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.
