Living the Tao-A Spiritual Podcast

Are Chinese herbs working because of chemistry… or because of Qi? In this episode of Living the Tao Shorts, Daoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the difference between nutritional value and essence value — and why two foods that look identical on a label may affect your energy very differently. You'll hear: How Qi is absorbed from both food and environment Why some herbs function biochemically like natural drugs What “essence” means in Taoist herbal theory Why heavily processed foods may leave you energetically depleted A revealing college-era story about calorie intake vs vitality This short bridges classical Taoist herbalism with modern physiology without dismissing either perspective. If you're interested in Qi cultivation, organic food, energy building, or understanding how Chinese herbs really work, this episode offers a clear and grounded framework. Listen, reflect, and reconsider what you're actually feeding.   Do you want more information on the intersection of nutrition and qi?  Try our site here:  https://www.watermountainvirtual.com/qi-gong-nutrition/

What is power? In this episode (1-167) of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod challenges the modern assumption that power means dominance or control. Instead, he reframes power as something far more fundamental: the ability to make a decision and see it reach fruition. This teaching focuses on the first of the Four Ascendant Spheres — the Social Sphere — the domain of language, persuasion, money, politics, and what classical Daoists referred to as the “red dust.” Why does poetry move people more than reason? Why does external spiritual identity fail to create real transformation? And how does one move from the illusion-dense realm of talk into deeper spiritual development? This is a subscriber-only doctrinal episode. Hear the full teaching on Supercast.  

I Ching Dyad: Beginning and Folly Subscriber Episode Preview Most failures don't happen at the end. They happen at the beginning. In this preview of a subscriber-only episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod examines two closely linked hexagrams from the I Ching: Difficulty at the Beginning and Youthful Folly. These two states describe what happens when structure is trying to form — and when we don't yet understand what we're dealing with. In the full episode, he explores: The two ways a beginning collapses Why impatience destroys emerging order The difference between chaos and ignorance Why changing lines indicate pressure, not simple prediction This trailer offers a glimpse into the deeper structural analysis available to subscribers.

We're often told to “think for ourselves.” But what if that's only half the story? In this Living the Tao Short (2-15), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores a deeper and often forgotten form of freedom: learning to feel for yourself. Drawing from Taoist practice and ancient cultural understandings of purpose, this short looks at how joy, harmony, and meaningful relationships emerge when the internal relationship with the self comes into balance. Rather than being shaped by pain, habit, or expectation, Taoist practice offers a way to re-craft the self—beyond conflict and toward quiet enjoyment of life. This episode touches on: Why internal harmony matters more than constant self-analysis How pain shapes identity—and how transformation goes beyond healing The Taoist view of joy, embodiment, and emotional authority Why feeling was once considered central to human existence A short reflection on joy, transformation, and the art of living.

Are good and evil moral absolutes — or are they something else entirely? In this episode (1-165) of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod presents the Daoist view of good, evil, and neutrality as energetic positions, not moral judgments. Rather than focusing on right and wrong, Daoism examines how actions affect energy, probability, and personal power. This conversation explores why Daoism was never designed as a social or moral control system, how karma functions energetically rather than morally, and why neutrality may offer the greatest potential for influence and change. Topics include: The Daoist rejection of moral hierarchy Why judgment creates false polarities How karma actually works in classical Daoism Why destruction releases energy faster than creation The role of neutrality in spiritual cultivation How Qi Gong relates to energy outside moral frameworks This episode is ideal for listeners interested in Taoism, spirituality, philosophy, and anyone questioning traditional good-versus-evil thinking. In this episode (1-160), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explains why positivity is not about denying reality or forcing optimism. Instead, it's about where you place your attention, how you process experience, and how much failure you can tolerate without giving up. Topics include: Why negativity often feels justified—but limits your life The difference between motivation and long-term damage How childhood conditioning shapes what you focus on The Taoist idea of fail tolerance and endurance Why most people set goals that guarantee failure A practical, no-nonsense discussion of positivity as a trainable skill, not a personality trait.  

In this trailer for Living the Tao – Episode 1-164, Mikel Steenrod introduces a traditional Taoist mind-training drill drawn from the oral tradition. The exercise begins with a simple image: a group of people seated comfortably around a table, discussing what the outdoors is like. A door stands nearby. Everyone knows it leads outside. Anyone could open it. Yet no one does. From this setup emerges a deeper exploration of comfort, consensus, direct experience, and why truth is often discussed rather than encountered. This episode does not offer conclusions or doctrine. Instead, it presents a tool—one designed to be revisited, examined, and experienced over time. The full episode is available exclusively to subscribers.  Subscribe now at  https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

Many cultures have a tradition of the vision quest. In Taoism, a related practice is known as Biguan. In this short episode of Living the Tao, Master Steenrod explains Biguan as a retreat from the social mind—the accumulated pressure of identity, expectations, and unconscious influence often described metaphorically as “red dust.” This is not an extreme or monastic practice. Biguan, especially for lay practitioners, is about withdrawing from influence without abandoning life. Even small, intentional separations can restore clarity and help us choose what we bring back into daily living. A concise reflection on identity, clarity, and returning to the world with awareness.  

In this trailer for Living the Tao (1-163), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod introduces a subscriber-only episode on lay talismanic practice—what it is, why it exists in Taoism, and where its real limits are. Talismans were never meant as superstition or shortcuts. They developed as practical tools for people who do not possess the energetic capacity to act directly on reality, and who are not part of priestly or sectarian systems. In this episode, Steenrod explains how lay talismanic work fits within Taoist tradition, why a dedicated altar matters, how invocation binds energy, and what can responsibly be done at the folk level. No secret registers. No initiations. No fantasy explanations. The full episode, Making Talismans for the Lay Person, is available exclusively to subscribers.  Subscribe now at  https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

What is the best mood? In this subscriber-only episode of Living the Tao, we explore mood not as a virtue or flaw—but as a functional tool that shapes qi, perception, action, and health. Drawing from Taoist practice and Natural Form and Essence Qi Gong, this episode examines three core mood states—joyful, neutral, and disdain—and the specific advantages and limitations of each. Rather than promoting emotional suppression or forced positivity, the discussion focuses on emotional fluidity and the importance of maintaining a healthy, life-supporting baseline. This episode is for listeners who sense that calm alone doesn't always move life forward—and that emotional extremes, positive or negative, come with hidden costs.

What if reality isn't about right and wrong — but about how real you actually are? In this Living the Tao Short, we explore the Taoist Ching scale, an ancient framework that measures existence as a balance between reality and symbol. From the Dao as pure, undifferentiated potential, down through gods, dragons, humans, and animals, this scale reveals how power, change, and perception work in Taoist thought. You'll learn why: Humans were once believed to be more real than they are today Dragons are considered creators and allies of humanity “Illusion” in Taoism doesn't mean false — it means changeable A short episode with long echoes.  

Order, Chaos, and Hundun — Subscriber Episode Preview Most discussions of reality frame life as a movement between order and chaos. In Taoist thought, that binary is incomplete. This trailer introduces Hundun—the undifferentiated state that precedes structure itself. Not confusion, not disorder, but the condition from which form emerges. In the full subscriber episode, Master Steenrod explores why periods of uncertainty are not spiritual failure, how premature structure can limit development, and why dissolution often signals return rather than collapse. This is a contemplative, non-technical discussion rooted in early Taoist cosmology and lived practice. There are no exercises or prescriptions—only a reframing of how change actually unfolds.

What does positive power actually mean in Taoism? In this episode (1-160), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explains why positivity is not about denying reality or forcing optimism. Instead, it's about where you place your attention, how you process experience, and how much failure you can tolerate without giving up. Topics include: Why negativity often feels justified—but limits your life The difference between motivation and long-term damage How childhood conditioning shapes what you focus on The Taoist idea of fail tolerance and endurance Why most people set goals that guarantee failure A practical, no-nonsense discussion of positivity as a trainable skill, not a personality trait.  

Is Daoism something you're supposed to feel rather than understand? Does talking about it ruin the experience? In this Living the Tao Short (2-12), Master Steenrod examines a common modern belief—that authentic Daoism requires no study, no method, and no examination. He explains where this idea comes from, why it doesn't hold up historically, and how Daoist development has always depended on effort, method, and choice. Nature can teach—but it isn't the Dao. And walking away from method comes with consequences.  

In this subscriber-only episode (1-159) of Living the Tao, Master Steenrod examines a quiet but widespread problem: why clarity, restraint, and spiritual insight seem to disappear when life becomes stressful — even when we understand the teachings. From a Taoist perspective, the issue is not discipline, belief, or willpower. It's energy. This episode explores how higher thought, ethical behavior, and spiritual stability are energy-dependent states. When qi is depleted, advanced behavior becomes unavailable. Choice narrows. Reactivity replaces agency. What feels like moral or spiritual failure is often an energetic condition. Drawing from classical Taoist understanding — and contrasting it with how many spiritual systems are applied today — this talk reframes struggle without blame and restores a missing sequence: energy first, clarity second. In this episode, you'll hear: Why low energy collapses higher behavior How modern life quietly drains qi Why many spiritual teachings fail without an energetic foundation How ethics and insight naturally emerge from sufficient energy Why restoring energy must come before higher practice This is not motivational content. It's structural explanation — intended for listeners ready to examine why understanding alone doesn't translate into lived stability.

Originally released as Episode 10, Poison of Immortality remains one of the most powerful teachings in the Living the Tao archive. In this brief trailer, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod offers a sharp preview of the timeless insights within—on mortality, time, and the path to clarity. If you missed it the first time, or you're ready to revisit it with fresh ears, now is the time. The updated episode now includes a full transcript and study guide for deeper reflection.

Living the Tao — Winter Tales (Subscriber Episode) Winter has long been a season for Taoist storytelling — a time when teachers set aside instruction and let stories do the work. In this short trailer, Master Steenrod introduces a subscriber-only episode(1-158) of Living the Tao built around three traditional winter Taoist tales: a man untouched by cold, a hermit who sits through winter snow, and an immortal who waits calmly as change unfolds. These stories aren't about endurance or technique. They explore yin, alignment, and the wisdom of not forcing the moment — themes especially relevant as the year comes to a close.

Why do Taoist masters fly in legends—but not in real life today? In this Living the Tao Short, Master Mikel Steenrod explores the idea that some extraordinary abilities once attributed to Taoist practitioners depended on conditions that no longer exist. Rather than fantasy, the discussion focuses on history, training, and the Daoist principle of time and place. This short episode separates cinematic myth from classical Daoist understanding, offering a thoughtful look at why certain abilities faded—and what Taoism actually teaches instead.

Living the Tao – Episode 1-157 (Subscriber Trailer) I Ching Dyad: Following (17) & Repairing What Has Been Spoiled (18) There are times when following an established path leads to success—and times when that same path begins to fail. In this short trailer for a subscriber-only episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Michael Steenrod introduces a classical I Ching dyad that frequently appears together: Hexagram 17, Following, and Hexagram 18, Repairing What Has Been Spoiled. Rather than treating the I Ching as symbolic abstraction, this episode explores it as a practical system of pattern recognition. Following is not blind obedience, but an aware alignment with momentum that conserves energy and produces results. Repair becomes necessary when that momentum decays, calling for assessment, effort, and intelligent adaptation. The episode also introduces the “karmic bus driver” metaphor—explaining when it is appropriate to lead, when it is wiser to follow, and when repair or withdrawal is the correct response. This subscriber episode is especially relevant for anyone navigating change in personal practice, leadership, work, or life systems, and clarifies a common misconception: Taoism is not passive surrender—it includes decisive action when conditions call for it.

Why do some people seem to catch every break while others struggle no matter how hard they try? In this free episode (1-156) of Living the Tao, Master Steenrod explains the Taoist view of luck, prosperity, and synchronicity—and why “good fortune” is far more structured than most people realize. You'll learn: • Why luck isn't random or a moral reward • How prosperity and abundance actually behave in the world • Why luck “pools” in certain places and around certain people • The difference between luck, karma, and synchronicity (Shi) • How environment shapes your chances more than intention • What Taoism calls the “arts of living” and how they stabilize your life • Why even people with bad behavior can appear intensely lucky This episode blends practical living with classical Taoist insight, offering a grounded, realistic way to understand the “hidden mechanics” shaping everyday life. If you've ever wondered why luck feels unfair—or how to position yourself where prosperity naturally gathers—this conversation offers a clear, Taoist-informed answer. The video version of this episode is also available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Ue1_VvpHmZQ

What is Taoist power really—and how do you recognize it in your own life? In this episode of Living the Tao Shorts (2-10), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores De, the form of spiritual power described in the Daodejing. Instead of treating De as serendipity or good luck, Master Steenrod explains how true Taoist practice produces alignment, insight, and direct Dao interaction. Inside this episode: What De actually means in classical Taoism How Taoist “sagecraft” shapes your life and decisions The Four Ascendant triangle of Dao → Teacher → Student Why tiny “signs” aren't reliable indicators of spiritual growth What creates Dao intrusions—and what they mean for your path Why the Dao responds as if you already know the rules This short episode is ideal for listeners exploring Taoist spirituality, personal transformation, inner alignment, or the deeper teachings behind the Daodejing.

Discover the Taoist meaning behind giving. In this exclusive subscriber-only episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores a classic teaching story about generosity, sincerity, and the unseen forces that shape the outcome of every act of giving. In this trailer, you'll hear a preview of the ideas discussed in the full episode—including why Taoism views gifts as something far deeper than objects exchanged. Whether the offering is grand or humble, the true weight of a gift lies in the intention behind it, and the state of mind of the giver. If you've ever wondered why some gestures resonate and others fall flat—even when you mean well—this story sheds light on what really matters. The full episode is available now for subscribers at https://living-the-tao.supercast.com. ✨ What subscribers get: Full access to deep-dive Taoist lessons Exclusive commentary and extended teachings A growing archive of private episodes Early access to new content Join us and step deeper into the path of wisdom.

Step back into one of the most talked-about episodes in the Living the Tao archive. In “Demons and Ghosts Are Real!”, Master Steenrod explains why the Taoist view of ghosts and demons has little to do with Hollywood—and everything to do with emotional residue, intention, and stability of mind. This short trailer revisits the key ideas from the full episode: Why ghosts are often echoes rather than entities How demons operate more like intentional forces Why instability invites problems—and stability shuts them down How to strengthen your qi so nothing finds a way in If you missed this episode when it first aired, or you want a refresher before the next new release, now's the time.

This is a public preview of Episode 1-154, available exclusively to subscribers. In this short segment, Master Steenrod explains why staying in the wrong situation burns extraordinary amounts of energy. Using the image of “fire under water,” he shows how misalignment drains karmic force, stalls growth, and signals the need for real transformation. If you've ever wondered why holding still can feel harder than moving forward, this preview offers a glimpse into a much deeper teaching. Subscribe to unlock the full episode, where we explore: the classical Mandate of Heaven and its modern application the three layers of karma why misalignment consumes ling how transformation restores energetic flow the timing dynamics behind mandated change Members also gain access to the full Living the Tao archive, AMA episodes, Shorts, and exclusive bonus content. Subscribe here → https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

Sensory hygiene is one of the least understood but most powerful tools on the Taoist path. In this short conversation (2-9), Master Steenrod explains how half of self-management comes from managing your inputs — what you see, hear, and absorb from the world around you. You'll learn how negative events stack to distort perception, why modern life overloads us with emotional variation, and how the Four Ascendant Tradition reframes all of this as conscious crafting of the self. If you've ever felt thrown off by your environment, this short will help you understand why — and what to do about it. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/tohqJIrgVNs

What if the power to change your life didn't come from force—but from energy, timing, and awareness? In this episode (1-152) of Living the Tao, Master Steenrod unpacks the true meaning of Qi as the bridge between the human and the universal. He explains the Four Spheres of Taoism—Social, Martial, Qi, and Tao—and how each reveals a new level of perception and power. You'll discover how Qi can dissolve conflict without fighting, why the I Ching teaches the art of timing, and how ancient shamanic dances evolved into the Qigong practices of today. The result is a conversation that blends philosophy, energy, and practical wisdom—showing how to live longer, feel better, and act in harmony with the flow of life. Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/VQ0S4GxZA7Y Explore our full Qi Gong archive — videos, articles, and training resources: https://www.watermountainvirtual.com/blog-for-online-courses/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcastdescription&utm_campaign=qi_gong_cluster

What if the power to change your life didn't come from force—but from energy, timing, and awareness?In this episode (1-152) of Living the Tao, Master Steenrod unpacks the true meaning of Qi as the bridge between the human and the universal. He explains the Four Spheres of Taoism—Social, Martial, Qi, and Tao—and how each reveals a new level of perception and power.You'll discover how Qi can dissolve conflict without fighting, why the I Ching teaches the art of timing, and how ancient shamanic dances evolved into the Qigong practices of today. The result is a conversation that blends philosophy, energy, and practical wisdom—showing how to live longer, feel better, and act in harmony with the flow of life.Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: Incompetech.com

In this short (2-8), Master Steenrod unpacks Taoism's elusive stance on morality. What happens when a tradition without heaven or hell meets the moral hierarchies of Confucianism and the rituals of Buddhism?Discover how early Taoism resisted becoming a system of control, how politics turned ritual into power, and why “the noodle got spicy” when belief met bureaucracy.It's a journey through ancient temples, statecraft, and the human need to define right and wrong—told with humor, insight, and unmistakable Taoist calm. Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com

Taoism isn't evangelical — it's adaptable. In this short, Master Steenrod explains how the tradition has endured for thousands of years by “spicing the noodle”: blending with Buddhism, Confucianism, and even modern science without losing its flavor. Discover why Taoism calls itself a human method, not a divine truth — and how that flexibility keeps it alive in every age.

Long before Daoism became philosophy, it was survival.In this episode (1-148), Taoist Master Steenrod traces the ancient, shamanic roots of Daoism — a time when humanity faced energetic predators and learned to fight back.Through humor and history, he reveals how early “supernatural combat” shaped the Daoist path: a tradition built on observation, proof, and endurance. What began as the defense of life became a way to understand it — and to walk in balance with forces far beyond the human world.Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com

Ever wonder if you're already a Daoist at heart? In this reflective short (Ep 2-6), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the quiet signs that the path has already found you. From the way pain, fear, and desire shape our search for peace, to the strange resonance some feel when reading the Dao De Jing, this episode looks at why Daoism speaks so deeply—or not at all.Mikel reminds listeners that the journey doesn't have to be grand. Whether your practice is light and grounding or a deep quest for truth, what matters is creating a life you actually want to live. No comparisons. No afterlife scoreboard. Just presence, contentment, and honesty with yourself.Living the Tao Shorts are bite-sized reflections designed to help you return to balance, insight, and calm in under ten minutes.Finding Movement by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100693Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In this Shorts episode (2-5), Taoist Master Steenrod lifts the veil on what Taoist practice really demands of a student. Beyond simple exercises, it's a path that asks for endurance, openness, and the courage to face both inner and outer obstacles. A compact but powerful guide for those walking the Taoist road.

What if the most powerful talisman wasn't on paper, metal, or wood—but within you? In this Shorts episode (2-4), Master Steenrod explores how Daoist talismans work, why external charms are only reflections of the true source, and how recognizing yourself as a living talisman unlocks a deeper strength.

Most people think of the I Ching as a fortune-telling book. In this episode, we explore the Taoist view that time itself is non-linear — past, present, and future already coexist. That perspective explains why divination is possible and why Shi (the Sage's alignment with time and place) matters.Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod and Morgan Boatman look at how coins, sticks, and bones act as tools to bypass bias, and how the I Ching historically guided generals, nobles, and spiritual adepts. Finally, we share a simple framework — Circumstance, Action, Outcome (CAO) — that makes the I Ching practical for modern decisions about health, love, and life direction.If you're curious about Taoism, divination, or the deeper meaning of “being in the right place at the right time,” this conversation offers both history and usable insight.

In episode 2-3 of Shorts:  Daoist “magic” wasn't just movie myth — it was central in much of Daoist history, especially in the ritual and sectarian traditions found in the Daoist Canon. In this episode, Master Steenrod explains how the term “sage” might even be read as “wizard,” and why Daoist practice evolved from esoteric power into a guide for everyday life. Along the way, we explore the concept of ling (numinous power) and the Daoist idea that those with greater ability have the responsibility to uplift society. A revealing look at how Daoism bridges mystical practice, moral responsibility, and daily living. 

In this episode, 2-2, of LTT Shorts, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores why most live by “rules of thumb” while a few chase divine truth—and why only an inner calling makes the journey worth it.Master Steenrod contrasts the everyday “rules of thumb” that guide most people through life with the Daoist pursuit of divine truth—an alignment with reality as it truly is. He explains why such a quest demands refining the whole self, not just thinking harder, and why only those with a deep, inner compulsion should undertake it. For the rare few, truth is more than knowledge—it is power, offering options and freedom beyond ordinary living. 

Episode 1-138 — Nature, Illusion, and TruthWhat if your search for truth started with the forest—not the feed?In this quietly provocative episode, Master Steenrod examines nature as a Daoist testing ground for reality, and contrasts it with the illusion cycles of modern social media. From ancient practices like Biguan to the digital age's disorienting effects, this conversation weaves timeless Daoist insights with present-day relevance.We explore:Why nature is considered a manifestation of the DaoHow illusion thrives where truth has no feedback loopDaoist views on death—and why they still chase immortalityThe emotional damage of living in purely social constructsWhether modern minds are even capable of using technology wiselyA vital episode for those feeling disoriented in today's noise—this one's about finding clarity in the unchanging rhythm of the natural world.

Welcome to the premiere episode of Living the Tao Shorts, the newest addition to the Living the Tao family!Taoism isn't about waiting for the afterlife—it's about mastering life, right here, right now. In this kickoff short, we explore how Taoism stands apart from systems built on judgment or salvation. Instead of telling you what to believe, it gives you tools—methods—for living well, staying healthy, and creating a life that fits you.Drawing contrasts with ancient Egyptian death rituals and Western systems that don't always serve the individual, this episode reframes Taoism as a grounded, observation-based approach to human well-being.Whether you're looking for peace, clarity, or just a better way to live—this is a place to begin.

In episode 1-134 of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explains what truly defines Taoism—not as a rigid religion of unchanging texts and gods, but as a dynamic human method that evolves with time. Discover how Taoism rejects absolute divine authority in favor of adaptable practice, why texts are only partial references, and how personal integration is the goal—not obedience to rules. From shamanistic roots in supernatural combat to modern Qi Gong, this episode is an accessible yet deep look at Taoist history, philosophy, and the journey to becoming your whole self. 

In Episode 1-130, we explore the two core paths Taoism offers, why most people are drawn to one over the other, and how your everyday life may be the key to unlocking deeper power. Plus: why Taoism doesn't promise an afterlife—and why that matters.This episode features a walk and talk video, for those preferring that format.

Episode 1-125: The True Meaning of Yin and YangEveryone thinks they know yin and yang—but beneath the pop culture symbol lies a mystery that shaped the very fabric of Taoist cosmology. In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod lifts the veil on one of the most misunderstood symbols in spiritual history.More than a balance of opposites, yin and yang represent the hidden structure of how the Dao becomes reality—through the descent of the Ching, a rarely discussed symbolic layer that bridges energy and matter. Learn why the swirling symbol once included dragons, why its orientation changed under Confucian influence, and how its true meaning could change how you see the universe—and yourself.

What fills your cup—and what coats it in dust?In this free monthly episode of Living the Tao, Master Steenrod dives into two essential metaphors from Daoist thought: the vessel and the red dust. You'll hear how the "filled cup" reflects our capacity to give, learn, and grow—and why sometimes, we must empty ourselves before receiving anything new.But the episode doesn't stop there. As the walk continues, we step into the deeper terrain of the “red dust”—an ancient metaphor for the social forces that cling to us simply by existing in society. What is the social mind? Can we resist it? And what does true liberation mean in the modern age?Whether you're new to Daoism or walking the path already, this is a conversation about self-care, choice, and awakening in a world that doesn't stop trying to fill your cup for you.

BONUS Episode 6 – The Call to Wu WeiWhy do some of us feel an unexplainable pull toward something deeper—toward the flow?In this bonus episode, we go beyond pop-philosophy and into the lived, raw terrain of Wu Wei, one of Daoism's most iconic yet misunderstood concepts. While modern culture likes to equate Wu Wei with “flow state,” the truth is far more layered. We peel back the linguistic drift, social media buzzwords, and surface-level interpretations to return to the source: the old-school Daoist practices rooted in physical discipline, internal alchemy, and spiritual transformation.Together, we ask:What is Wu Wei really, and how has its meaning changed?Can you train for Wu Wei—or must it arise naturally?Why do some people chase the Dao, while others walk away?How do questions themselves become the first steps on the path?Whether you've glimpsed the Dao before or are just starting your journey, this episode invites you to examine your motivations, recognize the illusions of control, and maybe—just maybe—begin the long walk toward true alignment.✨ “You don't get the magical flow without being highly accurate. And accuracy starts with asking real questions.” ✨Taoist resources: https://linktr.ee/taoismforthemodernworld

Welcome to Living the Tao with Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod. In Episode 1-117, we journey into one of the most meaningful yet often misunderstood aspects of life: friendship. Through the gentle but incisive lens of Taoist philosophy, Master Steenrod invites us to explore how friendships arise, how they evolve, and how they affect the path of inner stillness and natural living.Friendship, in the Taoist view, is not merely about emotional attachment or shared history. It is a dynamic interplay of resonance, presence, and release. In this episode, you'll discover how Taoism encourages a view of friendship that's rooted in flow rather than expectation, sincerity rather than performance, and alignment rather than obligation.Expect insights on:The natural phases of connection and disconnectionWhy forcing closeness disrupts harmonyHow real friendship supports, rather than hinders, your connection to the TaoLetting go of relationships that no longer serve youWhether you're seeking clarity in your personal relationships or simply wish to deepen your understanding of Taoist living, this episode offers guidance, presence, and gentle wisdom.

❓ Are you truly living in balance, or just following an illusion of it?

What if everything you've heard about karma is only half the story? In this episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the lesser-known Taoist perspective on karma, revealing how it diverges from its Hindu and Buddhist origins. Discover how Taoism challenges common misconceptions and offers a fresh, practical approach to balancing intention, action, and harmony in your daily life. Packed with insights you won't hear anywhere else, this episode sheds light on karma as a tool for living fully in the present moment—not a cosmic scoreboard. Whether you're new to Taoism or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered.

Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod describes the 4 conditions that must exist for a Happy life.Fulfilling Your True Nature.  Good Health.  Choices With Power.  Basic Needs Met.Master Steenrod provides practical tips on how to deal with shortcomings and build a happy, resilient life.Listen to this episode to explore happiness with Master Steenrod. Visit www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com for more resources.

In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod defines Spiritual Power as alignment with Divine Law.  Is that part of your Taoist Guiding Vision toward enlightenment?

In this special bonus episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod takes us deep into the transformative world of Taoism. We often see Taoist ideas woven into pop culture, but what does it truly mean to walk the path of Tao? Master Mikel demystifies the practice, explaining how Taoism is more than just philosophy—it's a guide to living authentically and harmoniously. Join us as we discuss: The adaptable nature of Taoism and how it can fit anyone's life path Practical ways to find balance, manage stress, and nurture meaningful connections Ancient Taoist wisdom that can help you live in harmony with both the world and yourself Whether you're new to Taoism or deepening your spiritual journey, this episode is filled with insights that make Taoist principles accessible and relevant for today's world. Tune in to explore the guiding vision of Taoism and unlock a path to inner peace, wisdom, and self-discovery. Taoist resources can be found at: www.thetaoismforthemodernworld.com

Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod describes how mastering the Taoist Guiding Vision and the human power of change can lead you to happiness.  Plus tips to simplify dealing with worry and difficult people. Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life. 

In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod reminds us that engaging with the universe is the best way to learn how reality really works. Take action. Take risks. Show the universe that you are involved. He also reminds us why most people can't stand Taoism.

In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod reviews some of the powerful tools you need to learn how to use to reach Enlightenment such as intention, Qi, Karma, choice, perception, and insight. Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.