Taoism & Finding Balance
“There’s not enough penises in the world to fill up your heart hole.”
-Sarah Silverman
I have been a (somewhat casual) follower of the Tao for over twenty years now. I don’t know that I am a Taoist in a strictly religious sense, and I’ll save the story of how I found the Way for another post. But in a philosophical sense, the overarching ideas and themes of Tao or the Way have colored and informed my life greatly. It speaks to me.
I have read several translations of Lao Tzu’s Tao te Ching over the years, but I always find my way back to Stephen Mitchell’s. I have worn through several of his little pocket editions over the years, and my current well-worn copy has the torn-off cover repurposed as a bookmark. I generally will read at least a chapter a day, usually first thing in the morning. Sometimes I will journal about it afterwards.
What Would Lao Tzu Do?
Chapter 53 jumped out at me this week and has been rattling around in my head, so I thought I would share it here:
The great Way is easy,
yet people prefer the side paths.
Be aware when things are out of balance.
Stay centered within the Tao.When rich speculators prosper
While farmers lose their land;
when government…
