Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Day 25: A Myth About Taoism
For me, the biggest myth I have encountered about the Tao is that the concepts are difficult to understand. Many guru style leaders would have you believe the paradox of Taoism requires special education or training to understand (most then charge you for such classes or workshops).
I would point these people to the first line of verse 70 of the Tao Te Ching.
"My words are easy to understand, easy to practice."
The verse explains that trying too hard to understand the Tao actually hinders the understanding of it. The Tao is not flashy or attention getting, it is simple and straight forward.
I would point these people to the first line of verse 70 of the Tao Te Ching.
"My words are easy to understand, easy to practice."
The verse explains that trying too hard to understand the Tao actually hinders the understanding of it. The Tao is not flashy or attention getting, it is simple and straight forward.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Day 24: Something that Challenged your Taoist Belief
Without a doubt, the thing in my life that has challenged every belief I have is the last 4 years battling with infertility. Perhaps because I am still in the midst of the fight, I still have days where it overwhelms me and causes me to lose faith in everything.
About 1.5 years into my battle, I had all but forgotten faith of any kind. I just couldn't be bothered with any sort of belief that supported my inability to have a family. I told a friend as much, and she responded by pointing out that faith is easy when things are going well, but when things aren't going well is when faith is truly tested. I took her words to heart and began reading the Tao Te Ching again. Only 5 verses in, I read something that would completely change how I looked at my infertility.
Up until that point, I assumed that this infertility was a punishment of some kind. I agonized over what act I had committed that was so horrible as to warrant denying me a family that I yearned for so deeply. This was amplified by watching (what seemed like) everyone and their dog accidentally getting pregnant all around me. I cried as the next person I deemed "unworthy" announced they were pregnant, and I remained barren as ever.
The 5th verse of the Tao Te Ching explains that nature (or the universe if you prefer) is neutral. It is not a judge, rewarding and punishing the behavior of each of us based on our actions. I found great comfort in realizing that these new mothers were not deemed more worthy than me, they simply randomly drew a different set of circumstances than I had. Once I got past this, dealing with the infertility became much easier. Honestly, I still have bad days, those times of self-pity, but I no longer play over my life wondering why I'm being punished, and I don't dwell on the "worthiness" of those who got their family easily.
About 1.5 years into my battle, I had all but forgotten faith of any kind. I just couldn't be bothered with any sort of belief that supported my inability to have a family. I told a friend as much, and she responded by pointing out that faith is easy when things are going well, but when things aren't going well is when faith is truly tested. I took her words to heart and began reading the Tao Te Ching again. Only 5 verses in, I read something that would completely change how I looked at my infertility.
Up until that point, I assumed that this infertility was a punishment of some kind. I agonized over what act I had committed that was so horrible as to warrant denying me a family that I yearned for so deeply. This was amplified by watching (what seemed like) everyone and their dog accidentally getting pregnant all around me. I cried as the next person I deemed "unworthy" announced they were pregnant, and I remained barren as ever.
The 5th verse of the Tao Te Ching explains that nature (or the universe if you prefer) is neutral. It is not a judge, rewarding and punishing the behavior of each of us based on our actions. I found great comfort in realizing that these new mothers were not deemed more worthy than me, they simply randomly drew a different set of circumstances than I had. Once I got past this, dealing with the infertility became much easier. Honestly, I still have bad days, those times of self-pity, but I no longer play over my life wondering why I'm being punished, and I don't dwell on the "worthiness" of those who got their family easily.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Day 23: A Great Taoist Resource
I have to say that my favorite Taoist Resource has recently become a forum known as The Teahouse 2.0.
There are a lot of posts to filter through, and people of all levels of Tao cultivation. The best part is, they tend to be supportive and understanding in nature, traits that go hand in hand with Taoism for me. When I got tired of the talking circles and questioning your question interactions on other Taoist forums or groups, the Tea House was a breath of fresh air. They talk about a myriad of topics, and are free with suggesting resources to help others gain knowledge as well. A great community.
There are a lot of posts to filter through, and people of all levels of Tao cultivation. The best part is, they tend to be supportive and understanding in nature, traits that go hand in hand with Taoism for me. When I got tired of the talking circles and questioning your question interactions on other Taoist forums or groups, the Tea House was a breath of fresh air. They talk about a myriad of topics, and are free with suggesting resources to help others gain knowledge as well. A great community.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Day 22: Favorite Lieh-Tzu Quotes
So I must admit that I am not familiar with the works of Lieh-Tzu, another master of the Tao. I have not found his works at the bookstores, and haven't yet delved deep enough to order one from an online resource. That being said, I have to trust that these quotes are actually from him, but both are great quotes either way.
“To be truly happy and contented, you must let go of the idea of what it means to be truly happy or content. ”
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."
“To be truly happy and contented, you must let go of the idea of what it means to be truly happy or content. ”
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."
Friday, May 4, 2012
Day 21: A Tao Te Ching Verse that is Relevant to you Right Now
I am currently being comforted and contemplating the 5th verse of the Tao Te Ching. Let me give you two translations.
Version 1:
Nature is not kind;
It treats all things impartially.
The Sage is not kind,
And treats all people impartially.
Nature is like a bellows,
Empty, yet never ceasing its supply.
The more it moves, the more it yields;
So the sage draws upon experience
And cannot be exhausted.
- Verse 5, based on multiple translations
Version 2:
Heaven and Earth are impartial
And regard myriad things as straw dogs
The sages are impartial
And regard people as straw dogs
The space between Heaven and Earth
Is it not like a bellows?
Empty, and yet never exhausted
It moves, and produces more
Too many words hasten failure
Cannot compare to keeping quiet
-Verse 5, Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained by Derek Lin, Skylight Illuminations.
FYI - Straw dogs were little dog figurines made out of straw that were discarded after use.
The impartiality of nature (or heavens and earth) is something that brings great comfort to me in times of grief and hardship. As opposed to many religions that teach you that things happen as a result of your actions and only being a good follower will save you from tragedies, this verse suggests that good and bad things happen randomly, not by divine choice. This helps me when trying to figure out why death finds some so quickly and others so slowly. And personally, why life finds some quickly and others slowly.
I also really love Lin's translation of the last line.
Version 1:
Nature is not kind;
It treats all things impartially.
The Sage is not kind,
And treats all people impartially.
Nature is like a bellows,
Empty, yet never ceasing its supply.
The more it moves, the more it yields;
So the sage draws upon experience
And cannot be exhausted.
- Verse 5, based on multiple translations
Version 2:
Heaven and Earth are impartial
And regard myriad things as straw dogs
The sages are impartial
And regard people as straw dogs
The space between Heaven and Earth
Is it not like a bellows?
Empty, and yet never exhausted
It moves, and produces more
Too many words hasten failure
Cannot compare to keeping quiet
-Verse 5, Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained by Derek Lin, Skylight Illuminations.
FYI - Straw dogs were little dog figurines made out of straw that were discarded after use.
The impartiality of nature (or heavens and earth) is something that brings great comfort to me in times of grief and hardship. As opposed to many religions that teach you that things happen as a result of your actions and only being a good follower will save you from tragedies, this verse suggests that good and bad things happen randomly, not by divine choice. This helps me when trying to figure out why death finds some so quickly and others so slowly. And personally, why life finds some quickly and others slowly.
I also really love Lin's translation of the last line.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Day 20: Favorite Tai Chi Movement
I enjoy Tai Chi very much. I wish there was a place near me to learn from a master, but I haven't found one. I guess small town Iowa is not the best place for such things. This means that I depend on videos for most of my learning. I'm sure there's more to the experience than I am currently getting, but you do what you can.
So far, my favorite Tai Chi movement is perhaps one of the simplest. Scott Cole refers to it as Monkey Bear. It basically involves letting your arms hang limply at your sides and then swinging them back and forth using their own momentum. It's simple, but I feel the energy flowing when I do, it's a pretty cool feeling.
So far, my favorite Tai Chi movement is perhaps one of the simplest. Scott Cole refers to it as Monkey Bear. It basically involves letting your arms hang limply at your sides and then swinging them back and forth using their own momentum. It's simple, but I feel the energy flowing when I do, it's a pretty cool feeling.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Day 19: A Lesson Learned From Animals
This is an interesting task, deciding on a lesson that can be learned from animals. So many people I know view animals as inferior beings not worthy of our notice. I happen to be an animal lover, owner of two of the most spoiled kitties you will ever meet (my furkids!). I truly believe that there are many lessons of Taoism that can be learned by observing nature, especially animals.
A lesson I am in the process of learning has to do with self identity. I look at my cat and realize that she is perfectly content to be the cat she is. I don't see her longing to be thinner or wishing to have longer hair, etc. She is just a cat and is content with that. I highly doubt she ever wonders if she is a good cat, or if her life has been worthwhile, or even what others may think of her actions.
We as people tend to identify ourselves with these types of labels. They may be necessary for certain parts of life, but in my own head, can I just be a person without regards to these labels? Nature says I can. As I sit here, unemployed, unsure of myself, and childless, I often get down on myself. I wonder if I am a good person, if I am worthy of having those things, or what others will think if I don't get a job soon.
Today I will take a lesson from my cat. I will attempt to be who I am in that moment, and not worry about the rest.
A lesson I am in the process of learning has to do with self identity. I look at my cat and realize that she is perfectly content to be the cat she is. I don't see her longing to be thinner or wishing to have longer hair, etc. She is just a cat and is content with that. I highly doubt she ever wonders if she is a good cat, or if her life has been worthwhile, or even what others may think of her actions.
We as people tend to identify ourselves with these types of labels. They may be necessary for certain parts of life, but in my own head, can I just be a person without regards to these labels? Nature says I can. As I sit here, unemployed, unsure of myself, and childless, I often get down on myself. I wonder if I am a good person, if I am worthy of having those things, or what others will think if I don't get a job soon.
Today I will take a lesson from my cat. I will attempt to be who I am in that moment, and not worry about the rest.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Day 18: A Way You Try to Exemplify Humility
Humility is an amazing trait that I hope to exemplify one day, though I know I have a long way to go to get there. As of now, I think the best way I show humility is in my willingness to learn and grow. I am constantly trying to change myself for the better, acknowledging room for improvement. I also avoid boasting whenever possible, as I've never been a fan of arrogance.
In my opinion, there is a self-confidence that goes along with humility that I am sincerely lacking in. When meditating, I refer to this version of humility as quiet confidence. This has been a goal of my Tao cultivation for over a year, and although I've made some good strides, there is a lot of room left to go.
In my opinion, there is a self-confidence that goes along with humility that I am sincerely lacking in. When meditating, I refer to this version of humility as quiet confidence. This has been a goal of my Tao cultivation for over a year, and although I've made some good strides, there is a lot of room left to go.
Monday, April 30, 2012
A Complaint Free World
Recently I heard about an organization known as Complaint Free World, their website isn't totally functional at the moment, but its enough to give you the gist.
Most people realize that complaining isn't a good thing, but this organization is dedicated to creating a world where complaining is no longer the norm. I picked up Will Bowen's audio book on the subject, and I decided I was going to go for it.
The challenge is this. Put a bracelet (they sell purple bracelets for the purpose but any will do) on either wrist. Each time you catch yourself complaining, criticizing or gossiping, switch the bracelet to the other hand. This will make you aware of just how much of this negative activity you participate in. The goal is to make it 21 days with the bracelet remaining on the same wrist, meaning not a single complaint in that entire time. The reason is, it takes 21 days to make a habit, so if you succeed, you have broken the habit of complaining.
I haven't purchased one of their bracelets (thought being purple makes me more likely to) so I opted for a blue Ravenclaw bracelet that I got at the release of the final Harry Potter book. It's made of the same material, so I figure it will serve the purpose well enough. If I see a purple one for sale at a gas station or something, I may pick it up, but the bracelet's not really the point.
The people who have succeeded in this challenge, are happier, more peaceful, and more content than they were when they started. I'm hoping if this challenge works for me, it will also work for others whom I care about.
Wish me luck!
Day 1.
Most people realize that complaining isn't a good thing, but this organization is dedicated to creating a world where complaining is no longer the norm. I picked up Will Bowen's audio book on the subject, and I decided I was going to go for it.
The challenge is this. Put a bracelet (they sell purple bracelets for the purpose but any will do) on either wrist. Each time you catch yourself complaining, criticizing or gossiping, switch the bracelet to the other hand. This will make you aware of just how much of this negative activity you participate in. The goal is to make it 21 days with the bracelet remaining on the same wrist, meaning not a single complaint in that entire time. The reason is, it takes 21 days to make a habit, so if you succeed, you have broken the habit of complaining.
I haven't purchased one of their bracelets (thought being purple makes me more likely to) so I opted for a blue Ravenclaw bracelet that I got at the release of the final Harry Potter book. It's made of the same material, so I figure it will serve the purpose well enough. If I see a purple one for sale at a gas station or something, I may pick it up, but the bracelet's not really the point.
The people who have succeeded in this challenge, are happier, more peaceful, and more content than they were when they started. I'm hoping if this challenge works for me, it will also work for others whom I care about.
Wish me luck!
Day 1.
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