That’s my wish for all of us. Greetings and Happy New Year. Is your new year off to a good start? I’m spending some time this weekend enjoying a walk through the garden, and that almost always brings me peace and happiness. And since this is January, it also gets me fired up with ideas. Being the planner that I am, New Years Day is becoming my favorite holiday. I love using this time to think about the plans and…
tao 22
January 9, 2020Welcome (or welcome back) to the weekly edition of my very informal Tao te Ching study. It was nice to take a holiday break and I am glad to be back. If you would like a bit more information on this project, here is a link that describes what it is all about. All are welcome to join in with comments and I invite to you to share your thoughts. If you came just for the gardening tips (I feel…
tao 21
December 5, 2019Despite the lack of gardening posts, I’m back with the latest Tao te Ching post; namely chapter 21. This is one of those iconic Tao chapters. I like that it tells us we only need to look inside and we will see (ie understand the Tao). Simple, not easy though. I think meditation is called for. Speaking of meditation, one of my personal goals for 2020 is to begin and maintain a meditation practice. I went ahead and started early (today)…
tao 20
November 28, 2019The weekly Tao te Ching post, for chapter 20. This one is considerably longer than most of the others so far. I am having a hard time getting on board with this one. Just go along aimlessly, with no cares, no possessions, not even a purpose. I mean, I can totally dig “let it go,” keeping your mind free and open, not getting too caught up in anything; but this chapter seems to take it to the extreme. For example,…
tao 19
November 21, 2019Greetings! This week we are covering chapter 19 of the Tao te Ching. If you’d like some background on this little project of mine, please take a look at this page. Then come back here and join in the conversation. All are welcome! In fact, I would love to read some comments, it’s getting lonely over here! This chapter is another very short one. I feel like it is geared towards leaders and those in positions of authority; however, I think…
tao 18
November 14, 2019Welcome to another week of the Tao te Ching. We are looking at chapter 18 this week. I really don’t know what to say about this chapter. It seems as if it’s saying (in a nutshell), “when everything goes to sh$t, good things come about as a result.” Messy and chaotic. For instance, from the Mitchell version: “When there is no peace in the family, filial piety begins.” Or, the same line from the Jankel version: “When there is conflict…
tao 17
November 7, 2019Welcome to another round of Thoughtful Thursday. Today, it’s time for chapter 17 of the Tao te Ching. This chapter puts forth some thoughts on leadership; specifically, that the most effective leaders are the ones who go unnoticed, as expressed in the first line of the Mitchell version: “When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists.” It goes on further to list the second best (loved), third best (feared), and last (despised) types of leader. I…
tao 16
October 31, 2019Although I am away this week, there is always time for the Tao te Ching. This week I am reading chapter 16. This chapter tells me to Be at One. At one with the source At one with all beings At one with life At one with death I’m trying to quiet my mind to get there, and I have to say, as always, that being outside in the natural world is the only way I can accomplish this. We…
tao 15
October 24, 2019I love this chapter describing the ancient Masters of the Tao. The descriptions in all three of the versions I am reading make them sound (to me) like a cross of Jedi, Mother Nature, the Buddha, and a tiny bit of Catwoman thrown in. All-knowing, cautious, fluid, patient, open, unpretentious. I think they must’ve taken the wait and see approach to life. Staying open, adjusting course when needed, doing the next right thing. Careful in their actions and keeping a…
tao 14
October 17, 2019Thank you to those who’ve expressed interest recently in the very informal study I’m doing on the Tao te Ching. All are welcome and invited to read this ancient book along with me and I would love to hear your thoughts as we go. Please use the comment section below if so inclined. I am up to Chapter 14 this week. This chapter starts by describing to us how elusive the Tao is. It cannot be seen, heard, or felt.…
