Introduction

Bend and Be Straight. This can be interpreted as one of the underlying themes in the Tao Te Ching. It means to be flowing and dynamic...but also unmoved when inside great change.

Isn't it strange to think of it this way? I think so in many cases. In my experiences (my very short lifetime of 18 years), I can't help but think our society preaches the exact opposite of this. At least for me. How can this be, though?

When I look around, I see many things. The urge to belong with something, or someone. I don't doubt everyone has this urge, for who wants to be unbelonged? A great number feel the need to belong, so they do something completely out of context of the whole "bend and be straight" lesson: they don't flow in the midst of everything.

Meaning this: they don't allow things to simply happen. They try to make it happen instead by becoming someone entirely different than who they really are. They don't flow, they don't breathe dynamics; they strictly mold something else.

I think it's sad people don't just flow. The thing is, no one really knows how to. No one knows how to be themselves anymore without being influenced by this need to belong, or strength, or power, or even love.

The Tao Te Ching isn't preaching a religion. It doesn't represent a religion; therefore, no one has to commit to anything, which is great. It relates to your everyday life. You can read the words with the full intention of being. Dynamic. Flowing. Bending to be straight.

So: this blog isn't just analyzing the Tao Te Ching and it's chapters. That would be too easy. This blog is about my life and how the Tao Te Ching Relates to me. The good experiences, the not-so-good experiences, the I'd-like-to-soon-forget experiences. All of it.

And, truthfully, I don't think I'm even near passing the lesson to bend and be straight. Maybe I recognize what it means, but maybe I just don't entirely practice it yet. Hopefully through my week-to-week writing I will be able to pass the lesson. Maybe you will too.

Here is a link for the words of the Tao Te Ching: http://www.wright-house.com/religions/taoism/tao-te-ching.html