There is a poet in all of us and sometimes it takes poetry to make us want to change. The teaching and verses of Lao Tze – even after translation – are powerful and  thought-provoking. Here are some words – a few verses from Lao Tze – about being in the present and not worrying too much about possessions and accumulation of fame and wealth…

“Enough is enough! Do you want to spend your life protecting your fame and possessions? Lao Tze‘s natural way is to do only what is called for by the present moment.

Do you want to give your life away to the pursuit of wealth? Do those who have more really have more? Or do they have less? They have to devote time and life energy to getting and protecting. Do they have time to let go, to see the truth? Living simply means enough is enough. Be satisfied with having just enough, doing just enough. If you take just enough, everything else is left!

Can you see as a child sees
And keep the simple vision?
See the inner oneness
With absolute precision

Hold all things in your embrace
The entire world is in your care
Let things be just as they are
Extend acceptance everywhere

Let go all need to comprehend
The truth is here where all behold
Their infinite capacity
To welcome and enfold

Do you want all the treasures of the world? Will they bring you happiness and joy? Are the rich happy? No matter how much you have, there’s always more.

Don’t fill a bowl
Till it’s more than full
Or sharpen a blade
Till it must go dull

Don’t pile up treasure
That comes at great cost
Approval and riches
Are easily lost

Can you only do
What’s really needed
Then stop and withdraw
When your task is completed?