Embracing Life and Transformation

As I pen these reflections at the close of another year, I find myself standing in the circle of self-discovery and transformation. It has been a little over two years since my initial post, Confessions of a Workaholic, and the journey since then has been nothing short of humbling but enlightening. Two principles drawn from Lao Tzu's teaching of the Tao illuminate a path of profound personal growth for me: "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished," and "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." 

The first principle, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished," taught me to be patient and mindful in aligning with the natural rhythm of life. I need to recognize that nature achieves remarkable feats without haste and that instead of always being in a rush, I need to adopt a patient and consistent approach to personal growth, appreciating the journey and trusting the process.  

As a result, I made a conscious decision to cut back my working schedule by over half. I am no longer driven solely by the need to constantly achieve—as a doctor, writer, teacher, and with my various endeavors. I relinquished the pressure to write a new book each year. Instead, I chose to invest time in revising and updating my bestselling book, Secrets of Longevity, slated for release in the fall of 2024.

Time has become a companion rather than a relentless taskmaster, allowing me to savor each moment without rushing to accomplish the next. One significant shift has been stopping the achievement checklist that has accompanied me since I was 18. This comprehensive list, outlining yearly and decade-long goals leading to when I am a hundred, served as a roadmap for my ambitions of over 40 years. Yet, in letting go of this deliberate approach, I discovered the freedom to immerse myself in the present, relinquishing the compulsion to achieve constantly.

Life has a remarkable way of imparting wisdom through the experiences of others, particularly my cancer patients, whose poignant stories regularly remind me of the fragility and preciousness of life. Their lessons echo a simple truth: each moment must be savored and embraced, not merely endured in a relentless pursuit of constantly doing instead of living. 

The second principle, "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be," taught me to release my present identity—my ego as a doctor, writer, and teacher to embrace the vast potential of what I could be. I had to let go of preconceptions and limiting beliefs, open myself up to transformative possibilities, and develop a new mindset conducive to my ongoing evolution. 

I now spend my days working part-time, caring for patients, walking our beloved dog Bodhi, spending more time with family, immersing myself in poetry, meditation, making food, and being in nature. Embracing the simple joy of getting a full 8-hours of sleep nightly has been transformative. Upon waking up, the sense of refreshment and energy starkly contrasts the fatigue that once clouded my days on a mere 5-hour sleep cycle. I am open to new possibilities that life presents. 

I did step temporarily into the role of Interim President at Yo San University, our integrative medical school bearing my grandfather's namesake, which has added a new dimension to my life. However, the day-to-day operations are in the capable hands of our new CEO, Dr. Robert Hoffman, which has enabled me to focus on strategy, advising, and coaching. I still travel the world to speak and conduct retreats, but the pace has slowed considerably. Instead of flying across the globe with a 3-day turnaround with little to no sleep, I take time and enjoy the journey. 

While the path to my evolution is not without challenges, I acknowledge the old habits that die hard. Like any addiction, the call to be busy and achieve beckons instead of just being. Yet, in these moments, I am reminded to be grateful for the lessons life, patients, students, family, and friends have generously shared with me. Integrating Lao Tzu's profound teaching has taught me to embrace the journey, find value in both challenges and gains and understand that true transformation is a dynamic process that requires patience and unfolds over time. 

As I stand on the threshold of a new year, I carry these lessons forward, aspiring to be more consistent in being present and accepting. The journey is ongoing, and I embrace it with gratitude for the transformative power of the Tao and the richness that a life well-lived offers. 

Wishing you and yours joy, health and peace during the holiday season! 

Dr. Mao Shing Ni