4 Ways to Practice Modern Tao Philosophy Today

Tao means "the way or path." Lao Tzu, the creator of Taoism, taught the concept of wu-wei, or "no thing." But that doesn't literally mean to do nothing. In modern terms it means to find happiness and spiritual fulfillment simply by following your own path and going with the flow of your own life instead of striving to imitate others.

But can his practice be applied to your busy, high-tech modern life? Yes it can! Even though the world is a whole lot more complicated today, the fundamental puzzles of life remain the same. These four tips will show you how to live life more mindfully and a lot less seriously.

1. Accept Yourself As You Are
   The path of understanding Taoism is simply accepting yourself—from the exact point you are, right now. You qualify to begin on your true path right now. Practice being in the feeling of Tao with your body rather than analyzing its definition with your mind.


2. Trust the Flow of Life
   Taoism is based upon following your gut feelings and trusting your instincts. Whenever self-doubt keeps you from going with the flow, learn to sharpen your intuition instead. Just as your nature is ever-changing and is always the same, so is everyone else's. Don’t try to resolve the various contradictions in life. Learn to accept them as tools for your transformation instead.


3. Change Your Energy
   Discover an energy practice that supports your essence and fits your needs of the moment. Maybe you'd like to sign up for a meditation course. Or contemplate your nature with poetry, calligraphy, or reading a book on the Tao. Any of these can support your essence and help you learn more about yourself and the world.


4. Take a Course in Tao
   Check out Grand Master ManWol's 12-part lecture series,What is Enlightenment?. Her course provides compassionate wisdom about living an enlightened life on a daily basis and dives into topics of money, love, sex, family, and relationships with the eyes of the Tao.

These tips may sound simplistic, but the Tao is simple. If you trust your instincts and trust in the flow of life, anything becomes possible. For all possibilities are already manifest. Tao shows you how to recognize that you are already complete, just the way you are.