My Hissy Fit

How The Tao Helps Me Overcome Moments Like This

Don’t shrink from new experiences and customs. Take the bath bravely.”

— W.E.B. DuBois

Yesterday, my business collaborator set me a referral fee for some clients I sent her way. Problem is, the financial institution decided to place a hold on it for up to 7 days. No explanation, just doing it because they can. 

Sadly, this is becoming all too common in a banking world that is catastrophically broken. It’s the reason I remain hopeful that the world of digital currencies will eventually become a disruptive force in creating a new future of money. 

Sadly, I had zero control over this situation. So with a Stoic presence, I took a deep breath and paused, steadying myself with a sense of grounding to get through the day. 

We live in unpredictable times, no surprises there. But right now the world with rising crime rates, political divisions, high monetary inflation, and looming economic uncertainty seems like a pinball machine on tilt. With our nervous system on edge, the smallest of triggers can knock us of course. 

During periods like these I’m grateful for Taoism and its philosophical  moorings for it has allowed me to become exquisitely skilled at managing paradox and uncertainty. Over the years when something triggers me, I’ve learned to step into it, feel it, and experience it. After a moment of anger and frustration, I am able to pivot into the muck and mire of the situation without being attached to forcing a resolution. 

Being in this state allow me to dip into a peaceful flow and align with the natural rhythms of life. This I’ve found with fail leads to the orchestration of a perfect resolution. 

My friend, author, philosopher, and teacher Jason Gregory wisely says: 

“When we leave things alone, by pursuing a philosophy of non interference, the Tao has a tendency to self organize our lives. Giving up your power allows you to obtain the power you’ve always wanted but never knew existed.” 

As noted in Verse 63 of the Tao Te Ching: 

“Follow your path to the end. Accept difficulty as an opportunity. This is the sure way to end up with no difficulties at all”

Sometimes it takes a bit of chaos to jar and rustle the sacred side of ourselves in order for us to be reminded of the beautifully orchestrated, unfolding purpose in front of us. In these moments, we are called to detach and let go in a manner that’s akin to holding life in an open hand versus clenching your fists. In doing this, we are then able to hold space for the infinite wonders of those inevitable moments when life throw us into an unexpected hissy fit.