Podcasts by Tao of Our understanding Alcohol Recovery Podcast

Tao Te Ching Verse 26 – Be Still and Know! from 2023-12-09T06:30

If you let yourself be blown to and fr...

Tao Te Ching Verse 25 – The Difference Between WEllness and Illness is WE instead of I from 2023-12-05T07:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 24 – The Trap of Self-Promotion from 2023-12-01T15:38:57

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 23 – Opening up, Accepting Loss from 2023-11-25T08:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 22 – Being Lived by the Tao from 2023-11-21T07:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 21 – The Trap of Desire! from 2023-11-17T06:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 20 – Stop Thinking and End Your Problems! from 2023-11-13T06:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 19 – Living Without Rules! from 2023-11-09T06:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 18 – Living Above the Pendulum! from 2023-11-05T05:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 17 – The Spiral Downward! from 2023-11-01T05:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 16 – Realizing the Source! from 2023-10-28T05:30

Listen

Wen Tzu Verse 40 – How to Maintain Our Virtue! from 2023-10-24T05:30

Everything in the world is cyclical an...

Tao Te Ching Verse 15 – Can I Welcome All Things? from 2023-10-20T05:30

The Master doesn't seek fulfillment. N...

Tao Te Ching Verse 14 – Giving Up the Need to Know! from 2023-10-16T05:30

Listen

Christian Non-Duality and the Tao Te Ching – Marshall Davis’s Story from 2023-10-12T22:59:54

Marshall is a retired...

Tao Te Ching Verse 13 – Is Hope Really as Hollow as Fear? from 2023-10-03T05:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 12 – Turning the Light Around! from 2023-09-28T17:28:27

The only peace you find at the top of the mountatin is the peace you bring with you....

Tao Recovery Podcast - Mediation is training for life! from 2023-09-25T05:30

Today we have Annabelle Nesbitt – A grateful recovery Al-Anon. Annabelle has a powerful story that I am sure you will enjoy!

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 11 – My Emptiness Determines My Usefullness! from 2023-09-21T18:14:21

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 10 – A Description of Te! from 2023-09-16T15:10:39

Listen

Siblinghood of Recovery - Angie’s Story from 2023-09-11T05:30

Angie started her rec...

Tao Te Ching Verse 9 – Care About People’s Approval and You Will Be Their Prisoner. from 2023-09-07T05:30

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 8 – How Water Is Our Example for Living Life! from 2023-09-03T05:30

As our motivation changes from fear to compassion, our actions start changing from the inside out. In verse 8 of the Tao Te...

Tao Te Ching Verse 7 - Being the Witness, Not the Defendant! from 2023-08-30T05:30

Verse 7 shows us that we are more of a witness in our life than a defendant. Can I be a witness regardless of the situation, or do I act like the defendant and then volunteer t...

Tao Te Ching Verse 6; Tools for Acceptance! from 2023-08-26T15:44:40

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 5 - Emptiness Beyond Emptiness! from 2023-08-17T06:00

Listen

Derek's Recovery Story – What I need appears when I need it from 2023-08-13T06:00

The program meets our needs as the needs arise. This is the message of the Tao – if we are open to what i...

Tao Te Ching Verse 4 – How We Step Out of the Way! from 2023-08-09T10:44:31

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 3 – Whan action is pure and selfless, everything settles into its own perfect place! from 2023-08-03T14:09:37

Listen

Lou's Recovery Story – How Al-Anon Changed my Life! from 2023-07-28T05:30

Lou has been attend...

Tao Te Ching Verse 2 – Holding All with an Open Hand! from 2023-07-23T11:28:32

Listen

Tao Te Ching Verse 1; Allow Rather than Force! from 2023-07-08T02:19:27

Listen

Author Gigi L's Recovery Story – I am Enough! from 2023-06-11T22:21:58

Gigi is a retired p...

Keary D's Recovery Story – Am I Really an Alcoholic? from 2023-06-03T10:33

I hope you enjoy Keary's story! 

Listen

Don M’s Recovery Story – Creativity! from 2023-05-27T14:07

“Creativity is a bottomless well. It doesn’t run dry, It just needs to be fallow for a time. Pushing it w...

Amy's Recovery Story – Amy shares her story of total transformation in recovery. from 2023-05-20T10:23:13

I hope you enjoy Amy's story! 

Listen

Scotty's Recovery Story – How studying the Tao helped Scotty with terminal uniqueness from 2023-05-12T08:00

I hope you enjoy Scotty's story! 

Listen

Mark's Recovery Story – How Study of the Tao Te Ching has helped his misunderstanding of the Higher Power from 2023-05-06T14:43:24

I hope you enjoy Mark's story! 

Listen

Izzy's Recovery Story – My Addiction was Masking the Real Problem! from 2023-04-28T09:00

Izzy approaches the Higher Power from a slightly different perspective from a strong Orthodox Jewish heritage. I...

Kate's Recovery Story – Am I Too Smart for Recovery? from 2023-04-21T15:53:11

Kate's story is of a brilliant biology major learning how to let go in recovery, and the role studying the Tao has played i...

Paul's Recovery Story – Gratitude! from 2023-04-14T18:00

Paul’s story is unique to most in our group. Paul has gotten sober without practicing A.A., without a sponsor, or attending...

Craig's Recovery Story – A.A. Works in Scotland too! from 2023-04-09T13:49:07

Despite Craig's best efforts, he has been able to get sober and stay sober for several years using the tools of recovery. C...

Rob’s Recovery Story – How helping others changed my life! from 2023-03-31T14:55:18

Rob tells his story and how studying the Tao Te Ching helped him realize that Love must come first if he wants any degree o...

Interview with Todd W. – The God of our misunderstanding from 2023-03-23T18:32:47

Todd discusses his Christian heritage as the foundation of his evolving belief in the Higher Power.

Listen

Interview with Dennis B. and Buddy C. – How has studying the Tao helped your recovery? from 2023-03-20T17:43:49

We are experimenting with a new format for this podcast. We are taking a break from the weekly group meeting and interviewi...

Beginner Meditation with Sensei Elliston! from 2023-02-03T00:41:42

We were initially going to discuss verse 28 of the Tao Te Ching. Sensei Elliston started answering meditation related questions, so we decided to wait until next month for the verse 28 discussio...

Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – Giving and Receiving are One! from 2023-01-10T14:12:39

“He who gives himself to this path is like a block of wood that gives itself to the chisel — Cut by cut it is honed to perfection. Only a student who gives himself can receive the masters’s gift...

Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 with Sensei Elliston – Living Undisturbed! from 2022-12-02T10:23:44

A good discussion of verse 26 of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective with Sensei Elliston.

“The inner is the foundation of the outer. The still is master of the restless.

The S...

Tao Te Ching – Verse 25 with Sensei Elliston – A Description of the Tao! from 2022-11-04T07:09:03

A good discussion of verse 25 of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective with Sensei Elliston. “It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is the mother of the un...

Mixing It up a Little! from 2022-10-29T21:07:50

You can access all meetings at www.TaoAAMeeting.com. This is a new link for all meetings. Other than the first Thursday of the month, we are forgoing r...

Tao Te Ching Verse 36 and Wen-Tzu Verse 9 – An Ancient Version of the Saint Francis Prayer from 2022-10-14T14:56:45

If you want to possess something, you must first give it away.
— Tao Te Ching, J. H. McDonald, Verse 36

Don't forget to use the resources mentioned below for tools to stay sober any...

Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 with Sensei Elliston – A Description of Attraction Not Promotion! from 2022-10-07T13:36:56

A good discussion of verse 24 of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective with Sensei Elliston. “He who tries to shine dims his own light.” TTC Verse 24, Stephen Mitchell

Don’t forget to u...

Byron Katie – The Work Part 4 of 4 from 2022-09-30T21:27:24

Today we finished our discussion of The Work by Byron Katie. We discussed her questions and answers on page 35 of the handout (link below to download) and her Katieisms. These quotes from her te...

Byron Katie – The Work Part 3 of 4 from 2022-09-27T14:42:01

Today we continued our discussion of the work of Byron Katie. We used examples to better understand how to turn our frustration around and see our part. Lots of tools to use in working steps 4 –...

Byron Katie – The Work Part 2 from 2022-09-19T02:03:47

Today we continued our discussion of the work of Byron Katie. A good discussion of how compromise in one area of life affects all of life.

Link to Download Byron Katie’s Workbook; Listen

Byron Katie – The Work Part 1 from 2022-09-08T22:42:15

Today we started discussing the work of Byron Katie. Lots of acceptance and laying the groundwork for next week when we get into more of the meat of her message. We also discussed how our though...

Chuang Tzu – Tao – You Have to Taste the Strawberry! from 2022-04-15T01:29:47

Describing a strawberry does not compare to tasting a strawberry. The Tao cannot be mentally understood; the Tao can only be experienced! Thanks everyone for an excellent discussion!

Don’...

Verse 18 of the Tao Te Ching – Shadows and Substitutes of Living Life Our Way! from 2022-04-12T13:33:40

Verse 18 describes the spiral downward when we take back control in any area of life.

Don’t forget to use the resources mentioned below for tools to stay sober any time during the year. Y...

Verse 75 of the Tao Te Ching – Playing God Does Not Work! from 2022-04-04T14:33:43

This story reminds us of how playing God does not work; We either demand too much or provide too much. Whenever we look to our understanding for the solution, we are looking in the wrong directi...

Chuang Tzu – Flight from Benevolence – True Guidance! from 2022-03-27T18:53:19

What a great meeting! We have several possible names for this episode; Flight from the Moment, God is NOW, The Behaviors that take us out of the Moment, Aspects of Unacceptance, Acceptance is th...

Verse 76 of the Tao Te Ching – How to Stay Flexible in Life! from 2022-03-20T21:15:15

Excellent discussion! This verse gives us instructions on how to discern life and death in everyday situations. The challenge is not only to remain flexible when life is difficult but also to al...

Chuang Tzu – Good Fortune – Fear or Acceptance! from 2022-03-11T04:57:18

Today I find it's the best thing that has ever happened to me. This proves I don't know what's good for me. And if I don't know what's good for me, then I don't know what's good or bad for you o...

Tao Te Ching – Verse 17 with Sensei Elliston – The Master does not talk; he acts! from 2022-03-04T15:09:01

How does the master act? He takes the next righting action – not right action (vs. the wrong action). The next action that balances like righting a ship. Thank you, Sensei, for that nugget! We a...

Chuang Tzu – Active Life and Monkey Mountain – The Trap of Self-Effort! from 2022-02-25T16:02:39

How do we use our talents without stressing over our job performance? How far can our talents take us? Do we have access to anything more than our talents? What is our part? How do we live life ...

Verse 77 of the Tao Te Ching – Using Strength Not Our Own from 2022-02-18T15:10:28

How do we use our experience, rather than excessive effort, to draw in our extremes and prepare us to serve? Is this process similar to drawing a bow? We also discussed the names we give our Hig...

Chuang Tzu – Advising The Prince – I Cannot Trust My Motives! from 2022-02-10T23:02:50

The peace I am looking for is always found within – never in my successes or selfish deeds that I disguise as altruistic. We also discussed the difference in Alanon between the desire to fix oth...

Verse 16 of the Tao Te Ching – How do we work the steps when we do not believe in a traditional Higher Power? from 2022-02-03T23:24:11

One of our best discussions ever concerning several topics relating to working the program without a traditional God belief! Who do we surrender to? What is acceptance? Does acceptance mean I ap...

Chuang Tzu - Apologies – The Downward Spiral from Spiritual Fitness! from 2022-01-27T22:44:29

Our spiral from spiritual fitness to thinking a drink would be a good idea can be very subtle. This story demonstrates the spiral. For me, if there is something in my life that I start to contro...

Tao Te Ching - Verse 78 – How to be Like Water! from 2022-01-21T00:02:28

Verse 78 of the Tao Te Ching is all about the characteristics of water. We discuss how water is our example of acceptance in all life interactions.

30 Tools to Stay Sober: Listen

Chuang Tzu - The Inner Law – Being Governed from Within! from 2022-01-15T21:16:26

Being governed from within is one way to describe the purpose of all spiritual practices. How do we recognize our inner, intuitive knowing? What are the warning signs that we are looking outward...

Tao Te Ching – Verse 15 with Sensei Elliston – We already possess the solution to every perceived problem within our stillness. from 2022-01-07T15:38:48

Good discussion on stillness and meditation too! Don’t forget to use the resources mentioned below for tools to stay sober any time during the year. You can find a much longer list of resources ...

New Years Resolutions and the Tao! from 2022-01-03T00:20:55

Excellent conversation! What does Taoist Literature say about new years resolutions? Is it ok to make plans? Can I set goals and still follow the Tao?

Don’t forget to use the resources be...

Chuang Tzu - The Tower of the Spirit – How to Protect Your Inner-Self! from 2021-12-26T21:56:56

We believe this story is all about how we protect ourselves from losing our peace and joy. Don’t forget to use the resources mentioned below for tools to stay sober, not only during the holidays...

Tao Te Ching - Verse 79 - Risking Injury for Kindness! from 2021-12-17T17:25:29

An excellent discussion of how to mend family relationships. Someone has to be vulnerable and reach out in kindness to mend relationships. Each attendee brought an example of working with relati...

Chuang Tzu - Kengs Disciple Part 2 – Forgetting What I Know! from 2021-12-10T06:53:02

Is sobriety like everything else? Get educated, work hard, and if you don’t get it at first, double down and work even harder? Or is sobriety the opposite? Instead, are we to place our effort in...

Chuang Tzu - Kengs Disciple Part 2 – Forgetting What I Know! from 2021-12-10T06:53:02

Is sobriety like everything else? Get educated, work hard, and if you don’t get it at first, double down and work even harder? Or is sobriety the opposite? Instead, are we to place our effort in...

Verse 14 Tao Te Ching – Intuitive Knowing! from 2021-12-03T19:01:12

Recovery, similar to the path of virtue, can only be described. Words cannot explain the power of love; love must be experienced.

 Shareable link to download 23 Ways to Stay Sober During ...

Enjoying the Holidays Sober! from 2021-11-19T22:55:21

In this episode, we discussed the tools we use to enjoy the holidays sober. For many, this is the first holiday season sober. Can we go to functions? How do we deal with the contrary family memb...

Chuang Tzu - Kengs Disciple – Self Effort – Part 1! from 2021-11-12T15:22:34

Why is it that some of us can get sober and others cannot? Where is our effort needed? Where is our effort not required? Is it just about working harder and doing better?

Info on the new ...

Chuang Tzu - Kengs Disciple – Self Effort – Part 1! from 2021-11-12T15:22:34

Why is it that some of us can get sober and others cannot? Where is our effort needed? Where is our effort not required? Is it just about working harder and doing better?

Info on the new ...

Verse 13 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston! Is hope as dangerous as fear? from 2021-11-05T17:53:02

Sensei Michael Elliston shares his thoughts on the 13th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective. Good conversation about the trap of hope and how some types of hope can keep us from acc...

Verse 80 The Tao Te Ching – Contentment! from 2021-10-28T23:33:10

Where do we find lasting contentment? We discussed how our search for contentment must turn inward and that one of the first steps of looking inward is learning to live in the moment.

Tod...

Verse 81 The Tao Te Ching – Emptiness! from 2021-10-22T01:11:40

Why does giving make way for us to receive? Can we live empty of judgment and ego so we can be the mirror for our friends to see solutions to their perceived problems?

Info on the new boo...

Chuang Tzu – Keng Sang Chu – The Sage Dwells in the Fruit Not the Husk! from 2021-10-14T22:59:43

We learn in recovery that we change from the inside out. When we try to satisfy life from the outside inward, this story is the result. We saw the problem in this story and the solution in the 3...

Verse 12 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston! from 2021-10-13T22:37:29

Sensei Michael Elliston shares his thoughts on the 12th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective. Our outward senses can dull the sensitivity of our inner intuitive voice.

Info on...

Chuang Tzu – Starlight and Non-Being! from 2021-09-30T21:41:03

Could Non-Being be described as love? Excellent conversation concerning surrender and Step 2. Could relief come from our surrender and stopping the fight rather than the intervention of a Higher...

Chuang Tzu – Where is Tao? from 2021-09-23T22:16:55

Where is the Tao? What is the Tao? What actions can we take to become more aware of the Tao at work in all things? All situations? All people? At work in everything!

Order Sensei Elliston...

Chuang Tzu – The Importance of Being Toothless! Freedom from Needing to Know! from 2021-09-19T05:51:13

This story reminds us of the gift of not having to know. This is a gift most of us never realize that we already possess. Excellent conversation!

Order Sensei Elliston’s new book;
<...

Chuang Tzu – When Knowledge Went North! Emptiness Part 2 from 2021-09-10T18:31:29

This is a story about Knowledge seeking the Tao. The answer was not in Knowledge but in Nothingness(emptiness)—a good discussion of applying the principle of nothingness to our lives. We also di...

Verse 11 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston! Emptiness Part 1 from 2021-09-09T16:00

Sensei Michael Elliston shares his thoughts on the 10th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective. From the text, this became a conversation about emptiness.  Sensei gives us a thorough e...

Chuang Tzu – The Flight of Lin Hui – The Extraordinary is Found in the Ordinary! from 2021-08-26T22:57:14

This story reminds us of the paradox of truth; what gives us peace and joy is not in what we thought would give us peace and joy. What we are looking for can be found in the last place we would ...

Chuang Tzu – The Empty Boat – Living in Emptiness! from 2021-08-20T02:27:28

The empty boat is a story that has been mused by many. Today we discuss how this story relates to recovery and how to apply these principles in our everyday lives.

Order Sensei Elliston’s...

Chuang Tzu – When The Shoe Fits – Another Example of Wu Wei! from 2021-08-15T15:56:14

This story brought out another discussion of wu wei – effortless effort. How free we become when we stop trying to control what we think keeps us from being free! Amazing how quickly our thought...

Chuang Tzu – The Woodcarver – Surrendering Your Way to the Place of Rest! from 2021-07-30T07:54:19

Incredible discussion of how to surrender your way to that place of rest, that place of calmness and serenity as seen in the serenity prayer; God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can...

Chuang Tzu – The Fighting Cock – Learning How To Be Free of Fear! from 2021-07-22T22:28:02

Why do we fight? Are we fighting because we are afraid? “The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear – primarily fear that we would lose something we already possessed or woul...

Chuang Tzu – The Sacrificial Swine – The Achievement Trap! from 2021-07-16T10:33:37

Many of us fall for the idea that outer success will bring us the inner success we crave. This story reinforces the fact that true achievement comes from learning to live life in the moment, wit...

Chuang Tzu – The Need to Win – the Need to Win Causes Us to lose – Not Win! from 2021-06-24T22:06:04

How do we stay in the moment, enjoy the journey, and surrender expectations? If this is one of your struggles, you will enjoy this conversation!

Order Sensei Elliston’s new book;
Listen

Chuang Tzu – Wholeness – Resting in the Hidden Place! from 2021-06-18T02:58:08

Another story showing us the path of unlearning – resting in the eternal, hidden place of no-place. This story also brought out the dynamic of alcohol being a substitute for letting go in life a...

Verse 10 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston! from 2021-06-05T08:55:40

Sensei Michael Elliston and special guest Seigstsu Roger Cochran, aka Dr. Cochran, share their thoughts on the 10th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective. What does it mean to observe...

Chuang Tzu – Symphony of a Sea Bird – Acceptance! from 2021-05-27T22:14:07

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions” is a phrase we have heard often. When we refuse to accept what is, we try to fix and change people, places, and things into what we feel is best....

Chuang Tzu – Perfect Joy – Is It Possible to Have a Fulfilled Life? from 2021-05-21T17:12:13

This story addresses the age-old question, “What is it that will make me fulfilled?” An excellent discussion of how we seek outwardly for what will bring purpose to our lives, not knowing we alr...

Verse 9 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston! from 2021-05-07T14:34:02

Sensei Michael Elliston shares his thoughts on the 9th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective. The desire for more and how to determine when a creative task is complete, like a paintin...

Chuang Tzu – The Joy of Fishes – Does Fear Produce Happiness? from 2021-05-01T21:28:50

Are our fears keeping us from being happy? An excellent discussion of how our fears and resistance bend our path of love. This bending keeps happiness out of reach. We also started our weekly di...

Chuang Tzu – Owl and Phoenix – The Illusion of Fear! from 2021-04-23T21:11:24

At first, I thought this story was more about the deception that desire brings into our lives. After our discussion, I believe this story is more about fear and how fears cause us to take action...

Chuang Tzu – The Turtle – Paradox of True Happiness! from 2021-04-16T21:35:59

What makes us happy? What is your definition of happiness? Does outward success bring happiness? Or, do I have to look within, regardless of my outward circumstances?

Contact us at Listen

Alan Watts – The Unblocked Mind Part 2 You are the Boulder! from 2021-04-08T21:58:04

We completed reviewing a transcript today of an episode of the podcast, The Alan Watts Audio Experience titled, “The Mind Will Do What It Wants”.  A very good discussion about is “all as it shou...

Verse 8 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston! from 2021-04-02T15:17:23

Sensei Michael Elliston shares his thoughts on the 8th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective. Much discussion around the water analogy and Zen.

Order Sensei Elliston’s new book...

Alan Watts – The Unblocked Mind from 2021-03-28T21:45:19

We started reviewing a transcript today of an episode of the podcast, The Alan Watts Audio Experience titled, “The Mind Will Do What It Wants”.  We started an excellent discussion of intuitive k...

Chuang Tzu – The Man of Tao from 2021-03-22T14:30:49

Another description of learning to be the witness to life; allowing the Tao to work in our lives without obstruction.

Contact us at Wisdom56321@gma...

Chuang Tzu – Great and Small – Looking for your gift to give instead of comparing your gifts to those of others! from 2021-03-14T05:30

Fantastic conversation! We see in this reading how we can approach compliments with humility and yet miss the mark with envy.

Contact us at Wisdom5...

Verse 7 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston! from 2021-03-10T12:36:25

Sensei Michael Elliston shares his thoughts on the 7th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective. Much discussion around the idea of fulfilling our needs through helping someone else.

Chuang Tzu – Autumn Floods – Finding a Way to Give! from 2021-03-01T22:53:21

This story not only shows the need for humility but how humility is found. The story then shows us a description of enlightenment and not to take ourselves so seriously (Rule 62).

Contact...

Chuang Tzu – Duke Hwan and the Wheelwright! from 2021-02-19T12:02:11

What makes words valuable? Is it the words themselves or the experience being conveyed within the words? How important is it to view text with open-mindedness? From a place of not-knowing rather...

Chuang Tzu – Action and Non-Action; Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There! from 2021-02-14T04:07:14

What is stillness? How do we really apply wu wei in everyday life?

Contact us at Wisdom56321@gmail.com

Join our private Facebook group a...

Verse 6 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston! from 2021-02-09T19:56:37

Sensei Elliston shares his thoughts on the 6th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective. Much discussion about the feminine verse the masculine parts of our nature.  

Pre-order Se...

Chuang Tzu – When A Hideous Man and The Five Enemies! from 2021-01-29T13:35:58

These stories reminded us of how our perceptions are always incorrect; what we think is normally distorted by our fears and hopes. We lose our true nature when we digress into good or bad, ugly ...

Chuang Tzu – When Life Was Full There Was No History – Living Life in the Moment! from 2021-01-22T10:17:49

This story was an example of how to live in the moment, free of the swings in emotions and hooks that keep us trapped. We also discussed how anger becomes the substitute for alcohol in the life ...

Chuang Tzu – In My End Is My Beginning! from 2021-01-18T13:06:19

Your new beginning can be found in EVERY ending! What a promise! The question for me is if I can slow down – pause – and allow the new beginning time to show itself!

Contact us at Listen

Verse 5 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston from 2021-01-10T10:24:38

Craig M. prepared great questions this week for Sensei on verse 5. Sensei Elliston shares his thoughts on the 5th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective.

Pre-order Sensei Ellist...

Chuang Tzu – The Lost Pearl! from 2021-01-01T16:03:48

We search everywhere for what we think will make us happy. If we are fortunate, we find that we had what we were really in need of all along. That is, if we can pause and look within; past all o...

Chuang Tzu – How Deep Is Tao! from 2020-12-18T16:19:17

More discussion of the characteristics of someone practicing the kingly life, living in “the way” or “the Tao.” The Tao thrives in stillness. What are the ways we find stillness in our lives? We...

Chuang Tzu – The Kingly Man! from 2020-12-14T01:23:53

The kingly man is content in all things. We saw this as another example of Wu Wei – learning to live in the moment, with no agenda or selfish motives. We also discussed describing the path and w...

Verse 4 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston from 2020-12-04T15:44:18

Sensei leads us in meditation training with a short meditation. He then shares his thoughts on the 4th verse of the Tao Te Ching from a Zen perspective.

Pre-order Sensei Elliston’s new bo...

Chuang Tzu – Leaving Things Alone! from 2020-11-21T21:49:49

The title says it all. Another view of the Wu Wei from a slightly different angle. How do we not interfere, allow, stay in balance, be at rest, be human, be still, and enjoy our original nature?...

Chuang Tzu – What Would a Taoist Pray and Cracking the Safe! from 2020-11-14T12:53:20

Before our discussion of this story, we discussed prayer - what we thought a Taoist would pray. Concerning the story, we talked about how our fears keep us trapped into making decisions we belie...

Chuang Tzu – Two Kings and No-Form! from 2020-11-06T03:46:35

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. A good discussion of how difficult it is to let go and let God. The more we try to fix and control, the bigger mess we make. Many times we kill wh...

Chuang Tzu – Monkey Mountain! from 2020-11-02T16:18:36

I want to thank Craig M. for filling in as host. A listener, Devin P, requested this story, which was close to the end of the book, so we moved it up. After an excellent discussion, we concluded...

Chuang Tzu – Man is Born in Tao! from 2020-10-22T22:25:48

Excellent discussion on the Moral of this story: “All the fish needs is to get lost in water. All man needs is to get lost in Tao.” How do you get lost in Tao? What does this mean in practical d...

Acceptance in Unacceptable Situations! from 2020-10-18T04:30

Are our actions different when there is a situation we can change versus a situation we cannot change? Or are our actions, in reality, the same? The emphasis is normally on what we can or cannot...

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo – Gospel of Thomas verses 5 - 7 from 2020-10-15T15:53:02

In this episode, Zach E. and Buddy C. discuss verses five through seven of the Gospel of Thomas. We use rules to debate and stay trapped in self and be consumed by the lion of ego. We can live a...

Chuang Tzu – Metamorphosis – Where is There a Reason to Be Discouraged? from 2020-10-09T00:33:46

Great discussion today! We saw gratitude from looking at what is, leading to acceptance as the theme of this story. Why should I be upset?

Contact us at Listen

Verse 3 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston from 2020-10-04T13:17:16

Through pure and selfless action, we can practice not doing (not doing selfish action). Sensei was running late today, so we had time for a good discussion before he arrived. Sensei’s thoughts f...

Chuang Tzu – The True Man – Easy Come Easy Go! from 2020-09-27T17:52:40

An example of a life that is lived by the Tao. We discussed our daily routines; how we connect spiritually every day, including our meditation routines.

Contact us at Listen

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo – Gospel of Thomas verses 1 - 4 from 2020-09-23T15:47:57

In this episode, Zach E. and Buddy C. discuss the first four verses of the Gospel of Thomas. An excellent discussion of the process of seeking, finding, being troubled, surrender, acceptance, th...

Chuang Tzu – Confucious and the Madman – The Value of Uselessness! from 2020-09-17T21:45:16

An excellent discussion of the paradox of uselessness in all areas of our life. A very in-depth discussion on the role of a sponsor and how to be useless in sponsorship.

Contact us at Listen

Chuang Tzu – Lao Tzu’s Wake - Let go of What Is Dead and Embrace What Is Being Born! from 2020-09-11T11:45:36

Our discussion included acceptance and the life cycle. Everything in our lives at some phase of birth – life- death, etc. The key is to learn to let go of what is dead so we can embrace what is ...

Verse 2 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston from 2020-09-04T03:03:06

An excellent discussion of the second verse of the Tao Te Ching with Sensei Elliston of the Soto Zen Center in Atlanta, Ga. Most of our discussion was about the need for a daily meditation pract...

Chuang Tzu – Three Friends! from 2020-08-30T05:00

An excellent discussion of self-forgetting, losing expectations, and non-dualistic thinking!

Contact us at Wisdom56321@gmail.com

The Way...

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo - Chapter 58 – Maybe it is, Maybe not! from 2020-08-27T13:11:10

In this episode, Zach E. and Buddy C. discuss Chapter 58 of the Tao Te Ching and the Taoist farmer. Is hope really as dangerous as fear?  Do we live in a pendulum? When we take an extreme positi...

Chuang Tzu – The Fasting of the Heart! from 2020-08-23T05:00

An excellent discussion of what we believe fasting from the heart means – Developing that relationship with our Higher Power that gives us a knowing of unity with others and freedom from ourselv...

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo – Paradoxical Power of Vulnerability! from 2020-08-19T17:32:14

Zach and I discuss Verse 57 of the Tao Te Ching. An excellent conversation about the strength of vulnerability and how we move from interference to allowance. Contact us at Listen

Chuang Tzu – The Man with One Foot and the Marsh Pheasant from 2020-08-14T14:30:09

An excellent discussion of freedom and purpose – both have to come from within. Others may think they know what is best for you but rarely do. Contact us at Listen

Verse 1 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston from 2020-08-08T03:22:04

An excellent discussion of the first verse of the Tao Te Ching with Sensei Elliston of the Soto Zen Center in Atlanta, Ga.

Join our private Facebook group and continue the conversation! H...

Verse 1 Tao Te Ching Discussion with Sensei Elliston from 2020-08-08T03:22:04

An excellent discussion of the first verse of the Tao Te Ching with Sensei Elliston of the Soto Zen Center in Atlanta, Ga.

Join our private Facebook group and continue the conversation! H...

Chuang Tzu – Cutting up an Ox – Attraction Not Promotion! from 2020-08-02T08:00

Discussion of how wu wei, effortless effort, is a process and what it means to live life in more ease each day. We also related this story to Chapter 48 of the Tao Te Ching and how the prince le...

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo – Does Change Start from Within? from 2020-07-29T17:45:17

Great to have Zach E. back after the birth of his third child – a little boy! In this episode, Zach E. and Buddy C. have an unscripted conversation about the origins of change. Do we change beca...

Chuang Tzu – Three in the Morning – Approaching Life Without Partiality! from 2020-07-24T13:58:38

All opposites cause the inverse. The way to the middle is through impartiality - being open to another's ideas and considering their opinion. When we honor others in this way, we can see both si...

Chuang Tzu – The Pivot – Being Led by Intuition! from 2020-07-17T17:44:06

An excellent discussion of moving past judgment and opinions so we can learn from others and leave room for our HP to guide us. Lots of useful, practical application! Join our private Facebook g...

Meeting with Sensei Michael Elliston of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center! from 2020-07-10T18:04:14

In this episode, Sensei Elliston shares his experiences with Zen, beginner meditation, and much more! Lots of useful information! For more information about Sensei Elliston, go to Listen

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo - Chapter 56 – Character of the Sage! from 2020-07-01T17:36:02

In this episode, Zach E. and Buddy C. discuss Chapter 56 of the Tao Te Ching. In Chapter 56, Lao Tzu not only gives a description of what enlightenment looks like in our actions and attitudes bu...

Chuang Tzu – Great Knowledge – Freedom from Fear! from 2020-06-25T22:16:53

In this episode, we discuss how fear divides and controls our lives. Instead of being in the moment, we allow our fear to keep us in the past or the future – both keep us from experiencing the s...

Chuang Tzu – The Breath of Nature! from 2020-06-22T02:24:39

In this episode, we discuss this beautiful poem attributed to Chuang Tzu. We discuss breathe and wind and analogies related to spirituality and letting go.

Meetings during the pandemic; Listen

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo - Chapter 55 – The Need to Know! from 2020-06-17T19:44:10

In this episode, Zach E. and Buddy C. discuss Chapter 55 of the Tao Te Ching. A good discussion of how “the need to know” permeates all areas of life. Also discussed are the similarities between...

Chuang Tzu – A Hat Salesman and A Capable Ruler – What Do We Value? from 2020-06-11T21:34:47

In this episode, we study, A Hat Salesman and A Capable Ruler, a writing of Chuang Tzu. Great discussion of how empty our life can be if we place too much value on achieving our goals.

Me...

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo - Chapter 54 – Cultivating the Tao! from 2020-06-10T15:24:37

This is a bonus episode of a weekly Sponsor/Sponsee meeting between Zach E. and Buddy C. In this conversation, we talk about how we cultivate the Tao in our lives.

Here is a link to an on...

Chuang Tzu – The Useless Tree – Being Useful in Your Uselessness! from 2020-06-07T05:00

In this episode, our discussion starts with Chuang Tzu’s, The Useless Tree, and moves to  Shel Silverstein's, The Giving Tree. Great discussion of how perceived uselessness can be an asset rathe...

Zach E., Craig M. and Buddy C. Convo - Chapter 53 – Pride, Pride, Pride! from 2020-06-03T18:14:29

This is a weekly Sponsor/Sponsee meeting between Zach E. and Buddy C. with a guest appearance from Craig M. In this conversation, much is discussed, including the 53rd Chapter of the Tao Te Chin...

Thomas Merton – The Way of Chuang Tzu Chapter 1! from 2020-05-31T18:03:56

In this episode, we start our study of Chuang Tzu. We discuss the first chapter of the book entitled, “The Way of Chuang Tzu” by Thomas Merton. A good discussion of the potential of love in ever...

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo - Chapter 52 - Yielding Is the Action That Brings Strength! from 2020-05-27T20:58:38

This is a bonus episode of a weekly Sponsor/Sponsee meeting between Zach E. and Buddy C. In this conversation, much is discussed, including the 52nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, and how COVID ha...

Zach E. and Buddy C. Convo - Chapter 51 and Seeing Where You Are Going! from 2020-05-21T04:10:27

This is the first of hopefully many bonus episodes of a weekly Sponsor/Sponsee meeting between Zach E. and Buddy C. In this conversation, much is discussed, including the 51st Chapter of the Tao...

Chapter 81 Tao Te Ching – Living Empty! from 2020-05-14T16:09:05

In the 81st  Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes how a life filled with giving is the most fulfilling. How do I learn to give? By being Empty – empty of our rules, the desire to know,...

Chapter 80 Tao Te Ching – Contentment! from 2020-05-07T15:24:37

In the 80th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes a life of contentment – where our bucket list is made of things we can find within. Turning the light within – not only for disturbance...

Chapter 79 Tao Te Ching – Resentments – Seeking a Way to Give! from 2020-04-30T15:59:54

In the 79th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes how the Tao is on the side of those that seek a way to give rather than to get. A good discussion on dealing with lingering resentments...

Chapter 78 Tao Te Ching – Exerting Powerlessness Like Water! from 2020-04-23T17:35:12

In the 78th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives another analogy demonstrating the paradoxical strength of water. We see so much more peace in our lives as we learn to respond like water i...

Chapter 77 Tao Te Ching – Living Without Relying on Your Effort! from 2020-04-16T16:17:50

In the 77th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, we think Lao Tzu is giving another description of wu wei but who really knows. There is a place of use and ease when using a bow. A bow is useless if it ...

Chapter 76 Tao Te Ching – Flexibility Is a Strength Not a Weakness! from 2020-04-09T16:10:05

In the 76th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu explains flexibility. Anything alive is flexible, pliable, and meek. Death brings rigidity, stiffness, and weakness. Learning to be flexible in e...

Chapter 75 Tao Te Ching – Those Who Do Not Cling to Their Life Can Save It! from 2020-04-02T16:48:13

In the 75th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes the ways that our attachment, resistance, and other demands keep us from enjoying life. Good discussion on the things we are clinging t...

Fear and the Tao Te Ching – No Greater Illusion than Fear! from 2020-03-26T16:26:28

Lao Tzu said much about our response to fear. Our real problem is not the pandemic or any other issue. Instead, our problem is the fear of that issue or problem. Good discussion on the differenc...

Chapter 74 Tao Te Ching – Living with No Fear of Loss! from 2020-03-12T14:20:34

In the 74th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes what happens when we try to control the future out of fear. Death is not the issue. Death is coming in all things. Our fear based contr...

Chapter 73 Tao Te Ching – Living at Ease Despite Ourselves! from 2020-03-05T18:21:09

In the 73rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes how the Tao is at ease at all times, accomplishes all, and nothing escapes its plan. Great discussion of how to live in ease and the ma...

Chapter 72 Tao Te Ching – Don’t Resist the Natural Course of Your Life! from 2020-02-27T17:18:36

In the 72nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes clear cut guidelines to be happy in this world. These guidelines include respect and acceptance. Acceptance, not only of our circumstan...

Chapter 71 Tao Te Ching – Are You Sick of Being Sick? from 2020-02-20T17:05:48

In the 71st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes the state of “not knowing”. A very good discussion of how having a “not knowing” mind toward all things, starting with our recovery, le...

Chapter 70 Tao Te Ching – Is Sobriety Hard? from 2020-02-13T15:38:15

In the 70th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes the Tao. The Tao is not found by knowledge or excessive effort. The Tao is found by looking within and surrender. We also had a great d...

Light in the Tao Te Ching from 2020-02-06T16:29:25

In this episode, we discuss light quotes in the Tao Te Ching and the analogy of lighting a room and how this is similar to our approach to recovery. The dark is not a problem – once we bring lig...

Chapter 69 Tao Te Ching – Living Without Enemies! from 2020-01-30T17:09:28

In the 69th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu explains that the idea of having an enemy is an illusion. We block the salvation we are looking for when we treat others as enemies. When I attac...

Chapter 68 Tao Te Ching – What Would Lao Tzu Do? from 2020-01-23T17:54:04

In the 68th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu described Tao on a graduate level – learning how to compete in a world of competitors - without competing! How to live a way of non-resistance in...

Chapter 67 Tao Te Ching – Love Is Your Greatest Defense! from 2020-01-16T17:37:12

In the 67th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that love is the dominant force in the universe. We discuss how our Higher Power is love, substituting love for Higher Power in the 12 s...

Chapter 66 Tao Te Ching – How to Be Humble When You Are an Alcoholic in Every Way! from 2020-01-09T16:50:41

In the 66th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu uses the ocean’s relationship to all the water of the world. The ocean is the greatest out of the effort to be the lowest, not from force or push...

Chapter 65 Tao Te Ching – Learning How to Not Know! from 2019-10-31T16:30:58

In the 65th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of true Tao virtue (Te) which shows up when we approach life with vulnerability - from the place of not having all the answers, from a...

Chapter 64 Tao Te Ching – Paying Attention to What Others Ignore! from 2019-10-24T13:50:39

In the 64th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives us both practical and spiritual solutions to the issues of life. Many times these practical solutions like, “handling problems while they a...

Chapter 63 Tao Te Ching – Learning to Live in Ease! from 2019-10-17T16:16:55

In the 63rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us how to live in ease. There are both physical and spiritual aspects of living at ease that can be overlooked if we depend on effort to br...

Chapter 62 Tao Te Ching – Finding Without Looking! from 2019-10-11T12:18:58

In the 62nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that the Tao provides for all indiscriminately and does not take personally anyone’s actions – a good example for us! In return, our liv...

Chapter 61 Tao Te Ching – The Power of Humility! from 2019-10-03T15:26:58

In the 61st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that if we change our perception, all perceived enemies are really teachers. This does not mean we have to be doormats – it means we can...

Chapter 60 Tao Te Ching – Stop Poking the Fish! from 2019-09-26T15:31:20

In the 60th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us how to allow negativity to disappear in our lives by simply responding with kindness. Good discussion as to how to allow our lives to el...

Chapter 59 Tao Te Ching – Freedom from Me! from 2019-09-19T15:51:16

In the 59th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives characteristics of a life where nothing is impossible, even freedom from me! What a surprise, it starts by making room and letting go!

Chapter 58 Tao Te Ching – I cannot MAKE someone happy, no matter how much they need it! from 2019-09-12T15:20:26

In the 58th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes viewing your life far above good and bad circumstances or valleys and mountain tops. We also discussed the way to influence others – no...

Chapter 57 Tao Te Ching – Move from Interfering to Allowing! from 2019-09-05T14:30:32

In the 57th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes living a life of allowing rather than interfering – not only in our own life but also with those that are not following a life lived by...

Chapter 56 Tao Te Ching – What living in Being looks like! from 2019-08-29T20:07:44

In the 56th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives us an example of what “Being” looks like – the highest state of man. Great discussion of learning to live past attachments, profit and loss...

Chapter 55 Tao Te Ching – Living a Life without Disappointment! from 2019-08-22T17:42:38

In the 55th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us how to live a life without disappointment. Is this possible? It is very possible when we lower our expectations and learn to apply the...

Chapter 54 Tao Te Ching – Let Virtue Grow! from 2019-08-15T13:43:01

In the 54th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us to let virtue grow in all areas of our lives. This of course starts with us learning to look within. Once we start being aware, we can...

Chapter 53 Tao Te Ching – Be the Change! from 2019-08-08T15:09:32

In the 53rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that all change starts with us. We also discussed how to stay on “the path” and avoid the distractions that keep us from that higher l...

Chapter 52 Tao Te Ching – Notice the smallest of Roses! from 2019-08-01T17:19:45

In the 52nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that yielding is strength. Nothing else compares to yielding for strength in any situation. How do we yield? It starts by realizing th...

Chapter 51 Tao Te Ching – Let Go and Let the Tao (God)! from 2019-07-25T17:31:24

In the 51st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us to let Life, Tao, God, Higher Power, etc. complete us. The nature of our Higher Power is also discussed and the red flags that tell us...

Chapter 50 Tao Te Ching – Living in the dash! from 2019-07-18T14:47:16

In the 50th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us it is important how we live the dash (-) between our birth and death. A small percentage of people really learn to “practice the princ...

Chapter 49 Tao Te Ching – Learning to Love Ourselves! from 2019-07-11T17:42:37

In the 49th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that our key to accepting and loving ourselves is in our interactions, acceptance, and love of others. We are not separate from anyone...

Chapter 48 Tao Te Ching – Living by Decreasing! from 2019-07-04T16:17:13

In the 48th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that our interference in life is more of a hindrance than a help. Our peace and joy is found within; not in the things we attain or th...

Chapter 47 Tao Te Ching – Following your Inner Light! from 2019-06-27T17:15:44

In the 47th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that as we progress from having to doing to being, we will realize all of the answers are within. These answers are found through surr...

Chapter 46 Tao Te Ching – Gratitude + Acceptance = Contentment! from 2019-06-20T14:36:46

In the 46th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that fear is the greatest illusion and desire is your greatest enemy. Great Discussion!

Here is a link to an online version of ...

Chapter 45 Tao Te Ching – When we judge others we are judging ourselves! from 2019-06-13T19:28:54

In the 45th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of how with 1st impressions, we make judgements that trap us in our selfishness and fears.

Here is a link to an online version ...

Chapter 44 Tao Te Ching – Part 2 – You Lack Nothing! from 2019-06-06T18:16:18

In this second part of our discussion of the 44th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us we lack nothing whether we realize it or not. Great discussion of how to make this a reality in ...

Chapter 44 Tao Te Ching – Part 1 – Arrive by Stopping! from 2019-05-30T14:20:02

In the 44th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of how contentment is gained by accepting life as it is instead of finding our value in what we achieve or what we do not achieve. We ...

Chapter 43 Tao Te Ching – Acting out of Surrender rather than Stress and Control! from 2019-05-23T21:18:04

In the 43rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of Wu Wei, or unattached action. This is action that holds all we desire but few learn the practice.

Here is a link to an onlin...

Chapter 42 Tao Te Ching – It is Great to be a Loser! from 2019-05-16T17:18:20

In the 42nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of one of the foundational teachings of the Tao; violence in any form begets violence – in relationships, business, life, etc. By the ...

Chapter 41 Tao Te Ching – We are one thought removed from Peace and Joy! from 2019-05-09T19:38:49

In the 41st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of the paradoxical nature of truth. When we smirk at an answer, that is not self-serving, that answer probably needs to be reconsidere...

Chapter 40 Tao Te Ching – The Weaker We Get The Stronger We Become! from 2019-05-02T21:28:39

In the 40th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us in very few words that yielding is always the way of the Tao; The Tao advances by not pressing forward. Good conversation about what yie...

Chapter 39 Tao Te Ching – Real Humility! from 2019-04-25T13:11:36

In the 39th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us how we are all connected. Being we are all connected and part of a greater whole; when I hurt you, I hurt me. When I help you, I help me...

Chapter 38 Tao Te Ching Part 2 – Being Good instead of Doing Good! from 2019-04-18T14:33:07

This is part 2 of our discussion of the 38th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu gives us 3 ways to live in the Tao instead of our poor substitutes; 1. Acting unselfishly, 2. Give without condi...

Chapter 38 Tao Te Ching Part 1– Be Good instead of Do Good! from 2019-04-11T20:24:40

This is part 1 of our discussion of the 38th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu gives us the levels of false spirituality again and how we are to “be good” instead of the false “do good” subst...

Chapter 37 Tao Te Ching Part 2– Practical Application! from 2019-04-05T13:40:38

This is part 2 of our discussion of the 37th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu gives insight on our part in life which many times is different than we interpret. We discussed with Kate E. how...

Chapter 37 Tao Te Ching Part 1– work not WORK! from 2019-03-28T14:02:58

This is part 1 of our discussion of the 37th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu gives insight on our part in life and how we mistake work for work. We discuss how we tapped into something grea...

Chapter 36 Tao Te Ching – It is difficult to appreciate the gift in our struggles! from 2019-03-21T15:48:01

In the 36th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives us an insight into our difficulties in life – To take something, you must first give it up ENTIRELY.  How do we give up difficulties and se...

Chapter 35 Tao Te Ching – Living a Life of Attraction! from 2019-03-14T13:32:06

In the 35th  Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives us a paradox of spirituality – what we think will make us happy never does. When we focus on the persons, places, and things of this world...

Chapter 34 Tao Te Ching – Acting our way into Powerlessness! from 2019-03-07T17:52:36

In the 34th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that by not possessing, making no claim, not dominating, not lording over others, not controlling, we can accomplish the work necessary ...

Chapter 33 Tao Te Ching – Understanding Yourself Instead of Blaming Others! from 2019-02-28T16:11:25

Learning not to give others permission to upset us is one of the great gifts from Lao Tzu in the 33rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching!

Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching ...

Chapter 32 Tao Te Ching – Guidance and the Tao! from 2019-02-22T03:43:46

How do we know the right thing to do? The 32nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu uses a great example from nature that can show us!

Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ch...

Chapter 31 Tao Te Ching – Stopping the Fight – Starting with me! from 2019-02-14T15:53:29

One interpretation of Lao Tzu's 31st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching could be avoiding the fight – starting with the fight within us then outwardly toward those we love, then to those we interact an...

Chapter 30 Tao Te Ching – Force ALWAYS causes Resistance! from 2019-02-07T22:36:23

According to Lao Tzu in the 30th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, force always causes resistance – PERIOD. NO EXCEPTIONS! When I resist a thought it grows. When I resist being angry that resistance ...

Chapter 29 Tao Te Ching – Surrender to the natural flow of life! from 2019-01-31T22:19:03

According to Lao Tzu in the 29th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, our life is perfect just as it is. We hinder the natural flow of life with our control. We discuss the process of surrender, similar...

Chapter 28 Tao Te Ching – Being the Valley; Learning to be the source for those in our lives rather a drain on everyone around us! from 2019-01-24T18:58:34

In the 28th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu tells us that by loving others and surrender, we can become the source of life needed in our relationships and our recovery.

Here is a lin...

Wu wei in the Tao Te Ching – What is "our part" in the actions we take in both recovery and the rest of our life? from 2019-01-18T20:28:11

Lao Tzu discusses Wu wei often in the Tao Te Ching. One of our Members, Marla H. is looking for a job. We discuss "effortless effort" – a principle known as Wu wei in Taoist thought. What is "ou...

Chapter 27 Tao Te Ching – ALL is your Teacher AND your Student! from 2019-01-10T16:42:57

Lao Tzu teaches us in the 27th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching that we can both learn from and help those we ignore much more than we realize. Every circumstance, every person, every emotion, every ...

Chapter 26 Tao Te Ching – Living Undisturbed! Is this possible? from 2019-01-03T14:33:43

In the 26th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discussed that when we are disturbed there is a problem within us and steps we can take to return to a state of peace and joy. The problem being ...

Chapter 25 Tao Te Ching – I came from, I am, and I attract Greatness! from 2018-12-27T14:21:15

In the 25th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses the Greatness of our HP (Higher Power or Tao). We came from this Greatness and can learn to live in this Greatness every day, all day! ...

Chapter 24 Tao Te Ching - Learning to accept compliments without pride or ego using gratitude! from 2018-12-20T17:04:05

In the 24th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses how the natural flow of the Tao operates: It asks nothing of you as it provides everyone with unlimited supplies of food, air, water, s...

Chapter 23 Tao Te Ching - Learning to live intuitively without forcing anything or anyone! from 2018-12-13T15:14:40

In the 23rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says the Tao response isn’t within your ego. Your ego strongly believes in your ability to force things, to make things happen, or to be the pers...

Chapter 22 Tao Te Ching - Learning to live in flexibility and how living in such a way that what you need comes to you rather than you fighting to get! from 2018-12-06T16:53:53

Great chapter! In the 22nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says you can make the choice to weather the storm by allowing it to blow through without resistance. By not fighting, but instead ...

Chapter 21 Tao Te Ching - Not clinging to preconceived ideas. How does the Tao light our lives - we let it! from 2018-11-29T14:18:45

Lao Tzu says so much in the 21st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching! Letting it happen, Looking within for the solution, It is within the emptiness that we find our answer. We are all part of the whole...

Thanksgiving Episode – Tao Te Ching discussion of our favorite Tao Quotes, Letting Go said in many ways! from 2018-11-22T15:05:01

We hope you enjoy a discussion of our favorite Tao quotes. Most were written by Lao Tzu in the Tao Te Ching. Our group hopes everyone has a great day of Thanksgiving this year; whether it is a h...

Chapter 20 Tao Te Ching – Trying not to try; giving up the rat race. Tao Te Ching discussion of Our Favorite Tao Quotes, Letting go said in many ways! from 2018-11-15T16:40:52

In the 20th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses how we may not realize how often you endeavor to accomplish all sorts of things with the idea that once you do, you’ll finally have the...

Chapter 19 Tao Te Ching – Let go of “Working harder and doing better” Tao Te Ching discussion of Our Favorite Tao Quotes, Letting go said in many ways! from 2018-11-12T14:44:18

In the 19th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu continues to illustrate that “all that glitters is not gold.” We have been fooled into thinking we will find fulfillment in morality, education, ...

Chapter 18 Tao Te Ching - Substitutes for Powerlessness and being right with the Tao! from 2018-11-01T19:15:07

In the 18th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu explains that you can live from your heart, viewing virtue as an individual responsibility that you adhere to without a statue or edict telling y...

Chapter 17 Tao Te Ching – Progression of Alcoholism and Learning to Trust by Letting Go of Control! from 2018-10-25T13:23:09

Lao Tzu shows in the 17th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching an example we can apply to the progression of alcoholism and our return through hate, fear, love, and acceptance, submitting the moment we a...

Chapter 16 Tao Te Ching Part 2 – Everything in Life is Cyclical! from 2018-10-18T16:35:24

This is Part 2 of our discussion of Chapter 16 of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu explained how all of life is in a no-life, life, no-life cycle; every relationship, job, even every care has this elem...

Chapter 16 Tao Te Ching Part 1 – The only constant is change! from 2018-10-13T21:48:04

In Chapter 16 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows the importance of becoming a passer by – not holding on. Until you let go of the old you cannot embrace the new.

Chapter 15 Part 2 Tao Te Ching - Living with ease and acceptance! from 2018-10-13T21:30:25

Lao Tzu discusses in the 15th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching how the completeness we are seeking comes from being able to be used, which is only possible when we are not...

Chapter 15 Tao Te Ching Part 1 - Living with ease and acceptance! from 2018-10-13T21:26:20

In the 15th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses how when we pause and allow everything to settle down that many times the right answers appear with no effo...

Chapter 14 Tao Te Ching - Living by Being rather than Doing! from 2018-10-13T21:23:36

In the 14th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses how through gratitude we can learn to be rather than do. We are called human beings rather than human doing...

Chapter 13 Tao Te Ching - Not living by the opinions of others! from 2018-10-13T21:20:15

In the 13th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses impersonalizing relationships - our greatest enemy is the shadow we cast.

Listen

Chapter 12 Tao Te Ching - Living with inner conviction – How well we let go and live by that natural state of the Tao, not how much we know! from 2018-10-13T21:17

Lao Tzu discusses in the 12th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching; Living with inner conviction – How well we let go and live by that natural state of the Tao, not how much we ...

Chapter 11 Tao Te Ching Part 2 Qualities of an Empty Cup! from 2018-10-13T21:07:39

Part 2 of our discussion of the 11th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses the value of being empty – allowing rather than trying. We talked in-depth about the...

Chapter 11 Tao Te Ching Part 1 Allowing rather than Trying! from 2018-10-13T15:40:18

In Part 1 of this discussion of the 11th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu illustrated how to allow rather than try and much more!

H...

Chapter 10 Tao Te Ching - Having without Possessing, Acting without Expectations! from 2018-10-12T19:14:47

In Chapter 10 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discussed having without possessing and acting without expectations.

Here is a link to an on...

Chapter 9 Tao Te Ching – Break Free From the Prison of People Pleasing! from 2018-10-12T19:13

We hope your 2020 is filled with emptiness! In the 9th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us we are the prisoner of those we are trying to please. People pleasing causes us to lose our a...

Chapter 8 Tao Te Ching – Doing the Next Right Thing! from 2018-10-12T19:12

In the 8th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that even 2500 years ago, “Doing the next right thing” was the solution! An example used over and over in Taois...

Chapter 7 Tao Te Ching – Becoming a Giving Machine! from 2018-10-12T19:11

In the 7th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that living in selfless action is the key to fulfillment. This practice of walking in love and not worrying about what we cannot control ...

Chapter 6 Tao Te Ching – Learning to Respond! from 2018-10-12T19:10

In the 6th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us our part in life is so much different than we may think. We learn that our job is to “listen for the echo.” Can we allow the noise to be ...

Chapter 5 Tao Te Ching – If Sobriety Works for Me, It Can Work for You Too! from 2018-10-12T19:09

In the 5th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that the Tao treats all the same. In recovery, I interpret that as meaning, if I can get sober, you can too!

Here is a link to an ...

Chapter 4 Tao Te Ching – We Never Graduate! from 2018-10-12T19:08

In the 4th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that life is never a “You show me twice, and I will take it from there” proposition. The Tao thrives in our emptiness – our being ok with...

Chapter 3 Tao Te Ching – Selfless Action Causes Everything to Fall into Place! from 2018-10-12T19:07

In the 3rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes a life of peace and joy begins with inner emptiness, not external fullness. It is perfectly ok to have things – not ok for things to hav...

Chapter 2 Tao Te Ching – Learning to Be! from 2018-10-12T19:06

In the 2nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that life can appear effortless (without angst - not without work) when we learn to do the job that is in front of us to do and not get s...

Chapter 1 Tao Te Ching – The Way of Not Knowing! from 2018-10-12T19:05

In the 1st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us the way of the Tao is a way of “not knowing.” Most of us are taught growing up that the first thing we do is label – good or bad, etc. We...