Reflections on the Tao Te Ching Chapter 10

In holding the soul and embracing oneness
Can one be steadfast, without straying?
In concentrating the energy and reaching relaxation
Can one be like an infant?
In cleaning away the worldly view
Can one be without imperfections?
In loving the people and ruling the nation
Can one be without manipulation?
In the heavenly gate's opening and closing
Can one hold to the feminine principle?
In understanding clearly all directions
Can one be without intellectuality?
Bearing it, rearing it
Bearing without possession
Achieving without arrogance
Raising without domination
This is called the Mystic Virtue

Source: taoism.net/tao-te-ching-online-translation

I asked the questions. What follows are the answers I was given.
What is mystic virtue? The great mystery – being open to something that is beyond ourselves, greater than anything the human mind can imagine.
Does it require effort? Yes it does but not in a pushy, striving kind of way. The effort required involves coming back to the present moment when the mind has wandered. It is possible to make it easier by reducing input and minimising distractions. Make time for regular reflection and meditation – that takes some effort especially in today’s busy world. You may think ‘What’s the point?’ initially. However after a while you won’t want to go back to your old ways and if you do accidentally slip into them you will find that they are so painful you never even want to go there again. Such is the pain of growth. Others may not understand it at first but if you keep the faith they will come to the awareness for themselves or they may simply disappear from your life.
What about uniting the body and spirit? How does one do that? There is nothing to be united. That they are two separate entities is an illusion, non-duality. At first you may try to unite them – this is the process of integration, bringing everything back together into a whole. You may try and separate them but by working on the body the spirit evolves and vice versa. You don’t even have to believe it. Nature takes care of itself. That is the ‘mysterious nature.’ It simply ‘is.’ That is its essence. There is no need to try and intellectualise it – it can’t be explained in words. Embody it. Feel it. Don’t try to figure it out – it will only blow your mind. Keep practising – effort without effort – that is the paradox. Let it flow and don’t try to force anything. Stay calm and centred. Be in the present moment for that is all there is now and forever.