Who can secure the condition of rest? Let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise.This represents yet another line that speaks to me in a very personal way. I am famous among my family and friends for making the right move at the wrong time!! So often, I have a tendency to get antsy; when I make up my mind, I want to move. And so, it's not infrequent that I forge ahead before it's time to forge ahead.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
Who can remain still until the moment of action?
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
Who can be serene yet persist In motion gradually come alive?
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
Can you stay still until events have unfolded before you do the right thing?
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
While I have been known to move too quickly, my bigger problem is moving too slowly. Knowing that I tend to get antsy, I force myself to wait and, because I have an awful sense of timing, I end up waiting too long. Consequently, what was the best move ten minutes ago or last week, turns out not to be the best move now. I too often end up being the ship that passes in the night.
I have to admit that I envy those folks who can wait for the right moment and then move seamlessly with the tide. I put so much effort into the right move at the wrong time, while those who move with the flow of life do so fluidly and effortlessly.
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