Tao of Our understanding Alcohol Recovery Podcast

In the 66th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu uses the ocean's relationship to all the water of the world. The ocean is the greatest out of the effort to be the lowest, not from force or push. Good discussion! 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:66 Would you like to receive a free d...

In the 65th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of true Tao virtue (Te) which shows up when we approach life with vulnerability - from the place of not having all the answers, from a position of open-mindedness and not knowing. In recovery, we call this powerlessness. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Ye...

In the 64th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives us both practical and spiritual solutions to the issues of life. Many times these practical solutions like, "handling problems while they are small", leads us to spiritual solutions like, "paying attention to what others ignore". We also discussed one of the most quoted sayings from the Tao Te Ching, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with...

In the 63rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us how to live in ease. There are both physical and spiritual aspects of living at ease that can be overlooked if we depend on effort to bring about our comfort. 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:63 Would you like to receive a fr...

In the 62nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that the Tao provides for all indiscriminately and does not take personally anyone's actions – a good example for us! In return, our lives can unfold in front of us without our pushing or striving. 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/se...

In the 61st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that if we change our perception, all perceived enemies are really teachers. This does not mean we have to be doormats – it means we can handle any situation without anger and resentment. Humility through yielding (powerlessness) makes this possible! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https...

In the 60th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us how to allow negativity to disappear in our lives by simply responding with kindness. Good discussion as to how to allow our lives to elevate to a place of more peace and joy by responding the way we want to be treated rather than taking everything personally and creating a fight out of every situation of life. Here is a link to an online v...

In the 59th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives characteristics of a life where nothing is impossible, even freedom from me! What a surprise, it starts by making room and letting 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:59 Would you like to receive a free daily topic email with t...

In the 58th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes viewing your life far above good and bad circumstances or valleys and mountain tops. We also discussed the way to influence others – not by trying to change the people around us but by loving them instead and giving them room to find their own way. We also discussed how to and not to respond to sponsees in recovery. Here is a link to an on...

In the 57th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes living a life of allowing rather than interfering – not only in our own life but also with those that are not following a life lived by spiritual principles. How can I move in my life from interfering to allowing? How do I continue to control, to the detriment rather than for the benefit of the situation or person? Great discussion! Here i...

In the 56th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives us an example of what "Being" looks like – the highest state of man. Great discussion of learning to live past attachments, profit and loss, honor and disgrace – far beyond the opinions and cares of people. How do we do this? By learning to give more and more in our life until our nature is to give rather than get in all of our interactions! H...

In the 55th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us how to live a life without disappointment. Is this possible? It is very possible when we lower our expectations and learn to apply the following version of the serenity prayer; "God, Grant me the Serenity to accept the people I cannot Change, The courage to change the one that I can, and the Wisdom to know that person is me." Here is a li...

In the 54th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us to let virtue grow in all areas of our lives. This of course starts with us learning to look within. Once we start being aware, we can begin to ask, "How can I give" rather than, "How can I get" in interactions with those around us. We discuss several examples in other chapters of the Tao Te Ching and reference this podcast interview of R...

In the 53rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that all change starts with us. We also discussed how to stay on "the path" and avoid the distractions that keep us from that higher life of peace and joy we are seeking. 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:53 Would you like t...

In the 52nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that yielding is strength. Nothing else compares to yielding for strength in any situation. How do we yield? It starts by realizing that we all have that God DNA within us and are all connected. We start to notice God in the little things and that the universe is not dependent on us. Next we give up control and play our part rather than b...

In the 51st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us to let Life, Tao, God, Higher Power, etc. complete us. The nature of our Higher Power is also discussed and the red flags that tell us when we are stepping in and controlling instead of surrendering. 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:1972,1988,1996,200...

In the 50th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us it is important how we live the dash (-) between our birth and death. A small percentage of people really learn to "practice the principles in all our affairs" or "live a surrendered life" or "die to self" or we "die to live" or any other ways your spiritual practice describes how to die while we are still alive. Here is a link to an onli...

In the 49th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that our key to accepting and loving ourselves is in our interactions, acceptance, and love of others. We are not separate from anyone. When I attack you, I am attacking me. When I hurt you, I am hurting me. When I judge you, I am judging me. When I love you, I am loving me. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we...

In the 48th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that our interference in life is more of a hindrance than a help. Our peace and joy is found within; not in the things we attain or the people we perfectly arrange and orchestrate around us. 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...

In the 47th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that as we progress from having to doing to being, we will realize all of the answers are within. These answers are found through surrender rather than more knowledge. 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:47 Would you like to r...

In the 46th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us that fear is the greatest illusion and desire is your greatest enemy. Great Discussion! 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:46 Would you like to receive a free daily topic email with the most popular AA resources, accompanied...

In the 45th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of how with 1st impressions, we make judgements that trap us in our selfishness and fears. 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:45 Would you like to receive a free daily topic email with the most popular AA resources, accompani...

In this second part of our discussion of the 44th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us we lack nothing whether we realize it or not. Great discussion of how to make this a reality in everyday life. 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:44 Would you like to receive a free daily...

In the 44th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of how contentment is gained by accepting life as it is instead of finding our value in what we achieve or what we do not achieve. We also discuss some valuable tools to help with this process including different mediation techniques.  We will finish our discussion of the 44th Chapter next week. Here is a link to an online version of the...

In the 43rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of Wu Wei, or unattached action. This is action that holds all we desire but few learn the practice. 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:43 Would you like to receive a free daily topic email with the most popular AA resources,...