Mammoth
productive facilities with computer minds,
cities that engulf the landscape and pierce the clouds,
planes that almost outrace time – these are awesome,
but they cannot be spiritually inspiring.
Nothing in our glittering technology can raise man to new heights.
(Martin Luther King)
Work
Modern culture requires most people to
work.
Typically people work for money in order to buy food, shelter, clothing and
pay for amenities.
Beyond this, work pays for pleasure and leisure.
Reciprocal?
Very few people ever find a job that
fulfils them.
Often they must work for somebody else and receive whatever pay they are
given.
It can feel unfair, one-sided - as though you are giving but not receiving.
Company managers have become expert at asking people to do more work for no
extra money.
In many jobs, working late is expected but not rewarded.
Competition,
rivalry and tension are deliberately used
by managers in order to create
anxiety and
stress
in the workforce.
Edgy, competitive people overdosed on caffeine are a productive
workforce.
But not a
healthy one.
Reclaim your life
Taoism advocates finding
balance in all areas of your life.
If you are working beyond a seven hour day, it can be useful to ask why.
Exploring the reasons behind your overtime, unpaid work or weekend
shifts can be enlightening.
Do you really need the extra money?
Are you financially overcommitted?
Living beyond your means?
Debt-financing clothes, holidays, cars or social life?
Working long hours uses up your
life.
Tai chi and taoism encourage people to slow down, make
time
for themselves and work at their own pace.
Beyond work
Having an interest beyond work is
essential.
Television, drinking and sleeping do not count.
It is important to have something that engages your imagination and makes
you feel good.
The activity can be whatever takes your fancy.
Just remember to leave work behind.
That means no competition, no buzzwords, no deadlines and pressure.
Let your hair down and stop taking life and yourself so seriously.
Tai chi
Working out at the gym can leave you
feeling bored, drained and tired after work.
By contrast,
tai chi energises your body -
you feel alive,
alert, yet
relaxed and
calm.
Your sleep improves and you forget about work completely.
You find yourself wanting to practice a little at home because it makes you
feel so good.
Little by little your life changes.
Rest
and relaxation become a part of your daily routine.
Work may remain important to you, but it is now balanced with the rest of
your life.
Even if you are working for somebody else, you are now working for yourself.
Page created 6 January 1999