In the poem, The Uses of Not, Lao Tzu reminds me there is often an empty space that completes something and, for that matter, someone. A wheel needs spokes, a clay pot the hole in the clay to hold things, and rooms need doors and windows.
In life, I find myself trying to fill gaps and holes. When I am mindful, I recall to make something (w)hole it has gaps and holes embedded in it. The gaps and holes serve as spaces for energy to enter and exit. Without energy exchanges, I can grow stagnant and stale.
This poem was about the busyness of life. At times it seemed to overwhelm me when I taught. I tried to do more, rather than stepping back and finding space that served to heal and make me whole again.
Filling holes–
Plugging gaps–
Digging holes in water–
Seeking to be whole;
In the end, futile.
Remaining indivisible–
Complementing one another–
Completing one another–
Beauty reflecting one another;
Emerging in paradox.
Inviting, calling–
Opening life’s arms–
In its embrace–
Discovering loving space;
Living in life’s healing rhythms.
I opted for this video, as, despite the fact they are struggling, Tommy and Gina have each other. It is what makes them whole; that and living on a prayer.
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 
