#tao — Public Fediverse posts

The ten thousand things
Reflected in morning's dew
Then, vanishing

Only memories remain
Wayward thoughts returning
home

#tao
#zen
#tanka
#poetry
#buddhism

https://art.odicforcesounds.com/pages/OscarFM/index.html #SunWukong #Business #Asia #China #Japan #America #Movies #Stories #Music #industry #Dreams #Future #Generations #MonkeyKing #Monkey #King #challenge #Tao #Simplicity #Art #Subjectivity + #Objectivity = #Communication ... I feel this is a World Wide #Mission, that #God gave to me, but what is true is that, everything that I am doing, is by My Will, not God will. God have no Will, while it gives you Conscience!

https://art.odicforcesounds.com/pages/Data/Audio/Shamanic_Quest_Dream/tracks/02_We_Bring_Fire/index.html #Shamanic #Quest #Dream #Music #America #Asia #Africa #India #Europe #Russia #China #Japan #singapore #Dragons #Tigers #Monkeys #Zodiacs #Dao is the Path and #Tao the Condition. ;)

Steps to Cultivate a Mindful, Intentional Life

The benefits of intentional living are numerous and can significantly improve one’s overall well-being. By slowing down and appreciating the present moment, we reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and improve our relationships with others. Additionally, slow living can lead to greater purpose and fulfillment as we learn to prioritize what truly matters and let go of society’s unnecessary distractions and pressures. Embracing slow living can lead to a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.

Slowing Down My Mornings

I’ve been starting some of my mornings sitting in my backyard, gazing off into the woods

Listening to the birds, crickets, and other insects is a symphony of nature’s silence in its splendor

The gentle breeze stirs the leaves on the tree, as sunlight infuses them with a golden light, slowly shifting towards verdant green hues

I feel the soft breeze on my skin; a hint of coolness, subtleties of spring

My awareness rests upon delicate spiderwebs that shimmer as the sun catches and reflects minuscule worlds in each droplet of dew

I hear a hawk, more near now, searching for prey, as it glides silently above

There is so much promise in the morning light

Intentional Living

Living intentionally is a lifestyle that requires purposeful actions, thoughts, and feelings. It is a conscious effort to make choices that align with your values and goals. When you practice intentional or mindful living, you can significantly reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve relationships. To achieve this balance, you must set clear intentions, develop a holistic daily routine, practice mindfulness, and reflect on your actions and decisions. By doing so, you can create a more meaningful and satisfying life. Intentional living is a powerful tool that can help you attain balance and fulfillment in all aspects of your life.

Steps to Begin Living an Intentional Life

1. Define Your Values
   Identify what truly matters to you in life. Consider areas such as family, health, career, and personal growth.
2. Set Clear Intentions
   Establish specific, meaningful goals that align with your core values. Write them down to solidify your commitment.
3. Prioritize Your Time
   Focus on activities that support your intentions. Create a schedule that dedicates time to these priority tasks while eliminating distractions.
4. Practice Mindfulness
   Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling into your daily routine to enhance self-awareness.
5. Reflect Regularly
   Take time each week to reflect on your actions and decisions. Assess whether they align with your intentions and values, and make necessary adjustments.
6. Cultivate Gratitude
   Maintain a gratitude journal where you acknowledge positive aspects of your life. This practice helps you stay motivated and engaged.
7. Embrace Flexibility
   Understand that living intentionally is a journey. Be open to adapting your goals and routines as needed to stay aligned with your evolving self.
8. Seek Support
   Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and encourage your intentional living journey. Engage in communities that share your values.

By following these steps, you can start to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Personal Experience

I have been practicing intentional living on and off for decades; however, it is in the last 4.5 years that this practice has truly become an integral part of my daily life. The major shift that prompted this transformation occurred when I made the life-changing decision to stop drinking. Since then, I have embraced a way of being that is both deliberate yet yielding, allowing me to navigate life with a newfound sense of flexibility. There has been a softening in my approach to life that I’ve come to cherish deeply. I am more centered in my values, having gained a clearer understanding of the importance of setting healthy boundaries while also being open to new experiences. This has fostered a more lighthearted attitude, enabling me to fully live in the moment without the weight of past habits. I find renewed joy in the little things and an appreciation for the journey rather than just the destination.

Embracing Intentionality

I tend to reevaluate my values and intentions seasonally. The natural shift blends seamlessly with how I need to view life as an ever-changing flow of experiences and lessons. This past season, I carefully examined the time I spent on various tasks and habits throughout the day. How much time I was spending on my phone was disquieting, as it became a barrier to deeper interactions and meaningful activities.

A shift towards intentionality was required to regain focus on what truly matters. I decided to read more instead of scrolling or playing mindless games on the phone. To accomplish this, I installed the app Opal on my phone, which allows me to limit the time I spend on the phone or certain apps, transforming my relationship with technology. I went from an average of 7 hours a day on the phone down to 3.3 hours a day on average, gaining back years of my life. Now I have reclaimed time for hobbies, self-improvement, and spending quality moments with loved ones.

Naturalness

These small shifts can have a significant impact over time. When we practice intentional living, we align with our true nature. We begin to remember that we are a part of the Earth and her cycles, and we learn to flow with the pace of nature: patience.

What small steps can you take to move towards a more deliberate life, one open to experience, yet focused by healthy boundaries?

Meditation for Slowing Down

Try a delightful Morning Meditation. It cultivates a sense of calm and tranquility, helping you to gently ease into your day.

Additionally, if you wish to delve deeper into your meditation journey, you might find the Body Scan Meditation incredibly helpful for harmonizing your mind, body, and spirit. I hope this guides you toward peace and mindfulness throughout your day!

Discover the special origin of my Little Fox Wenzhi and his unique wisdom: While I was deep in the study of Taoism, this little fox appeared to help me translate ancient wisdom into the language of the heart. He sits beside us to explain the mysteries of the soul with a wise, gentle mind and a loving spirit.

Link in my profile to see more of my little fox Wenzhi’s videos
🌿
#wuwei #tao #meditation #innerpeace #daoism #stillness #mentalhealth #quotes #motivation

(video made with ai tools)

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】最終回！ラスダンから！やっと生まれた意味を知る　TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3MjRbBz03U

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】最終回！ラスダンから！やっと生まれた意味を知る　TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3MjRbBz03U

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】サブクエそして最終決戦へ？！初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElT1bcWn4fw

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】サブクエそして最終決戦へ？！初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElT1bcWn4fw

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】宝珠探し！ユリアシティへ！初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTyenSL3W5U

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

#7【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】シェリダンから！初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEHVz1Tqz3A

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

#6【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】イニスタ湿原から！初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy-f4vN9P6Y

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】シュレーの丘から！初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBYibGAf3Zo

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】ダアトから！初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGYGlXDPVFs

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPnxBktWBI

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

【テイルズ オブ ジアビス 】初めての生まれた意味を知るRPGをやってみる！TALES OF THE ABYSS【周防パトラ】
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPnxBktWBI

#youtube_Patra_Suou #Patra #パトラ #周防パトラ #Vtuber #バーチャルユーチューバー #アニメ #Anime #カワボ #萌え声 #アニメ声 #Gaming #雑談 #kawaii #テイルズ #Tales #of #TAO #ＰＳ２ #LEGENDIA #Tales_of #JRPG #GAME #Tales_series #カルマ #BUMP_OF_CHICKEN #テイルズ

Book review: “Taoism for Beginners” by Elizabeth Reninger

“The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.”

It’s almost a cliché to start any discussion of Taoism with a reference to the iconic first sentence of Tao Te Ching. Written by the legendary Chinese sage Lao Tzu (or by a diverse group of later followers around the 4th century BCE, as scholars now generally believe), this text remains one of the key sources on Taoism — an ancient Chinese synthesis of philosophy and religion based on the notion of living in harmony with the Tao, the ultimate principle behind all existence.

If you’ve heard of yin and yang, wu wei, qi gong or tai chi — these are all originally Taoist principles and practices. During the subsequent centuries, schools of Taoism merged and blended with Buddhism and Confucianism, adding to the cultural melting pot that was mediaeval China. Yet, there has always remained a distinctly Taoist element, recognisable in various — sometimes very subtle — differences from the other two religions / philosophies.

As with any ancient tradition with thousands of years of history and countless schools and sects, Taoism too can seem difficult to understand. Which is where introductory-level books come in handy! In this post I’ll present one that I’ve just finished reading, namely Elizabeth Reninger’s “Taoism for Beginners.”

Elizabeth Reninger is a freelance writer, poet and Taoist practitioner currently based in Boulder, Colorado. Her book “Taoism for Beginners,” subtitled Understanding and Applying Taoist History, Concepts, and Practices, is a slim volume consisting of the following seven chapters:

1. What is Taoism?
2. Core Concepts
3. Core Teachings
4. Approaches to Taoist Practice
5. Common Myths and Misconceptions
6. Taoist Schools and Lineages
7. Taoism Today

There’s also a useful reading list for further study, as well as the appendix at the back of the book. 

It‘s written in a casual, almost informal, style that may be helpful to those who are otherwised intimidated by the typically rigid strictures of academic writing. The author doesn’t ignore or skip over difficult or complicated topics, but she will simply point out that it takes years of consistent practice to full understand certain things. Fair enough, although I suspect some readers would have preferred a more thorough and slightly more detailed approach.

Is the brevity and lack of in-depth treatment of Taoism a weakness of this book? I think not, as it’s clearly aimed at total beginners who probably wouldn’t have benefitted from too much attention to detail and nuance. Reninger provides a clear and concise overview, with some practical advice for those who choose to spend more time exploring Taoism, ancient and/or modern. Having finished the book, I was definitely eager for more, which is a good sign!

I feel an important point here is that Taoism isn’t simply a school of thought and a matter of intellectual learning. It’s also an actual practice grounded in the body; the physical aspect of harmonizing with the Tao cannot be overestimated. No book can teach you qi gong, and no amount of theory can be a substitute for personal practice. (Needless to say, the same goes for other religions and their practices.)

This little book is something you’ll be able to finish in one or two sittings. It will provide you with the basics and offer a kind of roadmap for further exploration. It’s written in an unassuming and inviting way, that will at least spark some curiosity.

Four stars out of five.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Elizabeth Reninger (official website)

Taoism (entry in Encyclopaedia Britannica)

COVER IMAGE CREDIT

Front gate of the Yuanxuan Taoist Temple in Guangzhou, China. Fei Wang via Pexels.

NOTES

I’m a freelance language tutor (English, Latin, Classical Greek), researcher, and a literary scholar currently based in Belgrade, Serbia.  

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#bookReview #books #China #Daoism #philosophy #qiGong #religion #spirituality #taiChi #Tao #Taoism

✝️ Blind Faith with a Gnostic Deist — new reflection now live.

Jeremiah, Jonah, and Proverbs walk with us through judgment, surrender, and renewal.
Empires fall, storms calm, and faith endures the contraction.

✍️ New post drops 5 PM ET → https://open.substack.com/pub/wittgensteinsmonster/p/blind-faith-with-a-gnostic-deist-767?r=5zs6u&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#BlindFaith #Faith #Philosophy #GnosticDeist #Tao #Jeremiah #Jonah #Proverbs

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"Celui qui facilite les débuts se prépare à des lendemains d’autant plus difficiles."

"Le précepte à donner au peintre peut se formuler simplement par ces mots : Observe du bambou pendant dix ans, deviens bambou toi-même, puis oublie tout et peins !"

Herrigel, Le Zen dans l’art chevaleresque du Tir à l’Arc.
__________
Retrouvez la Note contemplative :
https://sites.google.com/view/mardiphilo/bo%C3%AEte-%C3%A0-outils-philosophiques/notes-contemplatives-de-lecture/nc-herrigel-le-zen-dans-lart-chevaleresque-du-tir-%C3%A0-larc
#Philosophie #Contemplation #Zen #Arc #Bouddha #Tao #LaoTseu

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@RickiTarr

Well put. Waiting for life to start is the surest way not to live. The ill of our time.

A long walk up the hills with my dog. Seeing him run and be himself. Reading to my daughters. Cooking a meal for the family. Thinking through my next lecture. Standing in front of my students and making them experience the subject.These things are self-sustained and they are absolute presence.

#Tao #InTheMoment #teaching #dogs #sighthounds #Whipppet_Moments