Does everything have to be concrete for you?

The path of understanding Taoism is simply accepting yourself

To many people, a confusing aspect of Taoism is its very definition. Many religions will happily teach a Philosophy/Dogma which in reflection defines a person. Taoism flips this around. It starts by teaching a truth; “The Tao” is indefinable.

It then follows up by teaching that each person can discover the Tao in their own terms.

A teaching like this can be very hard to grasp when most people desire very concrete definitions in their own life.

When we put concrete definitions around ourselves and are lives we don't give ourselves any room to breathe or grow or expand.  It becomes all about judgment and rigidity. 

 

It can feel like you are continually hitting a brick wall, in your life, work, relationships.  If you are looking for an easier path, another path it can be found in Taoism.  It can be found inside of you, in your Warrior-Sage self.

 

Taoism encourages us to look within and accept ourselves.  Take time for ourselves.  Open up to "The Tao".

A simple way to start learning the definition of Taoism is to start within yourself. Here are three easy starting steps to learning Taoism:

1. Don’t concentrate on the definition of the Tao.
2. Understand what Taoism really is. Taoism is more than just a “philosophy” or a “religion”. Taoism should be understood as being: A system of belief, attitudes and practices set towards the service and living to a person’s own nature.
3. The path of understanding Taoism is simply accepting yourself. Live life and discover who you are. Your nature is ever changing and is always the same. Don’t try to resolve the various contradictions in life, instead learn acceptance of your nature.

You may be saying, "Michelle you have not told me one thing I don't already know.  How do I stop hitting the brick wall?  It's such a habit, it's expected."  One thing that you can do that will have an immediate effect is:

 

Start to meditate.

By meditating daily, you will automatically start to love yourself more.  It’s a natural result of quieting the mind.   The self-talk and self-doubt gradually disappear, and your natural self gradually appears.  And when you start to see your natural self, it will be easy to love it simply because it is loveable

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Over the next week, I will provide you with different tools that will help you to begin to be more gentle with yourself, to move further along the path of self-love. 

For today, take even 2 or 3 minutes and meditate.  You can walk, chant, sit in silence, lean up against a tree, breathe, color a picture or even do the dishes mindfully.

Try it, you deserve it!