WOODY

LEAVES OF ABSENCE

Returning to its root,
leaving a placecard behind,
the tree is engaged elsewhere:

providing shade - whilst sunning its leaves;
giving shelter - whilst refreshing its roots;
clearing the air - whilst building its bones.

The sage too, can seem abstracted,

or absent-minded,
- but is all there!


Away on business;
Yet here in stillness!


Making a fetish of 'self-reflection' or 'self-discovery' lends justification to a form of narcissism; and can be counterproductive.
In contrast to some other philosophical systems, Taoism does not attach primary importance to self-analysis or self-awareness;
rather, it balances introspection with an attitude of immersion or engagement of individuals in their interactions with the world.


SURVIVAL STRATEGY