This returning to their root is what we call the state of stillness.

Excerpt

The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. All things alike go through their processes of activity, and (then) we see them return (to their original state). When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its root. This returning to their root is what we call the state of stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting that they have fulfilled their appointed end. The report of that fulfilment is the regular, unchanging rule.

Source Tao Te King, chapter 16 · 📖 Read the full passage

✨ To meditate on today

According to Lao Tzu, all things, after flourishing, return to their root, and this return to rest is in reality a return to true life. Today, take a real pause in your day, without screens or noise, like a plant returning to its root, and feel life renewing itself in you.

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