Pooh is my Guru

Pooh…….is my Guru
 
Winnie-the.......you know him, right?
 
Ok, Labor Day has passed, kids are back in school, or off to college, schedules are being set for the change in pace and Summer Is Over. Uh-huh. (Said super sarcastically).  I just had to add this in for those of us who are melting in triple-digit temps, watching the plants shrivel and our energy wane. Please…..let summer be over!
 
What I really wanted to touch on is the mindset a lot of us have at this change of season, as we realize there are not quite four months left before the year is over.  The “It’s ok to slow down a bit” attitude that summer brought doesn’t feel like it fits now. A slight bit of panic can set in. Changes we planned to make, things we think we really have to accomplish….it can catch your breath.
 
And so I thought about Pooh
 
I’ve come to think of Pooh Bear as quite the philosopher. Always effortlessly calm, still, & reflective.
He just Is. And things always get done!
 
Pooh Bear is analyzed in the beautiful Tao of Pooh book. (Benjamin Hoff)
One of the most important principles of Taoism is P’u, The Uncarved Block.
 
The essence of the principle of The Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed.
This basic Taoist principle applies not only to things in their natural beauty and function, but to people as well. Or Bears, as Hoff points out, which brings us to Pooh, the very “Epitome of the Uncarved Block.” I think this is why Pooh Bear is such an endearing character for us. He’s comfortable to be around. And somehow, in all his simplistic wisdom, he helps everyone get to the bottom of things and solve problems.
 
We know the world only through the window of our mind. When our mind is noisy, the world is as well. And when our mind is peaceful, the world is, too. How can we really come to know our thoughts and our minds if we don't slow down a bit?

Simplify 

So as I make my “Get it Done” list for this last quarter of the year, 'To Simplify' is going to be my first step.
I’m going to try to implement the principle of P’u.
Can you picture Pooh sitting in reflective mode, tapping on his forehead in deep contemplation and saying, “Think, think think”….?
 
I hope some of this resonates with you, and that the idea of making a little space for
‘just thinking' before doing brings clarity.
My list feels less heavy when I take more time to let my thoughts just be. And I think that actually, I’ve got plenty of time!! It’s all getting done.
 
I'd love to know your thoughts on this~ hit reply and share if you're so inclined. 
And if you or someone you know are contemplating coaching, I invite you to a no-obligation conversation call with me. It all starts with an idea!