Wen Tzu - Verse 39, Part V

from Verse Thirty-Nine

The proud do not succeed, the extravagant do not last; the powerful die, those who fill their days perish. A gusty wind or a violent storm does not last all day, a ravine cannot be filled in an instant. Gusty winds and violent storms act forcefully, so they cannot last long before they die out.

~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries~

The cheetah is reputed to be the fastest land animal. It can motor at up to 75 mph, but ONLY over short distances. If it tried to maintain this high speed over a wide distance, it would collapse in exhaustion and, probably, die.

I'm sure that we've all known people -- famous and not -- who have lived their lives like a candle lit at both ends. They burn bright for a short amount of time, then the flame is snuffed out.

There will always be times in our lives when quick and decisive yang action is needed, but it is yin energy that endures. No matter what we are called on to do, we must balance fervent activity with rest and repose.

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.