Tao of Our understanding Alcohol Recovery Podcast

In this episode, Zach E. and Buddy C. discuss Chapter 55 of the Tao Te Ching. A good discussion of how "the need to know" permeates all areas of life. Also discussed are the similarities between Christianity and Buddhist Zen and the need to know in both approaches to spirituality. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Y...

In this episode, we study, A Hat Salesman and A Capable Ruler, a writing of Chuang Tzu. Great discussion of how empty our life can be if we place too much value on achieving our goals. Meetings during the pandemic; 1 pm EDT Mon-Fri - Direct Link: www. DailyRecoveryMeeting.com 9 pm EDT Nightly 7 Days a Week - Direct Link; www. ZoomAAMeetings.com (You must log into a free zoom.us account for authent...

This is a bonus episode of a weekly Sponsor/Sponsee meeting between Zach E. and Buddy C. In this conversation, we talk about how we cultivate the Tao in our lives. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:54 Link to article and the effectiveness of AA; https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/he...

In this episode, our discussion starts with Chuang Tzu's, The Useless Tree, and moves to  Shel Silverstein's, The Giving Tree. Great discussion of how perceived uselessness can be an asset rather than a liability. We discuss labels, judgment, acceptance, expectations, and other aspects of how recovery related to the useless tree. Meetings during the pandemic; 1 pm EDT Mon-Fri - Direct Link: www. D...

This is a weekly Sponsor/Sponsee meeting between Zach E. and Buddy C. with a guest appearance from Craig M. In this conversation, much is discussed, including the 53rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. We concluded, in our experience, that meditation was the way to staying centered and not getting sidetracked with pride and ego. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in eve...

In this episode, we start our study of Chuang Tzu. We discuss the first chapter of the book entitled, "The Way of Chuang Tzu" by Thomas Merton. A good discussion of the potential of love in everyone, when we fulfill the commands of our true nature, rather than those of our ego-self.   Download the book we are studying here; https://terebess.hu/zen/mesterek/MertonChuangTzu.pdf Here is a link to an...

This is a bonus episode of a weekly Sponsor/Sponsee meeting between Zach E. and Buddy C. In this conversation, much is discussed, including the 52nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, and how COVID has brought a realization that Buddy's level of surrender was much less than he thought -  still a lot of yielding to do! We end the conversation with child rearing, Zach's upcoming new arrival, and meditatio...

This is the first of hopefully many bonus episodes of a weekly Sponsor/Sponsee meeting between Zach E. and Buddy C. In this conversation, much is discussed, including the 51st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, being the observer, stopping resistance, making space, acceptance, and much more! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/disp...

In the 81st  Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes how a life filled with giving is the most fulfilling. How do I learn to give? By being Empty – empty of our rules, the desire to know, the need to control, ambition, and forcing our needs on others are just a few ways of being empty. We also hear lots of ways of giving other than monetary. One of the most difficult is giving others the ri...

In the 80th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes a life of contentment – where our bucket list is made of things we can find within. Turning the light within – not only for disturbances but for our contentment and satisfaction too! What we read here is definitely the result of practice, and many of the gifts recovery brings to our lives. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te...

In the 79th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes how the Tao is on the side of those that seek a way to give rather than to get. A good discussion on dealing with lingering resentments that plague anyone that does not take the action of "returning injury with kindness" in any altercation, especially the small ones with those we are the closest. Here is a link to an online version of the...

In the 78th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives another analogy demonstrating the paradoxical strength of water. We see so much more peace in our lives as we learn to respond like water in our everyday life - an excellent discussion of the similar characteristics of water, love, and recovery. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.t...

In the 77th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, we think Lao Tzu is giving another description of wu wei but who really knows. There is a place of use and ease when using a bow. A bow is useless if it is not in balance. We discuss how we see a bow relating to recovery and life itself. Can we lower expectations and humbly approach life so we can be more useful in more moments of the day? Here is a link to...

In the 76th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu explains flexibility. Anything alive is flexible, pliable, and meek. Death brings rigidity, stiffness, and weakness. Learning to be flexible in everyday life is essential for living undisturbed - an excellent discussion of the application of being flexible. The tender, soft, compliant, yielding, gentle, humble, and meek will rise to the top and over...

In the 75th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes the ways that our attachment, resistance, and other demands keep us from enjoying life. Good discussion on the things we are clinging to and how to let go. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:75 Meetings during the pandemic; 1...

Lao Tzu said much about our response to fear. Our real problem is not the pandemic or any other issue. Instead, our problem is the fear of that issue or problem. Good discussion on the difference between fear and danger. We also discussed how to move from fear to love with the application of the tools of recovery. Books referenced; Letting Go the Pathway to Surrender; David R. Hawkins Love is Lett...

In the 74th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes what happens when we try to control the future out of fear. Death is not the issue. Death is coming in all things. Our fear based control in trying to prevent death is the issue and always leads to harm. Good discussion, not only about the fear of death of our natural life but also fear of death in our relationships, jobs, etc. We also dis...

In the 73rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes how the Tao is at ease at all times, accomplishes all, and nothing escapes its plan. Great discussion of how to live in ease and the manifestations of ego and fear in the journey of sobriety. Don't forget to check out the resources that are listed at the bottom of this description! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching th...

In the 72nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes clear cut guidelines to be happy in this world. These guidelines include respect and acceptance. Acceptance, not only of our circumstances but acceptance of ourselves. Good discussion too! Don't forget to check out the resources that are listed at the bottom of this description! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that...

In the 71st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes the state of "not knowing". A very good discussion of how having a "not knowing" mind toward all things, starting with our recovery, leaves room for the right answers to show themselves. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:71 W...

In the 70th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes the Tao. The Tao is not found by knowledge or excessive effort. The Tao is found by looking within and surrender. We also had a great discussion on the application of powerlessness in recovery and the kind of effort it takes to get sober and stay sober.    Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting...

In this episode, we discuss light quotes in the Tao Te Ching and the analogy of lighting a room and how this is similar to our approach to recovery. The dark is not a problem – once we bring light into the room the darkness leaves with no effort on our part. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004...

In the 69th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu explains that the idea of having an enemy is an illusion. We block the salvation we are looking for when we treat others as enemies. When I attack, I am always, always, always, attacking myself – no exceptions! We also referenced "The Tao of Inner Peace" by Diane Dreher. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every me...

In the 68th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu described Tao on a graduate level – learning how to compete in a world of competitors - without competing! How to live a way of non-resistance in every circumstance of life. Great discussion on our response when life threating situations challenge our sanity and sobriety. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every m...

In the 67th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that love is the dominant force in the universe. We discuss how our Higher Power is love, substituting love for Higher Power in the 12 steps and how love is our greatest protector. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:67 Would yo...