can be cultivated through dedication and hard work. It represents the understanding that we can enhance and expand, even in areas where we initially feel inadequate. Piglet's transformation reflects this shift in mindset, as he moves from a place of self-doubt and helplessness to one of self-belief, resilience, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
To nurture unwavering faith in your path and the possibilities that lie ahead, you can draw inspiration from Carol Dweck's insights on cultivating a growth mindset:
- Embrace Challenges: Instead of shying away from challenges or setbacks, view them as opportunities for growth. Piglet faced various challenges on his journey, which ultimately led to his personal development.
- Learn from Failure: Understand that failure is not a permanent state but a stepping stone towards improvement. Piglet's initial failures and self-doubt contributed to his growth and eventual success.
- Effort and Persistence: Recognize that effort and persistence are crucial for progress. Like Piglet, maintain a relentless commitment to your goals and aspirations.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem. This positive reinforcement can help maintain your motivation and self-belief, as Piglet celebrated his small triumphs along the way.
- Embrace Learning: Be open to new experiences, ideas, and knowledge. Piglet's willingness to learn and adapt was a pivotal part of his transformation.
By adopting these principles from Carol Dweck's growth mindset philosophy, you can cultivate the unwavering faith needed to navigate your path and embrace the myriad possibilities that lie ahead. Just as Piglet evolved from a place of self-doubt to self-belief, you too can embark on a transformative journey towards personal growth and success.
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