Don’t Try

In the documentary mini-series Long Strange Trip about the Grateful Dead, bass guitarist Phil Lesh mentions that anytime he would try to tell lead singer and guitarist Jerry Garcia about any of his own ideas for the band, Jerry would tell Phil, "Don't try to do anything with the Grateful Dead." What Jerry meant was, don't try to force anything. Jerry saw the Grateful Dead as a manifestation of the Tao—a force that was always unfolding perfectly on its own without interference. To try to implant one's own ambitions on the Grateful Dead would be a misinterpretation of what the band represented.

Is there a situation in your life you can approach with a lighter touch? Perhaps a project that you can allow to unfold rather than try to force into place? Write it in the space provided on this printable poster and hang it beside your desk or work space. Let it serve as a reminder not to try to DO anything, just be.