That which offers no resistance can enter where there is no space.
Interpretation
Absence of resistance allows for acceptance and integration in situations where openness exists.
This quote by Laozi suggests that when we stop resisting and allow things to flow naturally, we create opportunities for new experiences and ideas to enter our lives. The idea is that by not placing barriers and being open, we can find harmony and understanding in spaces that are traditionally closed off to us due to our own resistance.
In practice
During a team meeting, when discussing challenges, this quote could inspire openness to new ideas.
If you understand others you are smart._x000D_ If you understand yourself you are illuminated._x000D_ If you overcome others you are powerful._x000D_ If you overcome yourself you have strength._x000D_ If you know how to be satisfied you are rich._x000D_ If you can act with vigor, you have a will._x000D_ If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting._x000D_ If you die without loss, you are eternal.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.
In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
Rule your mind with serenity rather than with force and manipulation.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angles, but am note nice, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but am not nice, I am nothing. If I give all I posses to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but am not nice, I gain nothing.
You can take no credit for beauty at sixteen. But if you are beautiful at sixty, it will be your soul's own doing.
I release all feelings of worry and guilt. Throughout life, the two most futile emotions are guilt for what has been done and worry about what might be done.
Years ago, when he was around fourteen, he'd been all hipped on the idea of going to India. He read books about people sitting on rocks, naked, in all kinds of weather, but mostly bad, naturally, and walking barefoot through hot coals and arriving at wisdom. I used to say that it sounded to me as though they were getting away from wisdom as fast as they could. I think he sort of looked down on me for that.
The enlarging of the soul requires not only some remodeling, but some excavating.
Prayer and praise are the oars by which a man may row his boat into the deep waters of the knowledge of Christ.
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