Following the Way

Be Humble;teach the Wholeness of things.   Children paint pictures quite early on but don't learn about color theory and form until much later.  Often, musicians listen to a complete song before breaking it down into individual notes.  Teach the wholeness of ideas first-let your students see the big picture-then divide it up into learning moments.

Follow the middle road;it is the heart of knowing.   Contrary to many, the middle road does not "straddle" anything, but gives the follower versatility and uniqueness.  The middles road allows for various philosophies to be developed and made into one's own.

Avoid using force; don't push.

There is no glory in victory.  (Seems rather un-American, doesn't it?) It is true-full power exists only in win-win situations.  diminishing an other's pride show a lack of understanding and harmony-it does not show a "winner".

The Way cannot be mastered.   (Then why bother, one might ask.) The Tao cannot be mastered by anyone because the Tao doesn't end and it is constantly in flux.  This might mean mistakes will be made along the way.  Mistakes should be made- and without equating them to wrong.

Know yourself; the influence of Virture is Immortal.  To gain insight is to develop inner knowledge.  Journaling can help one reflect on personal insights, noting what went well, what did not.  Sharing of journals allows for even more insight.

Do not strive for Greatness.  (Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn't it?)  Instead set standards high and allow greatness to come to you.

The Way has its own rhythm; use it.  When individuals are engaged and motivated they end up losing track of time.  Allow activities to go on to their natural finish.

The weak and tender overcome the hard and the strong.

Seek simplicity and honor what is known.  Questions, skills, and knowledge already held by students become springboards for future endeavors.  Build upon their answers in shared planning for the future.

Virtue is its own rewards; differences arise when the Way is lost.

Teach  oneness, not fragmentation.  To be one, whole, is to be fulfilled.

Something comes from nothing; nothing comes from something.

Appearances can deceive.  The Tao doesn't offer quick learning.  Quick learning is quick forgetting.  A student may not appear to be progressing but perhaps the seed has been set and the learning is taking time.

Harmony is to be achieved through the blending of the passive and the active- the yin and the yang- where yin is the personal insight and the yang is the linear way of thinking.

Use your resources.  Sounds simple enough but can be very hard to remember and takes quite a bit of creativity sometimes.

Keep a sense of balance.

Tranquility is more important than perfection.