Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher who founded Taoism. Taoism is a religion based upon simplicity, patience and compassion. At its core Taoism is founded on the idea of living in unison with nature and the universe, being content with your surroundings and maintaining a flow state throughout your journey.

After reading and watching some articles on Lao Tzu, his teachings and a bit of the background around the principles of Taoism, I found a connection to the emphasis on the flow state. I spoke briefly in my previous post around how our energy in motion stays in motion and energy at rest stays at rest. The metaphor of maintaining the flow of the river with our thoughts and emotions really stuck out for me. Maintain the flow of the river and avoid the banks because banks will act as hurdles in process and resolution. The ability to absorb an idea, concept, issue or thought, regardless of it being a good or bad one is inevitable. However, how you manage it, is the question, do you choose to flow with it and make decisions and resolutions on the go or do you choose to ponder on it, run into the bank and try figure out the next move?

Choosing to stay in the river, choosing to try and understand what’s happening and deciphering it is incredibly important in maintaining happiness. Obviously it’s a lot easier to maintain flow in the river of excitement, success and achievement but pondering on this too much can also be a burden, as if you process this for too long and run into the bank, maybe you will stay idle and struggle to move forward in your next stage of growth?

Taoism on a surface level has already grabbed my attention. To be honest, the basic principles - simplicity, patience and compassion had me at the get go. Breaking down what it means to find fulfilment and joy stems from interweaving yourself with the rest of the universe, deep from within your soul. The ability to find happiness within your soul through having less materialism and searching more for a vast connection of energy. How could a new car, phone or great meal ever compared to connected on a deeper level with all energies in the universe?

The lessons and principles behind Lao Tzus message and religion are so basic when you think about it but so key in being fulfilled in a much deeper sense. I will most definitely be looking to dive deeper into where this leads me. Obviously, this is just a message and direction from an ancient text, but I believe there may be something here in the search for happiness
Thanks,

Dean