One question that keeps unfolding for me lately is: What is the difference between intelligence and true wisdom?

I came across this in Francis Pring-Mill’s book, In Harmony with the Tao. He writes, “The first applies to how well you know others, and the second to how well you know yourself.”

How well do you know yourself? This is something that is unfolding for me every day. Especially as I enter a new decade of my life this fall.

Isn’t it funny how we think we know what’s best for our loved ones, colleagues at work, our community, maybe even the world at large?

And yet, when someone asks us the simple question, “What makes your heart sing?”—can you feel your heart expand as you share your truth? Do you have an answer? Or does it begin with, “I’ll be happy when…” which I believe never comes, because the now, present moment is all that exists.

Have you ever paused to ask where you’re truly headed—or when you expect to “arrive”? Sometimes we don’t know, yet we carry on all the same.

Which reminds me of the famous quote by Albert Einstein, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.”

Happiness, peace, and serenity are not the byproduct of anything or anybody in the outside world—they are the result of knowing and mastering our self.

How do we do that?

I can only speak for me, and it’s a variety of things; here are a few:

• Listening to my intuition—that quiet voice within. Truth lies within, not without.
• Sitting in silence.
• Connecting with nature and grounding my bare feet to the earth each day.
• Being part of a community that supports and uplifts.
• Taking spontaneous dance breaks while cleaning.
• Having the courage to not be so damn busy.

As you may or may not know, I recently returned from spending time with a dear friend in Portugal, where he lives. What struck me most about Portugal was the rhythm of life—unhurried, kind, and present. Meals stretch into hours, and phones stay tucked away. People are simply there with one another.

To me this is Tai Chi. Staying centered and present, looking inward. My place is to dwell in the center and learn to master my self.

As I reflect on this journey, I return often to Chapter 33 of the Tao Te Ching. I’ll leave it with you here to sit with, as I do.

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.

If you realize that you have enough
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center
and embrace death with your whole heart,
You will endure forever.