Tao of Our understanding Alcohol Recovery Podcast

In the 42nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of one of the foundational teachings of the Tao; violence in any form begets violence – in relationships, business, life, etc. By the same token, love begets love – in relationships, business, life, etc. We discuss how to find that balance and how loss of attachments many times is the real path of gain. Here is a link to an online version...

In the 41st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu reminds us of the paradoxical nature of truth. When we smirk at an answer, that is not self-serving, that answer probably needs to be reconsidered. A small shift can mean the difference between peace and joy or frustration and angst. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:...

In the 40th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us in very few words that yielding is always the way of the Tao; The Tao advances by not pressing forward. Good conversation about what yielding in life looks like. When we press and push we are always moving against the Tao (our Higher Power) and always ends up with poor results. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we...

In the 39th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us how we are all connected. Being we are all connected and part of a greater whole; when I hurt you, I hurt me. When I help you, I help me. When I have a success, I never get there alone. I never have to go through a disappointment alone either. Through appreciating, acknowledging, and helping those around me, I am helped too! Here is a link...

This is part 2 of our discussion of the 38th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu gives us 3 ways to live in the Tao instead of our poor substitutes; 1. Acting unselfishly, 2. Give without conditions, 3. See without preferences. Great discussion today with a lot of application. 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...

This is part 1 of our discussion of the 38th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu gives us the levels of false spirituality again and how we are to "be good" instead of the false "do good" substitutes going downward from self-goodness, to fairness, to rituals, to laws. These are red flags that can show us when we are not walking in our higher Tao nature of love. Here is a link to an online version...

This is part 2 of our discussion of the 37th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu gives insight on our part in life which many times is different than we interpret. We discussed with Kate E. how to apply this chapter in a work situation that she was experiencing. 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...

This is part 1 of our discussion of the 37th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu gives insight on our part in life and how we mistake work for work. We discuss how we tapped into something greater in our recovery and how to start tapping into that same power in the rest of 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/displ...

In the 36th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives us an insight into our difficulties in life – To take something, you must first give it up ENTIRELY.  How do we give up difficulties and see them as the gifts they are? We have to let it 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:36...

In the 35th  Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu gives us a paradox of spirituality – what we think will make us happy never does. When we focus on the persons, places, and things of this world to make us happy instead of looking within, we will always lack. 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 34th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu shows us that by not possessing, making no claim, not dominating, not lording over others, not controlling, we can accomplish the work necessary to live powerlessly. 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:34 Would you like to receive a free...

Learning not to give others permission to upset us is one of the great gifts from Lao Tzu in the 33rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching! 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:33 Would you like to receive a free daily topic email with the most popular AA resources, accompanied by a secret Faceb...

How do we know the right thing to do? The 32nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu uses a great example from nature that can show 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:32 Would you like to receive a free daily topic email with the most popular AA resources, accompanied by a secret F...

One interpretation of Lao Tzu's 31st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching could be avoiding the fight – starting with the fight within us then outwardly toward those we love, then to those we interact and work with in daily life. How do we do this? This was a really good discussion of how the 31st Chapter can help us take the fight out of daily life. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching...

According to Lao Tzu in the 30th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, force always causes resistance – PERIOD. NO EXCEPTIONS! When I resist a thought it grows. When I resist being angry that resistance gives the anger more energy. When I force my will on another, there is always resistance which results in thorny relations. How do we identify force in our life and what can we do about it? Here is a link t...

According to Lao Tzu in the 29th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, our life is perfect just as it is. We hinder the natural flow of life with our control. We discuss the process of surrender, similar to how we deal with feelings in meditation. We also discuss the 3 warning signs of control; extremes, excesses, and complacency. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every...

In the 28th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu tells us that by loving others and surrender, we can become the source of life needed in our relationships and our recovery. 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:28 Would you like to receive a free daily topic email with the most popular...

Lao Tzu discusses Wu wei often in the Tao Te Ching. One of our Members, Marla H. is looking for a job. We discuss "effortless effort" – a principle known as Wu wei in Taoist thought. What is "our part" in whatever we are doing? Whether we are looking for a job, our recovery, friends, relatives, or other affairs? Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting;...

Lao Tzu teaches us in the 27th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching that we can both learn from and help those we ignore much more than we realize. Every circumstance, every person, every emotion, every fear, every joy is our teacher. When we approach life impartially we can both benefit and contribute! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://ttc.tasuki...

In the 26th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discussed that when we are disturbed there is a problem within us and steps we can take to return to a state of peace and joy. The problem being within is great news! This means we can do something about it! 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/s...

In the 25th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses the Greatness of our HP (Higher Power or Tao). We came from this Greatness and can learn to live in this Greatness every day, all day! We also discussed how our HP has changed in recovery and how to remove those fears and other character defects that are blocking the freedom we are seeking. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te...

In the 24th Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu discusses how the natural flow of the Tao operates: It asks nothing of you as it provides everyone with unlimited supplies of food, air, water, sunshine, land, and beauty. It is always creating for the benefit of all, and it has no need for prideful boasting or demanding something in return. The journey of your life will change when you emphasize gr...

In the 23rd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says the Tao response isn't within your ego. Your ego strongly believes in your ability to force things, to make things happen, or to be the person in charge. The Tao points out that the Way is responsible for everything, with a naturalness about it that isn't forced. Learning to open yourself up to the Tao and surrendering the moment is the key. Pr...

Great chapter! In the 22nd Chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says you can make the choice to weather the storm by allowing it to blow through without resistance. By not fighting, but instead relaxing and going with all that confronts you, it is possible to be at ease regardless of the circumstances. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting; https://tt...

Lao Tzu says so much in the 21st Chapter of the Tao Te Ching! Letting it happen, Looking within for the solution, It is within the emptiness that we find our answer. We are all part of the whole – this chapter goes on and on… 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:21 Would you like to rec...