From an interpretation of the Tao Te Ching
by S.J. "Peaceman" McGuire
Originally printed in the Fall 2010 issue of Quest magazine.
Citation: McGuire,S.J.. "The Tao of It." Quest 98. 4 (Fall 2010): 147-150.
1. it is
how can i explain it?
it goes beyond saying
it just is
it has been here all along
it is now
this is it
here is it
it is all around us
it is everywhere
it is everything
it is all there is
it is all it
it cannot be named
it is the name
consider it
it is even that which is not
it was even that which was not
it makes you wonder
that's about it
2. it is both
it is more than that
it is this and that
it is now and then
it is here and after
it is more or less
it is all or nothing
it is off and on
it is neither and both
it is either or
it rises and sets
it becomes what it is not
it knows what it needs to do
it is doing it
it comes and goes
it follows itself
it is one to the other
it is over when it's over
now you see it now you don't
it is not for us to say
it is as it does
it keeps on doing it
here it comes again
3. it's self
it's proof
it is self-evident
it is self-actuating
it happens all the time
there it is 'cause here it is
now it is this
keep it in perspective
think it over
let it go
it is not of us
it is us
we are not it
we are of it
let it be
it will come
it knows itself
it works itself out
4. it's all it ever was
same as it ever was
all it could ever be
as much as it needs
it's even where it's not
it's endless
it's beginningless
it's timeless
it doesn't matter where it comes from
don't dwell on it
it dwells in you
count on it
8. let it
it flows
it settles
it's self-leveling
it's happy where it is
it knows where to go
keep it connected
keep close with it
be fair about it
be generous with it
don't try to possess it
don't try to control it
don't try to own it
it's not for you to decide
it's for you to see
enjoy it
be good with it
be happy with it
it is working out for you
revel in it
it rests at your feet
10. as it may
can you do it?
will you do it?
how will it be for you?
will you allow it?
remember to remember it
let it happen
it's happening
go along with it
lift yourself up by it
take care of it
take care with it
watch and see how it goes
do it just because
don't take credit for it
18. it's like it knows what it's doing
is it any wonder?
it takes itself
it takes what it needs
it provides for itself
it has a way about it
it was so that it can be
it is so that it will be
it prepares for itself
it's self perpetuating
it's on purpose
it's self fulfilling
it pauses so it may resume
22. let it come to you
go through it
make way for it
have room for it
give in to it
be still for it
do it
save space for it
it's not for display
it's nothing to brag about
it shines
it speaks
it reveals itsself
how does it work?
it works its way
it validates itself
give it and it's yours
live it and you've got it
be it and it's you
25. it's the force behind the force
Jesus talked about it
Mohammad referred to it
in the beginning there was it
it was here before
it always was forever
it's calm and quiet
it's not
it begat it
it has been referred to as tao
it's not its real name
it flows throughout itself
it penetrates us
it binds us together
we are about it
it's great
its song is great
its word is great
it comes around to it
it is the gravity
it follows that it leads
it comes to this
it's before us
we ride upon it
26. rest in its might
it is where it comes from
we are from it
it's always the way
you must put it down to pick it up
you must step over it to get to it
why look for it beyond it
admire it from here
you have to let go of it to reach for it
don't you get it?
it's instinctual
you know it right now
33. it's all there within you
it's not about who or what
it's how
know it yourself
you master it as it masters you
having it is everything
with it there is you everlasting
it is to be embraced
it's enough is enough
it's to your heart's desire
it's what you've always wanted
it's from now on
37. all by itself
i didn't start it
it just got that way
it was already like that
if only we would do it
we could do it
it happens
it's all because of it
who feels it knows it
it is what's happening
it's how things get done
if we could just get it through our thick skulls
it's nothing to worry about
just like it is
46. there's no fear in it
take it to the limit
it's that we are safe
it's only scary without it
it's got your back
it's great when you've got it
it's a shame when we forget
danger has a way with it
it is nothing to be afraid of
try not to freak out over it
it's like being some kind of super hero
it's full on
live it
see through to it
it's the real deal
47. it doesn't take much
it's where it's at
to see it you need only to look at it
it's what you need for now
it's all you need to do it
it's effortless
it's where you find it
its less is more
it's where you put it
it's more already
it's there with you
it's a done deal
it's whether or not
it is anyway
as well it should be