Searching back through archives for some process design ideas and came across this reminder of the value of inviting people to sit in the silence, the stillness. From Stephen Mitchell’s 2006 translation of the Tao de Ching, Chapter 15:
Tao Te Ching #15
The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.
Their wisdom was unfathomable.
There is no way to describe it;
all we can describe is their appearance.
They were careful
as someone crossing an iced-over stream.
Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapeable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water.
Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself?
The Master doesn’t seek fufillment.
Not seeking, not expecting,
she is present, and can welcome all things
This is the powerful part, for me in this moment: Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself? Good, courageous invitation to remember.
