"If you try to make your children good,
you will make them,
and yourself,
miserable.
Instead show them you believe in
their natural goodness
and all will be blessed.
If you try to make them honor you
you will create instead
resentment and dishonesty.
Instead honor yourself and them
and all will be happy.
If you try to make them successful
you will perpetuate their misery
of endless desires.
Instead enjoy the simple life
and all will find contentment.
You do not have to teach the outward niceties.
You have to recognize the inward realities.
You do not have to make things turn out well.
You have to recognize that all is well."
I'm grateful to have had an opportunity to reflect on theory of mind before my daughter was born. I am determined to honor the complexity of her inner life no matter how much or little of that she ever chooses to share with me.
you will make them,
and yourself,
miserable.
Instead show them you believe in
their natural goodness
and all will be blessed.
If you try to make them honor you
you will create instead
resentment and dishonesty.
Instead honor yourself and them
and all will be happy.
If you try to make them successful
you will perpetuate their misery
of endless desires.
Instead enjoy the simple life
and all will find contentment.
You do not have to teach the outward niceties.
You have to recognize the inward realities.
You do not have to make things turn out well.
You have to recognize that all is well."
I'm grateful to have had an opportunity to reflect on theory of mind before my daughter was born. I am determined to honor the complexity of her inner life no matter how much or little of that she ever chooses to share with me.
What a vital thing about the Tao of Honour.
ReplyDeleteAnd the inward realities come outside.
I too am grateful for mind and its theory and practice.