Predilections, aversions, strengths and weaknesses are unique to each person. The challenge and the art of life consist of living in accordance with our natural constitution. Living against it may result in stress, aggression, discontent as well as various physical ailments.We are therefore responsible to discover our own essence of being and to bring that essence to life.
However, this state of mind is not always easily realized in daily life. What we often experience instead is a lack of synchronization of inner resources (our talents, ambitions, convictions, strategies) and the outside world (society, organization, family). But by engaging ourselves consciously in a merging process of the individual and the community we may be able to transform ourselves into something greater than we are alone.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses the image of a bamboo to describe the ideal constitution of a person who lives his or her strengths in harmony with their surroundings. The bamboo unites two essential abilities: it has the stability of a strong trunk and at the same time it has adaptability – the bamboo is capable of moving with the wind.
With the image of a bamboo in mind, the following reflections underline the importance of discovering and developing our personal, physical and spiritual potential in life. These reflections should also serve as an incentive to society and organizations to
support the individual’s inner growth.
“The root of the bamboo
should serve as a metaphor
to find a nutr itious, authentic
base within us to rely on.”
The Root
Individuals who rank high in subjective well-being are more likely to handle managerial and professional requirements well. In his model PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment) positive psychologist Martin Seligman summarizes what allows us to flourish. Each of us should examine closely what leads to our deepest personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Like children, it is important for us to always stay curious, to discover and honor our values. Our values are a key to unlock the door to our inner resources. The root of the bamboo should serve as a metaphor to find a nutritious, or an authentic base within us to rely on.
The non-actualization of our own potential has consequences on the physical level. These effects are widely described in modern biomedicine as well as in various traditional medicine systems such as TCM.
According to TCM, non-actualization of inner potential and creativity leads to internal, silent aggression and frustration. In this case, for example, the physical manifestation would be Liver-Qi Stagnation. Typical symptoms of Liver-Qi Stagnation are a discoloration of the tongue, a bitter taste in the mouth, tension in the nape of the neck and head, fear of physical contact and extreme sensitivity to noise or smell.
The recommended therapy is both physical and spiritual in nature. In order to unleash his or her full potential, the affected person should not overly discipline himor herself but enjoy the types of food and spicies he or she is longing for. Classical recommended acupuncture points are Liver 3 (Taichong) and Gall Bladder 34 (Yanglingquan).
Mindful Movement with the Wind
The bamboo moves in the wind. For us to experience harmony and within it most likely our highest potential, our true self, it is essential to understand the essence of the wind, our surroundings. In order to merge with the essence it is necessary to lift the borders between the surrounding and the self to discover the mystery, yet unknown within us.
Hakuun Yasutani Roshi comments on Zen Master Dogen’s Genjokoan as follows: “While carrying around such things as ‘my ideas’ and ‘my opinions’, one absolutely cannot attain the Buddha’s way. The Buddha’s way is the way of returning to one’s intrinsic nature itself; how can one awaken to one’s intrinsic nature when one is deluded by acquired affections?”
Each and every moment in our life should move us forward on the right path. As we try to live up to our potential – personal, physical and spiritual – we become more resilient. Our personal obligation is to become conscious of our root and trunk so that we can then move and act forward responsibly towards ourselves and others.
Knowing that each person’s constitution is unique, the challenge then for an organization to be effective is to detect each individual’s strengths and align them with the organizational structure and tasks. To reinforce innovative spirit and productivity, as well as to strengthen the organization from inside, the organization must implement ways to bring the spirit of comprehensive perception and appreciation of the individual alive.
By Daniela Ploberger and Dr. Florian Ploberger
Daniela Ploberger is an international business development consultant and coach who lived and worked in Japan for several years.
Dr. Florian Ploberger is author of numerous specialist works of Tibetan and Chinese medicine.