Success is as dangerous as failure . Hope is as hollow as fear

‘Success is as dangerous as failure . 

Hope is as hollow as fear . 

What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure? 

Whether you go up the ladder or down it , your position is shaky . 

When you stand with your feet on the ground , you will always keep your balance . 

What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear ? 

Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self . 

When we don’t see the self as self 

What do we have to fear ? 

See the world as your self . 

Have faith in the way things are . 

Love the world as your self;

then you can care for all things . ‘

From the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu 

The Tao Te Ching ( The Book of the Way ) if you don’t already know it is a most beautiful and ancient text. Often described as - A timeless guide to the art of living , its verses are about living in harmony with the essence of the universe - Emptying ourselves of judgment and desire in order to find our true selves within . Not always so easy to put into practice , especially during these times we find ourselves in which can seem some days like we’re being tested in ways that previously would never have been imaginable. However it’s in the hardest of times if we have practices that can help us to find harmony, and see the world as ourself by stepping outside ourselves , we can also help each other to care for all things that live in it . 

I have been studying with a wonderfully gifted lady recently called *Angela Chambers who created an amazing course called The Five , about ancient Chinese wisdom and the Five Elements - Wood , Fire , Earth , Metal and Water . These elements each respectively correspond to a season and organs of the body . Eg. Autumn is connected to the lungs and large intestine, and acupuncture as well as acupressure points can be used to rebalance them if out of balance such as when we get colds and skin issues . 

So for instance Tea Tree / Melaleuca oil can be very effective for clearing heat , dispelling toxins and also benefiting the skin . While Black Spruce oil can be used for an acupressure massage to aid digestion , soothe breathing and calm the mind . 

I believe these complimentary therapies and practices are more important to us now than they’ve ever been . Not as a replacement for ‘conventional medicine’ when needed , but as a tool to help us be the architects of our own health and well being and those we love and care for . 

*If you would like to know more about Angela Chambers and her wonderful courses you can find her on Instagram @alpineangel or www.meridianflow.ch