A Year+ of the Tao

The decision was made: I was going to read the Tao Te Ching every day for 2018, reflect on my reading and write about it. That was December 31, 2017. Yesterday, I completed my fifth reading of the Tao. As I closed, I reflected on my biggest takeaways:

1. The Tao is the art of living, the Great Way, the flow of life.
2. We create our own strife and stress by trying to control the Great Way.
3. For more ease and greater joy in life, surrender to Life’s flow.

Essentially, my mental and emotional wellbeing are connected to how I choose to respond to life.

While intentionally living the Tao there were many times that I did not want to surrender and wanted to control the outcome. Because of the daily practice I was aware of my thoughts and shifted my behavior. As time went on, it became easier to do and I responded positively more quickly in challenging situations. It has been a process.

As I neared completion of the Tao for the fifth time, I was given a gift—the original edition of A Course in Miracles. This book has been recommended to me several times in life. One of my business coaches told me to purchase and read it as homework in 2017. I started, then became distracted. Then this weekend, someone whom I’ve never laid eyes gave me a copy as a gift through a mutual friend. Since I believe coincidences are incidents that coincide, I think it is time to read ACIM. Again, this is another year-long undertaking (at least) and I intend to share my daily reflections.

I began reading yesterday as I contemplated this decision and came across a phrase that made me say, “YES!”

All mental illness is some form of external searching. Mental health is inner peace.

Said another way, your mental and emotional wellbeing are connected to how you choose to respond to life.

So, if you’re game, let us continue our wellbeing journey together with ACIM in a Tao state of mind.

A new decision has been made. Are you with me? Let me know in the comments below. Also, let me know how the Tao has impacted you.

Inspiring bliss,

Sheron

P.S. The Tao is pronounced “Dow.”