Be Guided to Joy

| The Tao Chapter 5 – My Third Interpretation|

We gravitate to the good because it is pleasurable. We avoid what feels bad because it leads to suffering. Yet even what is perceived as bad, negative or evil serves its purpose.

What is perceived as the cause of suffering—the event—is not the original cause at all. The true root begins in the mind and is an opportunity to unlearn a habit that no longer, nor has it ever, serves you.

Life has a way of guiding you in the direction of joy. It does so with opportunities to uncover the roots of suffering. And it happens again and again for as long as you require unlearning.

Thought is the root of your habits that result in suffering. Unlearning with new thought leads you to joy.

LIVING THE TAO: Today, consider a recurring instance that has been an irritant. What about the situation could be viewed differently? What are possible lessons to learn? Once those become clear, thank the irritation for its presence, maintain that state of gratitude, and soon enough the irritation will fade away.

My 2018 focus is to intentionally live the Tao Te Ching. This is my third reading of Stephen Mitchell’s translation. I share my daily interpretations hoping to inspire you to do the same.

Embrace your journey. Experience bliss. Live the Tao.