THE HOUSE OF SELF

I Love You

“For many years I have kept this teaching from the Tao Te Ching in the forefront of my mind. To me, it is one of the most compelling images for emptiness. Windows in a house make it beautiful and livable, certainly as much as walls and floors. And what would a house be without the empty space of open doors? I’m inspired to allow empty spaces all over my life: times for doing nothing, gaps in a day’s schedule, not going to a place where I’m asked or encouraged to go, saying no to the offer of a job. These are the windows and doorways of my life. Because of those empty passageways I may see things otherwise hidden or visit places otherwise inaccessible. . .

Some people’s lives are so closed off by the prejudices of their families, church, or society that they can’t respond freely or come up with new ideas. In fact, they have no windows in the house of self that might allow them to see the world outside and glimpse new possibilities.”

Moore, Thomas. The Eloquence of Silence: Surprising Wisdom in Tales of Emptiness (p. 21-22). New World Library. Kindle Edition.

ART: LJ Austin “Windows” 2024