Inspired Teachings Don’t Come With Rules - Grasshopper

You won’t 1-2-3 yourself to inspiration; it doesn’t come in an orderly fashion.

Yes, there are some universal, valuable rules worth adopting that, when followed, lead to a more orderly lifestyle. These rules won’t inspire you; only guide you.

 

It’s like the difference between the teachings of Confucius and Lao Tzu. First, look at the rule structure of Confucius:

 

“If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”

 

“You cannot open a book without learning something.”

 

His teachings could easily be put in a book called, “Rules to Live By.”

 

Contrast that with the teachings of Lao Tzu.

 

“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.”

 

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

 

If you read the both of them, you will learn productive lessons. Here’s what you will notice after awhile: Confucius will lead you to your head and Lao Tzu will lead you to your heart.

 

All inspiration comes from the heart, not the head. The inspiration may arrive in your head as a thought, but it began in your heart as a feeling.

 

Me comparing the two ancient writers is not to make it a “battle of the bands”; it’s more of a pointer to lead you to what you desire more of in your life. Do you need more structure or do you need more inspiration?

 

I don’t know about you but I already have enough rules to live by. Getting some more just weighs me down. What lifts me up is inspiration.

 

This I can assure you: If you read another 7-Step book, you will become more educated. It’s my experience that education often doesn’t lead to inspiration.

 

It seems that taking a quiet walk in nature will deliver more inspiration than multiple hours in a library.

 

You know best what you need more of in your life. My claim is simply this: You’ll be inspired more when you have less rules.

 

All the best,

John