If any type of life balance is expected to be achieved, those flighty and impulsive vata tendencies must be countered by dull monotony.  But although bland foods, rigid routines and suppression of impulses will tame the raging vata beast,  a dark cloud of ennui will also manifest in tandem.  

 

This plight, my friends, is where my life currently finds itself.  Too much same old, same old..... not enough stimulation.

 

Terrorism, as defined by Webster’s, is the unlawful use or threat of violence especially against the state or the public as a politically motivated means of attack or coercion.  Terrorists use violent tactics in an effort to create political change, threaten or induce fear in the public and/or government, raise media attention or further their political cause.  Unfortunately, many times, terrorist attacks fall upon innocent victims.

 

One may argue as to the degree of innocence each individual may have.  Terrorist attacks in current history most always end in the killing of children.  There can be no argument as to a baby’s innocence.

 

Taoism, a philosophy and way of life, originated in China, and is credited to a man named Lao Tzu, born in 640 BCE.  The Tao Te Ching is the primary text of Taoism and consists of a variety of philosophy, mysticism, reflection and poetry.  As many religions practiced today emphasize some type of unity, Taoism specifically concentrates on the connection between humanity and the universe.  

 

The word Tao can literally be translated as the ‘path’ or the ‘way’; and can be categorized into three distinct interpretations.

 

The first interpretation is the way of ultimate reality.  The Tao cannot be expressed, explained or conveyed in text or word.  As the Tao Te Ching opens, “The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.” The true Tao transcends the reality in which we live. It was not created and cannot be destroyed.  This path is eternally existent and transcends all that is material.

 

 

I find that as soon as January 1st rolls around, my natural levels of stress and anxiety plummet.  My grieving for the loss of another year is over and all that remains in my heart is hope and boundless, new possibilities.  However, for many, stress and anxiety remain with them year-round.  And even for the most well-balanced individuals, stressful situations and challenging times will present themselves again and again.  So maintaining balance and peace, for everyone, is an opportunity for personal growth.

 

What is stress?