The Valley by Dr. Andre Muhammad

We should realize the importance of knowing opposites. A healthy knowledge of two seemingly opposite positions gives one a broader understanding of the whole. As with the mountain and the valley, there is a mountain top and a valley. When one achieves a lofty position, he/she may feel that he/she has made to the top of the mountain. Yet, when a person is considered at his/her lowest point, they are considered to be in the lowest valley.

In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu recommends identifying with the valley on a regular basis. This predisposition may be the result of Lao Tzu recognizing the safety that is provided at the base of the mountain as compared to the uncertainty of the mountain top. Though the view can be extravagant at the mountain top, it can also be very unsafe, as it is perceived as the highest point. When analyzing the highest point of the mountain top, there is no place to go but down. Perhaps this is wisdom for a society in which everyone strives to be and come out on top.

Peace and blessings!