In TCM, we often speak about humans being part of the interconnected whole—the web of life—that includes all of Nature’s creations, from the tiniest ants to the cosmos themselves. This quote from Albert Einstein calls us to understand the simplicity and complexity of it all.

“A human being is a part of a whole, called by us, “universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest … a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” – Albert Einstein

We truly are just a small part of the larger whole. We, ourselves, are Qi—the living, breathing energy that animates and connects us with all other beings, and the sun, moon, and stars. Once we view our bodies, thoughts, and emotions as Qi, we begin to see everything around us as Qi as well. In this view, we are one in the same, sharing this earthly home for the time we are given. And as Einstein shares, it is our role to embrace all living beings, so that we may experience Nature’s true beauty.