There was something that finished chaos, born before Heaven and Earth.

This quote speaks to the concept of a primordial essence or entity that existed before the creation of heaven and earth, and was responsible for bringing order to chaos. In essence, it’s referring to the concept of the Tao, or ‘the way’, which is central to Taoist philosophy. Tao is often described as the natural order of the universe, an underlying flow or principle that governs all things. It is the force or energy that turned chaos into the ordered world as we know it.

The ‘something’ that Laozi speaks of is not a physical entity, but rather an intangible force or principle. It’s a concept that transcends our usual understanding of time and space, as it existed ‘before Heaven and Earth’. This can be seen as a metaphor for the idea that the Tao, or this natural order, is not something that was created or can be destroyed, but is eternal and ever-present.

Applying this idea to today’s world or personal development, we might interpret it as the notion that there is a natural order or flow to life that we can align ourselves with. In the midst of what may seem like chaos – be it in the world at large or in our personal lives – there is an underlying order and purpose. By tuning into this, we can navigate challenges more effectively and live in a more harmonious and balanced way.

In practical terms, this might mean letting go of our need to control every aspect of our lives and instead learning to ‘go with the flow’. It might mean trusting in the process of life, even when things seem uncertain or chaotic. It could also mean recognizing that there is a greater force or principle at work in our lives – one that we can align with, rather than resist. This can lead to a sense of peace, balance, and fulfillment.