WHAT COMES NATURALLY
SILVERBIRCH

Shoots arise from roots.
Doing arises from being.

Shoots energise roots.
Doing enriches being.

Firmly rooted, the tree grows upwards
- as is its wont.

Residing in obscurity, the sage grows wise
- going about business as usual.


Doing what?
Doing what comes naturally!


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There is an obvious difference between the overt or covert egotism of the 'do-gooder' and the selflessness of the truly virtuous person.
Taoism can reconcile these attitudes as complementary aspects of a dynamic whole, with each stimulating and developing its partner.

For a tree, growth is achieved by the transport of nutrients from its roots, which in turn requires the energy supplied by its foliage.
For a personality, growth takes nourishment from its 'roots' of being, and energy from its 'leaves' of doing, in a dynamic cycle.

Being that is not adequately balanced by doing can lead towards self-absorption, 'navel-gazing' or 'lotus-eating'.
Doing that is not adequately balanced by being can lead towards frenetic, undirected or self-defeating activity.

NOT SET IN STONE