The universe moves in preset patterns that allow all to work in harmony. These same patterns can be applied to the movement of planets and the activities of cells. Because human beings have free will, we can manage our lives in alignment with these patterns for the best outcomes for ourselves, our society, and the earth. Or we can go against them and create chaos.
I’ve identified three patterns for living well with others while achieving your life goals. These patterns are universal laws that speak of how to balance seemingly opposing forces or qualities. They are reflections of the cosmic mind. Some traditions call such laws the Tao, or the Way. They are:
1. Revolution vs. Rotation
2. Centripetal vs. Centrifugal
3. Fairness vs. Equality
The order in which the qualities are written for each law is important. The quality that is written first is also first in importance.
In this blog post, I would like to address the first law: Revolution vs. Rotation. Please look for explanations of the next two laws in upcoming blog posts.
As you may remember from your school science classes, revolution is the movement of one body around a central body, such as the earth around the sun. As the earth or another planet revolves, it also
rotates around its own central axis. Revolution is the movement toward a shared goal or central standard of value, while rotation is personal, individual growth.
Both motions happen simultaneously, and one cannot happen without the other. As you may already know, big changes come from changing yourself first.
Yet, revolution has greater weight because without it, you are just spinning around yourself without going anywhere or creating a larger change. If you put your own self-interest before the collective good, in the end you are also hurting yourself.
The same rule applies to a cell in your body. If one cell proliferates uncontrollably, it can damage the whole body until the body can no longer function. Similarly, if a multinational company only acts in its own self-interest, and in the process causes pollution and negative market effects, eventually the damage to its social and physical environment will become so great it becomes damaged as well.
The axis around which you as an individual rotates is your conscience, what I also call your true self or your soul. This is your inner guidance system.
The central sun or value I believe we as individuals, societies, and nations should revolve around is the earth. Our planet is currently the ultimate environment on which we depend and on which we have an effect. What is
good for the earth is also good for all of the beings that inhabit it.
Connecting with the earth regularly will keep you revolving on the best path.
However, you may sometimes feel tension between your personal wants and needs and that of the collective. At those times, I suggest you to look deeper.
Look deep in your heart to your conscience. That pure energy that is your true self is the same kind of energy that exists in all other things. It is always in harmony with everything and desires the best for everyone. Your conscience will let you know how to keep rotating while still revolving—how to keep growing yourself while working harmoniously for the benefit of all.