Taoists are sass-monkeys. There’s a misconception that spiritual people are always wise, aloof, subdued. There is something to be said for the wisdom of being able to see the humour in things; and being able to talk smack to those still talking themselves too seriously. This whole chapter is a comparison of “regular folk” and … More ToV 20 – On Sass-Monkeys and Seagulls
The inside of my head has been an annoying place to be as of late. The bulk of my self-talk centres around despondency and frustration and the GIANT gap between what I’m doing and what I want to be doing – including my ability to add to my Tao Te Ching commentaries here. Grumble… I’m … More ToV 21 – Grumble Grumble …Ah!
Chapters 18 and 19 are practically a matched set – a before and after, problem and solution, bookending the same issue. It’s that dratted ego-centric monkey mind versus true Self stuff again. The opening line from chapter 18: When the great Tao is forgotten, goodness and piety appear. Contrasted with first line of 19: Throw … More ToV 18 &19 – Throw Away Holiness and Wisdom
Chapter 17 actually says some great things about leadership and humility and empowerment, you should definitely read it. However, a strange thing can happen when you read insightful texts, sometimes something oblique speaks to you. A single line did that to me today, so join me on a tangent! If you don’t trust the people, … More ToV 17 – What Liars Lose
Though I have my own tradition of post-Christmas meltdowns, I think it’s a rather universal thing. There’s even a name for it: Blue Monday – that day in January when all the excitement of the holidays has worn of, the bills have started to come in, and months of Winter darkness have taken their toll. But … More ToV 16 – January Blues? Find your Centre!
Valerie Roney 