Wen Tzu - Verse 92

from Verse Ninety-Two

The ruler is the heart of the nation. When the heart is well, the whole body is comfortable; when the heart is anxious, the whole body is disturbed.

~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~

The message in this passage is a continuation from the previous verse, but in Lao Tzu's voice. However, this time around the imagery is, I think, much easier for us to see that it applies to each of us as well as to nations.

When our heart/spirit is troubled or tense, it affects the function of our body. Physical ailments appear out of nowhere or ones that we're already aware of become magnified.

The reverse is true as well. When our heart/spirit is not troubled and we do not feel tense, our body feels healthier. Sometimes the body can be very sick (e.g., cancer), yet an uncluttered mind can see the beauty of life beyond the sickness in the body.

For me, this helps to explain why some people can be in the throes of a horrendous illness or injury and yet they possess good humor and a bright outlook. Many know death is imminent, but they continue to embrace all things like a newborn child.

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