Te

     Life is constantly changing, so very dynamic. Even as a river flows, its currents create new patterns as it interacts with the objects in its path. Our lives run the same way. Our own currents, based on our actions and attitudes, spread out and affect the world around us. What we do contributes to a larger process. As we work on our inner self that begins to show on the outside. This is the process of developing Te.

What exactly is Te? The Encyclopedia Britannica states:

Te is described as the unconscious functioning of the physical self. Whoever is attuned to this inner process will live in harmony with the forces of nature, which, in any case, are irresistible. Personal te flourishes when one abandons ambition and the spirit of contention for a life of “naturalness” (tzu-jan). Two kinds of strength result: a type of external charisma in the social order whereby others feel compelled to adopt freely a similar way of life, and an internal enlightenment whereby the individual becomes aware of the underlying principle of unity within the universe.

TTC 72:

The Master knows herself but is not arrogant.
She loves herself but also loves others.
This is how she is able to make appropriate choices.

     We have to first accept ourselves as we are. Let us face it, who we are right now is who we really are. If you’re self esteem is low or you just don’t like who you are, examine what it is that you don’t like or where you feel the issue lies. The great part of Te is that it’s a process of development, you now have a starting point to change toward someone with more character. Humans are the only part of nature that suffers low self esteem.

TTC 48:

When nothing is done,
nothing is left undone.

     I posted a little while back that what is worth doing is worth doing correctly. Trying isn’t the end of a situation. The situation will never change from a try, only a do. There isn’t a real attempt in try, it is generally half hearted and a bit insulting. For instance, if a person kept their husband up until 2 am arguing but then said they would try not to do that anymore, if it is done again the situation didn’t change. Tao people have no time for half hearted attempts

TTC 14:

Just realize where you come from:
this is the essence of wisdom.

     So, we move forward in life. Through self-cultivation our virtue changes, fear of change should be non-existent. The past is the past and does not exist here in the present, neither does the future. Seek harmony now and remain with it.