There is no individuality in this world. All things are connected as one. When nature acts, it does not cherry pick. There are no classes or hierarchies in nature. It is best to be impartial just as the universe is. Detaching from outcomes and creation is the ultimate way of being. Manifestations only occur with labels and opposites occur with naming. If all things were nameless, there would only be the now.

Get Over Yourself 

Original version of The Tao Te Ching The Tao Te Ching is fundamental to the Taoist school of Chinese philosophy and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Taoism but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, aided by hundreds of translations into Western languages.

books

Books

In what may be the most faithful translation of the Tao Te Ching, the translators have captured the terse, enigmatic beauty of the original masterpiece without embellishing it with personal interpretation or bogging it down with explanatory notes. By stepping out of the way and letting the original text speak for itself, they deliver a powerfully direct experience of the Tao Te Ching that is a joy to come back to again and again. And for the first time in any translation of the Tao Te Ching, now you can interact with the text to experience for yourself the nuanced art of translating. In each of the eighty-one chapters, one significant line has been highlighted and alongside it are the original Chinese characters with their transliteration. You can then turn to the glossary and translate this line on your own, thereby deepening your understanding of the original text and of the myriad ways it can be translated into English. Complementing the text are twenty-three striking ink paintings brushed by Stephen Addiss and an introduction by the esteemed Asia scholar Burton Watson.

Lao Tzu is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Lao Tzu has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Lao Tzu's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching

Often looked upon as the softer of the two, the idea of holding to the feminine actually takes more strength than the former. You can think of the masculine as moving forward with persistence or simply being active where the feminine can be described as tranquil, calm, or yielding. Knowing the way forward and persisting takes grit but overtime people have become unbalanced in its conquest giving way to corruption and chaos.

Know The Masculine, Hold To The Feminine (Part 1)

By holding on to the feminine and staying centered, one cannot stray away from their innate being. The mind goes from motion to rest seamlessly and when these mental gates open and close we have to remember to remain calm and observe the active mind instead of acting on the coming and going of thoughts. Knowing the way and forcing a way are extremely different takes on traveling through life.

Know The Masculine, Hold To The Feminine (Part 2)

Learn the ability of moving forward by staying still 

In what may be the most faithful translation of the Tao Te Ching, the translators have captured the terse, enigmatic beauty of the original masterpiece without embellishing it with personal interpretation or bogging it down with explanatory notes. By stepping out of the way and letting the original text speak for itself, they deliver a powerfully direct experience of the Tao Te Ching that is a joy to come back to again and again. And for the first time in any translation of the Tao Te Ching, now you can interact with the text to experience for yourself the nuanced art of translating. In each of the eighty-one chapters, one significant line has been highlighted and alongside it are the original Chinese characters with their transliteration. You can then turn to the glossary and translate this line on your own, thereby deepening your understanding of the original text and of the myriad ways it can be translated into English. Complementing the text are twenty-three striking ink paintings brushed by Stephen Addiss and an introduction by the esteemed Asia scholar Burton Watson.

mindfulness

Mindfulness

After returning home from a day spent outdoors at the river, I experienced extreme gratitude. When we spend time in nature our brains enter a different mode of operation which can help build the resources needed to think, create, process information, and execute tasks. Since there is a shift in the mind which enters into an active, meditative state, we can process the NOW more efficiently. More time spend outdoors equals greater contentment in our lives. Try the 20-5-3 method.20 minutes 3x/week outdoors, 5 hours/month in a park or park like environment, and 3 days/year camping in the wild.

Nature Of Being Outdoors 

Being present can help you control your actions with greater precision. Spending time outdoors opens the avenue for clearer thoughts and contentment with how your life is striving forward without attachment to any result. 