When the Cup is Full – Stop Pouring

In one translation of the teaching of Tao Te Ching, there is a statement that reads, “To keep on filling is not as good as stopping. Overfilled, the cupped hands drip, better to stop pouring.” [Living the Wisdom of the TAO New York City: Hay House  2008]

Growth is important as long as you can manage the components that require your attention. For example, if you are getting a degree or certification, are you able to find the time to focus on your learning or are you just going through the motions of looking like you are learning. Like the cup, you have control over what is in the cup, but once it is full, the overfill spills out, uncontrolled and potentially ruining that which it lands on. Often times we go through the motion of filling our cup because we think we need more, we see something we want and we get it, we look at others and want it for ourselves. Sometimes we just have to stop, take inventory, and see what we have already accomplished.

Check out this video for additional details and three suggestions on how to value what you already have.

Barb Stuhlemmer – Sept 2017