自然Ziran Dao
The Journey · Principles of Life II

The return to the source

Life is a cycle, not a ladder

The return to the source

Life is not a linear ladder where the goal is to reach a final destination at the top. It is a cycle – a journey back to the source.

Just as the leaves fall to the ground in autumn to nourish the roots, endings – and even death – are not a hostile finale, but a natural returning to the great flow.

This insight takes the drama out of our constant existential fear. Every closed chapter of your life is compost for the next. Nothing is lost – it only changes form.

Empty yourself of everything – let the mind rest in peace.Daodejing, chapter 16
Reflection

Which ending in your life turned out, in hindsight, to be nourishment for something new?

Today's practice

Close something small today – deliberately and with gratitude, instead of letting it just trickle away.