The principle of the Uncarved Block is the first, and simplest: things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, which is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed. When a person is in the state of the Uncarved Block, they can enjoy the simple and the quiet, the natural and the plain. Although the style of our modern lives has us complicating things and constantly changing to keep pace with newer, more complex technology, the Uncarved Block still shines through. We experience it when we read a book; when we turn the TV off; when we just sit at the beach, enjoying the sun, listen to the waves, and do nothing. We don't give ourselves enough time to be in the state of the Uncarved Block anymore, but the fact remains that we enjoy those moments for the relaxation and peace they bring us.
The concept of Inner Nature is broken up into Things As They Are and What's There. Things As They Are dictates that everything has its own place and function, and What's There states that you need to identify and work within your limitations. Combined these two concepts form your Inner Nature, which is the guiding principle we all should use to help us meander down the path of life. Simple as this sounds, too many times people try to defy the laws of nature and use things where they don't belong, and can't work. Society tells us that if we keep pushing, anything is possible. But anything is not possible. Everyone has come up against a wall in their life that cannot be broken or by-passed. The secret of the people who have succeeded despite that wall is that they have learned to stop fighting it and use it in it's proper place to their own advantage.
In opposition to these two ideas is the Bisy Backson. The Bisy Backson is that person who is always so busy rushing and hurrying to meet a goal, that he is unable to appreciate anything in life. He is the man who is so busy working to make a lot of money, but has no time to enjoy anything that his money buys because he is so busy working. The idea isn't to get rid of goals, but instead to focus not just on the end result, but the process along the way because it is the process that makes us happy and wise. When we focus on the process, we can not only eliminate goals that provide no benefit, but also goals that are misaligned with what we really want. Everyone has started a process, only to figure out half-way through that they no longer want what they were originally aiming for. At that point, we base our decision on the process: if the process is still enjoyable, we will continue, but if not, we will give up and focus our energy on something more fruitful. In doing so we are rejecting the Bisy Backson, and instead Enjoying the Process.
Lastly, the belief that Everyone is Special. Unlike modern society, which focuses on a few "special" elites (movie stars and the like), and influences us to think that unless we accomplish something great we are not good enough, Taoism teaches that Everyone is Special in one way or another. The trick is to begin by appreciating who you are and to work within your own strengths and weaknesses (wink, wink, Inner Nature). Who hasn't embarked upon an endeavor in life (be it a job, a vacation, or a relationship) only to discover that it runs counter to our own nature? Although it can be challenging to jump ship and move to a path, the reward is a sense of happiness in what we are doing. When we follow our Inner Nature, we can lead a more productive life, and discover what it is that makes us Special.
The trick when reading something like this is to not just shrug it off as an antiquated eastern philosophy that has no relevance in our modern western society. Instead, the purpose is to analyze the knowledge that is being presented, and adapt it to our current lives in order to better them. But first we need to be open and willing to accept that someone else might have gotten it right, and that we as a society might have gotten it wrong. With reference to The Tao of Pooh, we need to perceive that it is the presence of Taoist principles that helps to explain the innate appeal of a favorite literary character. In our own lives, we need to realize that the benefits of Taoism are already exemplified in our everyday experiences. We don't need to change who we are; we just need to find what is already there, and let it thrive.
