He Who Stands on Tiptoe is not Steady

Try standing on your tiptoe! How long can you last?

Chances are that you feel tired in a few minutes.

To stand firm, standing on tiptoe is not an option. You must allow yourself to be grounded.

Unfortunately, many of us are standing on tiptoe day -in-day-out, forever reaching rather than grounding. We are exerting  to reach something we can hardly touch, not sensing the damage that we have done to ourselves and be heavier than what we would finally get.

We do not stand on tiptoe for a few minutes! We do that as if forever. No wonder the widespread complaints of fatigue and stress!

Reaching for something good is not wrong. But you can do that more effectively when you are on the ground!

He who stands on tiptoe is not steady.
He who strides cannot maintain the pace.
He who makes a show is not enlightened.
He who is self-righteous is not respected.
He who boasts achieves nothing.
He who brags will not endure.
According to followers of the Tao,
“These are extra food and unnecessary luggage.”
They do not bring happiness.
Therefore followers of the Tao avoid them.

Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching, Chapter 24, translated by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English

Thanks to Kathryn for the picture.