Podcasts about taoist

For years we've been told that resilience is the answer.Build resilience.Become stronger.Bounce back.And while resilience has served us beautifully, what if it was never meant to be the destination?In this deeply personal episode, I share the philosophy that has quietly been weaving itself through my work for years—a way of living I now call The Venusian Revolution.This isn't about rejecting resilience.It's about discovering what resilience has been preparing us for.A life that is not only healed...But fully alive.Together we'll explore the movement from fixing to remembering, from striving to relationship, and from simply surviving to becoming exquisitely available to life itself.Because healing is part of the journey.But aliveness is the destination.✨ In this episode, we explore:

A calming meditation to help you stop people pleasing without guilt, set healthy boundaries, and learn to say no with kindness and confidence - with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees. If you struggle to say no, constantly put others first, or feel guilty for setting boundaries, this guided meditation is for you. Drawing on Taoist wisdom, Inner Child healing, mindfulness, and gentle visualisation, this meditation helps you release people-pleasing patterns, overcome boundary guilt, and reconnect with your self-worth. Through calming breathing, affirmations, and compassionate reflection, you'll learn that healthy boundaries are not rejection—they are self-respect in action.⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILE DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERYThis meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy: How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt - The Shift From People Pleasing to Self-Respect https://youtu.be/lrAjVE5ezbI GUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubLOVE & RELATIONSHIPS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zID3yxrdCbbZFuKHCwgV6qhX&si=-zdah_z6MiSZIl0tIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Music by Earth Tree Healing

This episode we are taking a quick break from our overall story of Uno no Sarara (aka Jito Tenno) and we are focusing on Ise Shrine and Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. There is a lot, for a bit more, check out our podcast blogpost at:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-153   Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 153:  Ise and the Sun Goddess.   In the newly built hall of the Fujiwara Palace, the nobles of the court were gathered for a grand banquet.  Snow-white walls were off-set by bright crimson pillars and trim, highlighted by bright green windows.   The nobles themselves were a rainbow of colors, arranged as they were by rank.   At the head of it all, on a dais, sat the Queen herself, Uno no Sarara.  However, the attention was no longer on her.  Instead, it was on another figure, standing in front of the assembled audience.  A quiet spread throughout the hall, the court listening as Hieda no Are began to tell the story of the Sun Goddess in the Plain of High Heaven.  They listened to the story of her and Susano'o, and of the backward flayed horse.  They heard the tale of the Heavenly Rock Cave, and of all that came after, including the sending of the August Grandchild, Ninigi.  They listened to the story—the story of Yamato.   Last episode, we talked in more detail about Uno No Sarara—starting from her early years as the daughter of Naka no Ohoe, granddaughter of Soga no Kurayamada, and child-bride to her uncle, Ohoama.  I'll admit we didn't look too hard at that last bit, and I don't have enough information to confirm what exactly "marriage" entailed in that context, but it is still something that I find tremendously creepy and, unfortunately, anything but unique.  So I'm not going to dive too much further into it right now but… ew. We talked about how she gave birth to her son, Kusakabe, in Kyushu, during the war on the continent, and how she eventually left for Yoshino with her husband when he retired from court, presumably to outsmart his court rivals, who were positioning him to be taken out.  She also is said to have played a part in the planning and execution of the resulting Jinshin no Ran, later helping her husband govern the realm.  And now, she was on the throne, overseeing the completion of many of the projects started in the reign of her husband.  This included the completion of the Kiyomihara code, the Fujiwara palace, and the support given to the institution of Ise Grand Shrine. This episode, I want to dive into that last topic: the emphasis in Uno no Sarara's reign on  Ise Shrine and its focus, the Great God, Amaterasu no Ohokami.  Although the Chronicles talk about Amaterasu as one of the founding deities of the Yamato royal line, there is plenty of evidence that this story was grafted into the tales at a later date, and that worship of Amaterasu, at least as anything more than a minor deity, likely also started relatively late.  Some have even suggested that Ise Shrine itself wasn't even built until the late 7th century.  So, all of this focus on Ise and Amaterasu appears to be part of the larger effort to structure the physical, cultural, and spiritual landscape of the new Yamato state. Last episode we mentioned how, according to the Nihon Shoki,   Ohoama turned to worship towards Ise.  Well, specifically, he worshipped Amaterasu Ohokami.  So let's take a moment and talk about what we know of the history of this Great God of Heavenly Brightness. Unfortunately, most of that history is based on what we know of the kami from works like the Nihon Shoki, the Kojiki, and the Sendai Kuji Hongi, all of which came out in the 8th century or so.  As such, it can be hard to know what things were actually like, earlier on, as opposed to what was added or removed later. Much of what I'm going to be talking about, today, I'm going to be pulling from a book written in 2017 by Mark Teeuvwen [Tayvin?] and John Breen titled "A Social History of the Ise Shrines", as well as Michael Como's work "Weaving and Binding: Immigrant Gods and Female Immortals in Ancient Japan", published in 2009, along with other sources.  In their book, Breen and Teeuwen point out that for those who do not take the events of the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki at face value, there are two primary theories for the origin of the worship of Amaterasu: an early theory and  a late theory.  The early theory places the development of the worship of Amaterasu in the 5th and 6th centuries, during the reigns of such figures as Wakatakeru no Ohokimi, aka Yuuryaku Tennou.  The Late Theory places the development in the 7th century, largely at the feet of such figures as Ohoama and Uno no Sarara herself.  We'll take a look at the evidence and see what it says. I would note that compared to the official history, both of these would be very late theories.  According to Ise Grand Shrine even today, Amaterasu arrived in Ise in the 26th year of Ikume Iribiko, aka Suinin Tennou, as stated in the Nihon Shoki, which corresponds to 4 BCE if you take the dating of the Nihon Shoki to be accurate. Of course, we've already spent plenty of time talking about the problems with the Nihon Shoki prior to the 6th century CE, as well as how the political nature of the text affected what it contained. So to kick things off, let's address the biggest question of all: why don't we believe that Amaterasu no Ohokami was always the primary deity of the pantheon of Yamato, at the very least, if not all of the Wa people of the archipelago?  After all, isn't she a sun goddess, and isn't sun worship fairly well documented among the ancient Japanese?  Just take a look at words like "Hiko" and "Hime", referring to rulers as sun man and sun woman.  Also note that early on, worship seems to have centered around places such as mountaintops, which focused worship towards the sky and the highest point.  In fact, as wet rice paddy agriculture became the dominant economic factor driving the engine of the archipelago in the Yayoi and early kofun period, early shrines were very likely about bringing the spirit of the mountain from the mountaintop and giving them a home amongst the rice fields.. And then we have the stories.  Don't the ancient stories all tell about Amaterasu as the ruler of Takama no Hara, the Heavenly Plain?  And isn't it her grandchild that then descends to the earth to pacify the Land of the Reed Plains—aka the Japanese archipelago? Well let's take a look at those same stories, which we've covered in earlier episodes of the podcast.  The first deities mentioned in the Chronicles are deities like Ama no Minaka Nushi, Lord of the August Middle of Heaven; Takami Musubi, High August Growth; and Kami Musubi, Divine August Growth.  There are other deities, like Kuni Toko Tachi, but they are barely mentioned again. Later we get Izanagi and Izanami, the masculine and feminine, who create the world and give birth to numerous deities from that point on.  Among the children of Izanagi are said to be Amaterasu, Tsukiyomi, and Susano'o.  Amaterasu, Heaven's Brightness, represents the sun while Tsukiyomi represents the dark of the moon.  Susano'o is then the god of the storms and seas, and was sent to the Nether Land, the Ne no Kuni. Right away we see that there are numerous different stories listed in the Nihon Shoki for just about everything.  Only the Kojiki gives everything as a single, coherent narrative, but surely the readers in the 8th century would have known some of these other stories, and thus the Nihon Shoki gives the alternates as well. Now the main narrative of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki tells us that Ama-terasu no Oho-kami was born to rule over everything.  In the Nihon Shoki, Izanagi and Izanami specifically mention that divine destiny in Amaterasu's creation—although actually, in that part of the text, the deity they are creating is named Oho-hiru-me no Muchi; the Great Sun Female Holder.  And in the next entry they call Amaterasu: Ama-terasu Oho-hiru-me.  Tsukiyomi, the deity of the moon, is made to be her consort, and they are supposedly sent to rule the plain of Heaven, Takama no Hara. The problem is that there are other entries that suggest that Takama no Hara already had a ruler:  Taka-mi-Musubi.  Reading the sections on Taka-mi-Musubi, we see a deity who is said to have produced 1500 children, himself—no mention of Izanagi and Izanami.  Some of his children are mentioned as Omohi-kane:  the Thought-Combining deity, and Sukuna-bikona: the Little-Prince-Named deity. Amatsu Hiko Hiko Ho Ninigi no Mikoto, the August Heavenly Prince, Prince Ho-ninigi, is not just a grandson of Amaterasu no Ohokami, but also a grandchild of Taka-mi Musubi.  In at least one story, Takami Musubi is the one who wants Ninigi no Mikoto to become the ruler of the Central Land of the Reed Plains.  Towards that end, he gathers the various kami and chooses someone to go down and prepare the way—Ama-ho-hi no Mikoto—who was to quote-unquote "expel and subdue" the evil gods of that land.  We covered this story in episode 21 and 22.  When that doesn't work, he gathers them again, sending others to try and do the same.  Eventually he sends Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi down.  All of this sounds like Taka-mi Musubi, whose name appears to refer to being the "high" deity, was the one in charge. In addition, we have the court ritual from sources like the Engi Shiki, which illustrates the deities that were invoked for the protection of the palace and the royal family.  These were:  Kami-musubi, Takami-musubi, Iku-musubi, Taru-musubi, Tamatsume-musubi, Oomiya-no-me, Oomiketsu-no-kami and Kotoshironushi.  One might notice a lot of the "musubi" names among the deities, and a distinct lack of appeal to Amaterasu.  If Amaterasu were the central deity and ancestral deity of the royal family, why is she not invoked in the rituals of the court itself? The thought, here, is that these rituals are likely much older than the worship of Amaterasu, and while Amaterasu would come to prominence in the stories that the court would tell, it was much more difficult for them to rearrange the traditional rituals to put her front and center.  Those rituals were maintained by ritualist families like the Nakatomi, and they weren't likely to change the rituals willy-nilly, even for a sovereign.  That was playing with supernatural fire, after all—if you changed the rituals, would they still even be effective?  Granted, rituals do change, so it isn't a perfect argument; perhaps it was just not considered to be important enough to make the change since it was not something that anyone except the court ritualists needed to worry themselves over.  Either way, it appears that we do have a list of deities that may have been the deities of the ruling elite prior to the rise of Amaterasu and Ise shrine more generally. We have a few other clues of what was going on in the narrative.  For instance, we see the story from the reign of Mimaki Iribiko, aka Sujin Tennou, also called the First Sovereign of Yamato, despite the legendary figures inserted prior to his reign.  It is in this chapter that we see a note that Ama-terasu no Oho-kami and Yamato no Oho-kuni-dama, which is to say the Spirit of the Country of Yamato, were both worshipped together in the hall—that is in the royal palace itself.  And yet apparently Mimaki Iribiko feared these deities residing with him in the palace, and he had their worship moved to locations outside of the palace.  Amaterasu's worship was given to Toyosuki-iri-bime, one of Mimaki Iribiko's daughters, and established in the district of Shiki, in Yamato.  Yamato no Ohokunidama, on the other hand, was given over to Nunaki-iri-bime no Mikoto, another daughter through a different wife. but we are told that she was lean, and her hair was falling out, and so she couldn't perform the rites.  Turning our attention back to Ama-terasu—in the reign of Ikume-Iribiko, aka Suinin Tennou, son and heir of Mimaki Iribiko, the worship of Ama-terasu would pass from Mimaki Iribiko's daughter, Nunaki Iri Bime to Ikume Iribiko's daughter, Yamato Hime.  She would move the worship site from Shiki to Uda, in the shadow of Mt. Miwa, and then proceed over to the upper banks, or Kawakami, of Isuzu, in the district of Watarai.  Here, in one of the alternate stories about this episode, we get the Great God of Yamato—Ohoyamato no Ohokami—speaking through a medium to warn the sovereign that he had better be careful.  Mimaki Iribiko had not been quite thorough enough in his worship, so he had not had a long life, and if Ikume Iribiko didn't do the same, he would suffer a similar fate. And so, in a record eerily similar to what we see in the previous reign, the worship of the "Great God of Yamato", the Oho-Yamato no Oho-kami, is given to Nunaki-waka-hime—as opposed to Nunaki-Iri-bime—who also fails in the task because of her emaciated body.  This also introduces Fukayu nushi, an ancestor of the Nakatomi, who was the one who divined what should be done. There is so much to unpack in these stories.  For one, the kami bring power, but also danger.  One can try to placate the kami, but it isn't like a ritual will always work, and the story is of the sovereign being actively afraid of what they might do, so they were removed from the palace.  Then there is the fact that we see two seemingly similar names—Ohoyamato no Ohokami and Yamato no Kunidama both seem like we are talking about the same spirit of Yamato, though some would point out that one is the spirit of the country and one is the great kami of the country, so, clearly different. Both are also being given to someone named "Nunaki—something-something—Hime", and in both cases Nunaki seems to fail in her task because she is apparently not hot enough for the kami.  She's described as too thin and emaciated or balding.  We aren't given the lineage of Nunaki Waka Hime, but Nunaki Iri Bime is connected with the land of Owari.  Nunaki Iri-bime is said to be the daughter of Mimaki Iribiko and Ohoama Hime, ancestor of the Owari no Muraji.  Owari was the land that supported Ohoama during the Jinshin no Ran. Finally, in both cases, we see the worship of the spirit of Yamato being given over to someone name "Nagochi", later identified as Nagochi no Sukune, ancestor of the Yamato no Atahe. One more note—closely on the heels of moving these two kami out of the palace, we see that the court brings in the worship of Oho-mono-nushi, the god of Mt. Miwa, under Ohotataneko, the ancestor of the Miwa clan. So the stories here account for Ama-terasu being moved to Watarai and why she isn't worshipped in the palace.  It also places Oho-mono-nushi at the center of worship in Yamato.  Oho-mono-nushi and Miwa continue to dominate the narrative from here on out, with a few notable exceptions, such as with Okinaga Tarashi Hime, aka Jingu Tennou and her mythical conquest of the Korean peninsula.  I'm sure that had no political implications at all given everything that had happened with Baekje, Silla, and the Tang dynasty in the latter half of the 7th century.  Other than scenes like that, however, the Miwa clan and worship of the Miwa deity appear frequently in the narrative.  It is clear that Mt. Miwa, and its deity, were important, and when Breen and Teeuwen hypothesize that when Naka no Ohoe, which is to say Tenji Tennou, took the drastic step of moving the capital up to Ohotsu, in the land of Afumi, he also brought the Miwa deity with him.  Those Afumi court rituals were conducted under the auspices of the Nakatomi, and particularly the auspices of Nakatomi no Kane, who would become one of the chief opponents of Ohoama during the Jinshin no Ran in 672.  After that conflict, Ohoama and his wife, Uno no Sarara, were building new traditions using Ise and constructing new legends.  Legends that would be under their control and influence and which would further bolster their rule from the city that they had designed to fit inside of this newly constructed cosmological framework. And yet this also brings up what seems like an obvious question.  If Ise Shrine and the worship of Amaterasu were so central to Ohoama and Uno's plans, then why would they put it so far away?  Proponents of the "early" theory of the development of Amaterasu and Ise Shrine suggest that the answer lies in the text of the Chronicles.  That there is some truth to the idea that there was worship in Yamato and that, for various reasons, it moved out to Watarai district early on and developed into Ise Shrine.  Those who hold to the "late" theory of development see all of those stories as later inserts meant to explain away why Ise Shrine was so far away—and perhaps why Amaterasu was not included in the cool-kami club of court ritual.   Teeuwen and Breen mention a few of the theories, from Naoki Koujiro stressing Ise as a strategic gateway between Yamato and Eastern Japan to Tanaka Takashi proposing that the movement of Amaterasu to Ise is actually a stand-in for one or more military campaigns to that area to bring it under Yamato control. And before we move too much further in the narrative, let's talk about how Ise is physically and geographically situated.  Ise is part of modern Mie prefecture, on the eastern edge of the Ki peninsula.  It is at the southern end of a series of adjoining alluvial plains that follow the coastline north to the modern prefectures of Aichi and Gifu—the ancient provinces of Owari and Mino.  The capital of Ise Province used to be in Suzuka, near the the two Tsubaki shrines which both lay claim to the title of Ise no Ichinomiya, the First shrine of the land of Ise, and the pass that served as one of three major routes from eastern Japan into the Home Provinces and beyond.  This puts Ise about as far away as you can get from the capital of the province without going over the mountains, themselves.  It also puts it a good deal south of most major travel routes.  If you are going to Ise shrine then it is pretty clear you were going to Ise shrine, as there isn't a lot of evidence for anything else in the area. The Shrine itself is actually made up of two primary shrine complexes.  There is the Naiku, the inner shrine, and the Geku, or outer shrine.  The Naiku, or inner shrine, is probably the area most people think about.  It is at the foot of the mountains where the Shimamichi River joins the Isuzu River and both flow out of the mountains.  The Naiku contains the shrine to Amaterasu no Ohokami, and is famous for its layout, where there are actually two shrine enclosures, one next to the other.  The main shrine is then rebuilt in the empty enclosure every 20 years, at which point the worship is moved to the new shrine, the old shrine is torn down, and the cycle is started once again. The Outer Shrine, or Geku, is further north, and probably not as well known to foreigners.  The Geku is said to enshrine the spirit of Toyouke-bime, a kami dedicated to food.  According to the traditions of the Geku itself, Toyouke-bime was enshrined in the Geku at the command of Wakatakiru no Ohokimi, aka Yuuryaku Tennou, based on a dream. Regarding the history of why the Shrines—both Inner and Outer—are located here, archaeological evidence doesn't give us a lot to suggest that these might be the case.  Despite the presence of the Miya River near Ise Shrine, we haven't found evidence of a large harbor or port, like we might expect if it was the jumping off point for crossing Ise Bay—or even the center of another large polity.  Instead, the areas to the north—around Fujikata and Matokata inlets, for instance—show much more evidence of occupation and, presumably, use.  Heck, the modern district of Fujikata is in the town of "Tsu", which literally means "port".  And the capital area of Suzuaka and the Ichinomiya of Tsubaki Grand Shrine is even farther north, still.  So who, if anybody, was living down in the area of Ise Shrine?  If we look at the progression of tomb mounds in the area in previous centuries, we see that they start in the Matokata region in the 5th century and work their way down towards the south, with late 5th century tombs found in the district of Taki, the district bordering on Watarai and modern Ise City to the northwest.  It is also where you can find the Saikuu, the site of the old purification palace for the Shrine Princesses.  Grave goods seem to show close ties with Yamato, in the Nara basin.  While the tombs expanded to the south through the 5th century, they appear to have stopped altogether in the 6th century—or at least we haven't found any.  This may indicate that the political situation had changed and there was no group in the area that could organize the labor for such an undertaking.  Whether that was because Yamato was taking it as corvee labor or just that population had dwindled due to war, famine, or something else, I don't know that we could say. Around the year 600, at the opening of the 7th century, we do see a large grave mound erected in the core area of what would later become Ise Shrine, on the east side of the Miya River, overlooking what would become the Geku, the Outer Shrine of the Ise complex.  For those who aren't aware, Ise Grand Shrine is a large complex of shrines, and it is divided into two main areas.  The "inner shrine", or Naiku, is where most people go, and it is the site of the famous shrine building that is supposed to be rebuilt every 20 years.  The Geku is the "outer shrine" complex, technically dedicated to Toyouke hime, a kami of agriculture.  The kofun overlooking the outer shrine is known as the Takakurayama kofun.  This is a round kofun, about 35 to 40 meters in diameter, with a horizontal stone chamber.  It is the largest in the Ise region.  It has been mentioned in records going back to at least the Kamakura era, and even though most of the grave goods are gone, there is evidence that it was richly appointed.  Given its shape and location, there were even those in later centuries who connected it with the Heavenly Rock Cave in which Amaterasu hid according to the ancient stories. The fact that there was nothing around this area and suddenly we see a giant tomb mound is pretty puzzling.  Why was it built here?  Is it connected to the founding of the Outer Shrine in some way, or is that just coincidental?  Teeuwen and Breen point out that it is pretty rare for a large tomb mound to be build in the precincts of an active shrine, which suggests that whatever was happening there, that area was not part of the shrine grounds.  That said, I have to wonder if the ritual worship at the kofun might not have later been transformed or coopted into something else.  There also is no other indication that the Outer Shrine area was used for ritual purposes any earlier than the kofun would have been built.  In contrast, around the Inner Shrine area, several kilometers away, there are caches of beads dated to the 5th, 6th, and 7th centuries in a small valley where a brook runs down from Mt. Asama, not too far from the current shrine complex.  Teeuwen and Breen suggest that this may relate to the "upper reaches of the Isuzu River", mentioned in the Chronicles, and that it may have had to do with rituals related to water supply—hence being found at the point where the water was coming down from the mountains.  And yet, despite these finds, there really aren't any large scale archaeological remains that have been discovered east of the Miya river, though there are modest signs of dwelling and habitation, and some minor burials mounds. Compare this to Tsubaki shrine, the home of Saruta Hiko no Kami, and the main shrine of Ise, situated in the ancient capital of Ise no Kuni.  Downstream from there are numerous tomb mounds and indications of habitation.  So this was probably the center for early sun worship in the region. Teeuwen and Breen conclude that all of this indicates that the region of Taki and areas east of the Miya river were probably more of an outpost—no major powerful chieftains or large polity had set up in the region.  In the late 6th century, some power had to move in to build Takakurayama kofun, but that was an outlier.  Maybe this area just largely fell under Yamato hegemony.  And perhaps that was the key.  Perhaps initially this wasn't a place to center power and authority, but rather it was more like a prison.  It was a place far away from the court, where a deity that was more of a threat could be kept away from the palace and the sovereign.  Perhaps Amaterasu, or whoever the kami was at the time, was placed out here because of the threat they posed, much as the Chronicle seems to suggest—just not necessarily at the time that is suggested. One of the aspects of the mythmaking that we see in the Chronicles appears to be the stress on the Amatsu kami and Kunitsu Kami—the Heavenly deities and the Earthly deities.  The Heavenly deities are those in Takama no Hara, and they are the progenitors of the royal line.  On the other hand are the earthly kami, the Kunitsu Kami, those dwelling on the earthly plane.  In the stories that were recorded in the Nihon Shoki, before the August Grandchild of Takami Musubi and Ama Terasu descended to take control of the Central Land of the Reed Plain, they sent down heavenly kami as warriors to subdue the earthly kami.  On the one hand, this may have been driven by some kind of deep memory of early conquests of the archipelago by various forces.  However, these legends also served another purpose, in that they set up the royal family's right to rule, and appear to establish a de facto hierarchy between those families descended from the Heavenly Kami and those descended from the earthly Kami. Another thing that Teeuwen and Breen point out and that is that Amaterasu is not necessarily a female deity, to start with.  In fact, Amaterasu was probably easily overlain atop the worship of Oho-mono-nushi of Mt. Miwa, at least early on.  To that point, they note stories where Oho-mono-nushi and other deities were commonly depicted as arrows, snakes, or similarly phallic imagery finding or even penetrating women who were thought to have a connection with them.   This suggests a context of these priestesses being married to the kami, and even fits in with early descriptions of individuals like the famous Queen Himiko being a spiritual leader as well as a political one.  If the original Amaterasu was conceived of as a male deity, then this could also explain the tradition of the Saigu, the consecrated shrine princess.  We only see a few royal princesses designated to the position up to this point in the narrative, and, beyond Tokosuki Iri bime and Yamato hime, we don't necessarily learn much more.  One wonders if there weren't other royal princesses likewise sent elsewhere to serve other deities.  We know about Nunaki Iri Hime, and presumably Nunaki Waka Hime.  There was also Yamato Totohi Momoso Hime, who was married to Oho-mono-nushi.  Presumably there were others who just never ended up in the stories that were passed down. The idea of a kami taking a "wife" and connecting that to the idea of women holding these priestly positions seems to fall in line with much of what we see, though, as I said, we only hear occasionally about the appointment of royal princesses to the position until the reign of Ohoama.  That's when we see specifics about appointments, the purification palace in Hase, and other arrangements.  It makes you wonder more than a little bit if Royal Princess Ohoku was, perhaps, the first royal princess to actually be appointed.  It would have been easy enough to add in previous "shrine princesses" into the lineage, especially far enough back that nobody could really fact check it.  We also see Royal Princess Taki journey to Ise with her companions, Princess Yamashiro no Hime and Lady Ishikawa. It is intriguing that this practice was temporarily interrupted during the reign of Uno no Sarara, as I mentioned last episode.  Could this have something to do with a female ruler on the throne and a corresponding lack of urgency about having a female representative at Ise? And in stories about Amaterasu, she is frequently shown with certain masculine qualities.  When she confronts her younger brother, Susano'wo, she is concerned that he might try to take her authority from her, so she meets him decked out in armor, her hair tied up in a typical male fashion, with a bow, ready for a fight.  It would be just as easy to imagine that Amaterasu and Susano'wo were brothers, contending over rulership.  Add to all of that the idea that kami were often personifications of various natural phenomena or ideas, and Japanese is not a naturally gendered language, and there are those that believe that the stories of Amaterasu were not necessarily about a female deity in the beginning, but a male deity, similar to Ohomono Nushi and others, who then took on a feminine persona.  On the other hand there are passages in the old stories recounted in the Chronicles that clearly make Amaterasu out to be a woman. To start with the activities she is associated with, such as weaving, are often associated with women as something they do in the home.  This is a tradition carried over from the continent, along with silk and the techniques to weave it.  In the lands where silk production started, there are silkworm goddesses and the gendered nature of silk production and weaving appears to have come over to Japan as well.  There is also the fact that Amaterasu is said to have another name:  Oho-hiru-me no muchi.  In this case, it would seem to mean something like Great Noontime Female Possessor.  And in the weaving hall it is sometimes Amaterasu that is weaving and sometimes Waka Hirume.  "Hirume" certainly feels like a feminine name. There is the distinct possibility that the stories of Amaterasu as recorded were actually about two or more different kami, so Amaterasu and Ohohirume could have been separate deities having to do with the sun that were rolled into a single kami.  As mentioned before, it is also possible that Amaterasu ended up with some stolen valor taken from the other Ise deity worshiped at Tsubaki, Saruta-hiko no Kami.   Teeuwen and Breen also note that the name "Amaterasu" is hardly unique, noting at least ten other shrines with a kami called "Amateru" or "Amaterasu", mostly in Yamato, but some as far away as Kyushu and Tsushima.  Nine of those shrines were dedicated to Ame no Hoakari, an ancestor deity of the Owari lineage who was also closely tied to metalworking.  It is worth remembering that it was Owari who helped support Ohoama during the Jinshin no Ran, and who may have even fostered Ohoama for a while when he was just a young prince.  All that to say there may have been several different traditions that were all contributing different elements to the story. And then there is the connection between Amaterasu and Uno no Sarara. Herman Ooms, in his book: "Imperial Politics and Sybmolics in Ancient Japan", notes the similarities between Amaterasu and Uno no Sarara, talking about the differences between the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, both of which had events that mirrored Uno no Sarara's own life.  According to Ooms, "The Kojiki's Amaterasu is a transparent double of the female tennou Jitou".  He points out that Uno no Sarara, besides her posthumous title of Jitou Tennou, also had a title making reference to Takamanohara:  Takama no Hara Hirono no Hime—the Princess High-Heaven-Plain.  But beyond that, we also see other linkages between the stories.  For instance, it isn't Amaterasu's son, Ame no Oshihomimi who is given the realm, but rather her grandchild, Ninigi.  This parallels the way that Uno no Sarara's son, Kusakabe, didn't ascend to the throne, but instead Uno no Sarara was holding the seat for his son, her grandson.  So one sees how Uno no Sarara could be seen as Amaterasu, and her grandson, Prince Karu, could be seen as Ninigi, the August grandchild.  Teeuwen and Breen also note that during this same time, we see the rise of a new institution: the Jingikan.  Again, we touched on this last episode, so just a quick recap:  The Jingikan was a government organization set up specifically to oversee the shrines, rituals, ceremonies, and other such things pertaining to the kami matters.  It does not appear in the initial stand-up of the new, bureaucratic government, wherein is created the bureaus, ministries, or departments, depending on your chosen vernacular, which make up the Dajokan, the Great Council of State.  Instead, the Jingikan is a separate organization, specifically organized around kami matters. The term "Jingi" is also a shorthand for "Ama-tsu-kami, Kuni-tsu-kami", or the kami of Heaven and the Kami of the earth.  "Ama-tsu-kami", meaning Kami of Heaven, was written with two characters meaning "Heaven" and "Kami", pronounced "Tenjin".  "Kuni-tsu-kami", or the Kami of the Earth, was written as "Earth" and "Earth Spirit", which was then pronounced "Chigi".  By taking the last character of each compound Tenjin-Chigi becomes just Jingi, for short.  Throughout the Chronicles, this term, "Jingi" is thrown around when they want to quickly note all the kami, together, though sometimes it is fully written out as "Tenjin Chigi", as well.  Interestingly, "Tenjin" or "Ama tsu Kami", sometimes appears alone, especially in the chapters on the Age of the Gods.  However, "Chigi" seems to only be used in the whole phrase.  There are a few instances, however, of "Chijin" being used, but they are few. That said, the term "Jingikan", also read as "Kami Tsukasa" or even "Kan Zukasa",  doesn't appear until 690, in the reign of Uno no Sarara.  This probably means that it was part of the reforms encompassed by the Kiyomihara codes.  The head of the Jingikan is known as the Jingihaku or "Kan-zukasa no Kami".  This term actually shows up well in advance of the Jingikan itself, initially referring to an unnamed official or officials in charge of kami worship at the court.  Nakatomi no Kamatari is said to have been offered the position in the first reign of Takara, aka Kougyoku Tennou, though the first confirmed individual appears to be Nakatomi no Ohoshima, during the reign of Uno no Sarara. This appears to be a distinctly Yamato invention in the bureaucratic system.  It leverages the language and structure of the Tang dynasty, but in its own way.  There was a Tang department of shrines, but it was described differently, as befits a different spiritual environment focused on ancestor worship and Confucian and Taoist ideas.  The Jingikan system  seems to have been a deliberate re-organization of the indigenous kami worship, incorporating what was probably traditional roles into the new bureaucratic system.  In so doing, however, it also gave the court greater control, and given that this was happening at the same time as the establishment of various stories and myths around Ise and the foundation more generally, it appears to be part of a concerted and deliberate effort to construct a new narrative. All of this points to them architecting much of what was going on, from the stories to the landscape.  Ohoama likely built the inner shrine as we know it.  If it really was an obscure, out-of-the-way shrine, perhaps that also meant that there weren't any other powerful court factions that were enhanced by it.  And then, over time, the Ise shrine and the deity there could be better incorporated into the overall myths and stories that surrounded the formation of Yamato.  A new Yamato, one that would soon enough be referring to itself as the origin of the Sun:  Nippon, a name often attributed to Ohoama and Uno no Sarara, though not found in the record of their reigns in the Chronicles. Another aspect to all of this, however, is what happened immediately after Uno no Sarara's reign, and into the 8th and early 9th centuries.  In the 8th century—the Nara period—Buddhism started to merge with a lot of the local practices.  This was not uncommon.  Buddhism had been born in a land with myriad deities and styles of worship, and it had the means to incorporate local deities into its cosmological worldview.  Kami were just other beings, stuck in the cycle of rebirth, who, as sentient beings, could equally benefit from the Buddha's teachings.  They became guardians of Buddhist institutions, and the lines between shrines and temples were often blurred.  At the same time, kami worship was also taking on various concepts from continental worship, such that even today we find a lot of what we might consider Taoist practices influencing Shinto worship. Had this continued, worship of the kami may have been completely subsumed into the Buddhist ritual practices, but there were areas where kami worship remained distinct.  One of these was at Ise. Early on, there was an attempt to build a temple at Ise, but it didn't last long.  The temple was eventually moved out of the shrine complex, and then eventually it was removed altogether.  Later writings from the Shrine would include certain Buddhist terms among the things that were taboo within the shrine grounds, considering Buddhism as something of a corrupting or polluting influence.  Shrine Princeses, during their tenure, had to devote themselves to the kami, and though they might retire as nuns, later in life, during their appointment they were to be free of any Buddhist influences.  In many ways this would make Ise a prime example of what would eventually be termed "Shinto", which gave it, and the worship of Amaterasu, a certain pride of place.  Of course, it didn't hurt that it was also intertwined with the State and the founding myths of the nation.  As such, Ise Shrine and its worship would become a template for many others to follow, helping to shape what we know as "Shinto" today. There are still a lot of questions.  We don't exactly know what Uno no Sarara did on her trip to Ise Shrine, and we don't know how things surrounding the worship at Ise and of Amaterasu herself changed in the intervening years between when these events happened and when, about two to three decades later, the Chronicles were finalized and published.  Certainly some of this seems tied to the Fujiwara capital, which was no longer populated at that point, the move to Heijo-kyo, in Nara, occurring between 708 and 710, two years before the Kojiki and a decade before the Nihon Shoki would come out.  And yet, the three sacred mountains that were incorporated into the plan of the Fujiwara Capital, Mt. Kagu, Mt. Miminashi, and Mt. Unebi, seem to continue to be important.  This is especially true of  Mt. Kagu, whose heavenly counterpart, Ame no Kaguyama—literally Heavenly Mt. Kagu— continues to play a major role in the stories surrounding Amaterasu and the Heavenly Rock Cave.  In addition,Mt. Unebi is closely tied to the story of Iware-biko, aka Jimmu, conquering and settling the land—perhaps to draw attention away from the stories about Mimaki and Ikume iribiko, aka Sujin and Suinin, who were both associated more with Mt. Mimoro, aka Mt. Miwa.  So even though the physical presence was moved, by that point we know that foundation of many of these stories were likely laid down around the time that the Fujiwara capital was in operation.  What does seem clear is that, just as there were clear efforts to set up the new State government, including the new capital, the court were also taking control of other levers of power and influence.  We previously talked about how they had created National Temples and included government positions to oversee Buddhist affairs more generally.  With Ise and the creation of the Jingikan, it appears as though that trend continued with the traditional kami worship. Many of the elite families still had connections to their own shrines, with their own kami.  Through the stories collected and written down—with a few editorial additions to help place them in an approved context—they were able to construct a narrative from separate or divergent traditions.  These traditions had already accreted to themselves various stories and culture-ways, some of them with clear links to the continent and others with overlapping portfolios.  The kami, and the ability to intercede with them for their blessings or to avert their wrath, were a form of power that was being structured for the purpose of supporting the new State.  A state now under the control of one Uno no Sarara. And we don't exactly have to wonder about this… the preface of the Kojiki all but says it.  They put the words in the mouth of Ohoama, or, as they call him, the Sovereign of the Kiyomihara Palace.  But the words are pretty clear: "I hear that the Imperial Records and Ancient Writing handed down by the various houses have come to differ from the truth and that many false hoods have been added to them. If these errors are not remedied at this time, their meaning will be lost before many years have passed. This is the framework of the state, the great foundation of the imperial influence. Therefore, recording the Imperial Records and examining the Old Writings, discarding the mistaken and establishing the true, I desire to hand them on to later generations." With that, 28 year old Hieda no Are was given the command to learn all the stories and presumably to recite them for the court.  And several decades later, Oho no Yasumaro was given the task to take Are's stories and write them down.  I imagine that Hieda no Are, or perhaps someone else who had learned the stories well enough, would be called into court or banquets to present some of the stories, or would be asked questions if there was any need for precedence.  Thus creating a single source for truth, according to the administration.  At the same time, the court had a problem.  They couldn't control all of the sources of written material, with all of the various contradictions, so we also would eventually get the more comprehensive—but also less narratively direct—Nihon Shoki as well.  After all, the game of propaganda was being played at many levels, and while the royal household had their motivations—primarily to support the legitimacy of their claim to power and the system within which that claim was validated— other families wanted to ensure that they were properly recorded as having connections to traditional nexuses of power—be that the ancient kami of Heaven or Earth, or their relationship to the royal family.  This is because precedence was important, even as new traditions were being created.  Like the way that the Mononobe and the Nakatomi played important roles in Uno no Sarara's ascension ceremony despite the actual individuals using new or different names, like Isonokami or Fujiwara.  See Episode 151 for the explanation, there.  And new traditions were much easier to justify if you could connect them with older traditions—whether those older traditions were truly ancient or newly made inventions. And all of this suggests that this was not an accident and it wasn't simply being imposed from the top down.  One could be charitable and suggest that those involved felt that this got them closest to what the truth actually was, given that they had now been inculcated in a new worldview and they were trying to view the ancient stories through the interpretive lens of that worldview.  On the other hand, they were ultimately doing it to structure power and authority that favored them and the government they had created.  A government that they hoped would outlast them, and be passed on to their descendants. Next episode, we will continue our discussion of Uno no Sarara's life and reign and the incredible steps she took to ensure that her line would continue to rule Yamato for decades. Until then if you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website,  SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  Thank you, also, to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.

In this episode of Return To Yin (previously Soulthentic) Podcast, I interview the radiant Solla Pizzuto, Senior Chi Nei Tsang and Universal Tao teacher trained by Master Mantak Chia. Together, we explore Solla's powerful path into Taoist healing arts and how Chi Nei Tsang, an abdominal massage rooted in ancient Taoism can release emotional imprints. Solla shares how she came to this practice, how it transformed her relationship with her body and spirit, and why womb healing is vital for reclaiming our intuitive, creative power. She speaks with depth, humor, and wisdom, offering guidance for anyone curious about the energetic body, feminine embodiment, and the Taoist path of inner alchemy.Topics Covered:— What is Chi Nei Tsang and how does it work?— The journey of becoming a Universal Tao teacher— The power of womb wisdom and womb work— Using modalities for healing: sound, somatics, manual therapy, abdominal work— Healing of the feminine energy— Practical tips for practitioners and people wanting to know more about emotional healingFeel free to like, comment and share to anyone who would appreciate this conversation.Resources & Links

Can you have plenty of energy and still be powerless? In this Living the Tao Short, Master Mikel Steenrod and Morgan explore the difference between Qi and karma. Qi is life energy — the force connected to health, vitality, and the feeling of being alive. Karma, in this teaching, is something different. Karma is the energy of choice. This episode looks at why some choices fail even when they seem possible, why a person can burn through their available karma trying to force a result, and why big goals are often better approached through smaller successful steps. The discussion also explores why successful choices release karma, why distant or overly complex goals may fail to produce a yield, and why nature often works through repeated small actions rather than giant abstract plans. A clear and practical short on Qi, karma, choice, power, and the hidden cost of trying to make something happen before the power is there.   Video version here: https://youtu.be/ggUou5KaMmQ

Setting boundaries doesn't make you selfish—it helps you stop people-pleasing, release guilt, and protect your peace with calm confidence. Do you feel guilty saying no or worry that setting boundaries will disappoint others? In this video, we explore why people-pleasing creates unhealthy patterns and how Taoist wisdom can help you set healthy boundaries without anger, conflict, or self-doubt. You'll learn how to communicate with calm clarity, build self-respect, and create relationships based on honesty instead of approval.With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees (mindset and business coach).Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:Our INNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqOur GOLDEN THREAD PROCESS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIAsS_wgdRN7QGBKIk54sbyDIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email:  https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup Music by Earth Tree HealingDisclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.

Why do you feel so stuck, tired, and behind when you try to start over? Because the problem usually is not that you are behind, and it is not that you are not working hard enough. It is that your nervous system is stuck in survival, and you cannot design a new life from there. In this episode, Dr Amen Kaur walks through five steps to get unstuck and start over, whether that means a career change, a higher-paid job, or finally starting a business, grounded in the neuroscience of stress and a grounded, tradition-based approach to spirituality. This is not motivation or magical thinking. It is what actually moves you from surviving to creating.In this episode you will learn:Why you are not behind, you are early, and how AI is levelling the field for people starting overWhy fear and fatigue, not laziness, are what really hold you back, and the brain science behind itHow to get unstuck so your ideas finally turn into actionThe one question that designs a life: not what you could or should do, but what you want to doWhy your experience is your expertise, and how to turn it into real value using AIStudies and ideas mentioned:Amy Arnsten (Yale) on how stress takes the prefrontal cortex offline, the thinking and creating part of the brainInteroception research on how the body's signals get read as tiredness or fearFestinger's 1954 work on social comparison and how it lowers self-evaluationDeci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory on autonomy and intrinsic motivationResearch on how belief and expectation from others can shape outcomesNamed traditions on releasing the grip on outcome: the Bhagavad Gita (2:47), Taoist wu wei, and trust in SufismFAQ:Why do I feel so tired and stuck when I try to start over?Often it is not true tiredness, it is a nervous system in survival mode, driven by fear and self-doubt. In that state the part of your brain you plan and create with is less available, so effort alone does not move you. The fix is to regulate first, then design.Am I behind if I am starting over later in life?No. Because AI is changing what work looks like for everyone, the old map is dissolving. If you are already learning to navigate uncertainty, you are early to the shift, not behind it.How do I get unstuck?Get your nervous system out of survival before you try to plan. Daily, gentle regulation, done consistently, is what lets your ideas turn into action. Borrowed motivation fades because it does not change your underlying state.What is the first step to changing careers when you feel behind?Ask what you want to do, not what you could or should do. Look back at what already comes easily to you, because the thing you undervalue most is often your real strength.Will AI take my job?AI is automating routine, repeatable tasks, and shifting value toward human judgment, creativity, and connection. That makes your experience more valuable, not less, if you learn to use the tools and create from what only you can offer.Listen and subscribe: Follow Starting Over, Being You on Apple Podcasts so you do not miss an episode.keywords: starting over, five steps to start over, overcoming self doubt, designing your life, creating your own path, AI and career change, value of personal experience, regulating nervous system, moving out of survival mode, finding your worth, creating a business from scratch, mindset for success, intrinsic motivation, personal development tips, leadership in uncertain times, emotional regulation techniques, building personal brand, enhancing self evaluation, finding purpose in work, embracing change

Tommy Hughes returns to the Terrain Theory Podcast for a conversation that builds on our first exploration of Classical Chinese Medicine and takes it into even deeper territory.Drawing from the ancient medical classics, Tommy explains why Chinese physicians believed disease begins in the heart, how chronic emotional patterns can eventually become physical pathology, and why the body's symptoms are often the final chapter of a story that began years earlier. Together we examine the Chinese understanding of anger, fear, purpose, stillness, and the relationship between the inner climate and the outer world.The discussion moves through cancer, trauma, suppression, homotoxicology, Wu Wei, and the symbolism behind the ancient Chinese character for cancer itself. Tommy also shares why martial arts traditionally came before medicine, why biohacking can become another form of striving, and how the Taoist concept of non-doing offers a radically different approach to cultivating health.Rather than searching for another protocol or optimization strategy, this conversation points back toward something much older: restoring harmony, returning to one's original nature, and learning to move with life instead of constantly trying to control it.To learn more about Tommy's work, follow him on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@naturallytom2302 or reach out to him at naturallytom@tutamail.com. Support Terrain Theory on Patreon! Our member platform gives you access to exclusive content. Check it out: https://www.patreon.com/TerrainTheoryTerrain Theory episodes are not to be taken as medical advice. You are your own primary healthcare provider.If you have a Terrain Transformation story you would like to share, email us at ben@terraintheory.net.Learn more at www.terraintheory.netFollow Terrain Theory:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrain_theory/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Terrain-TheoryX: https://twitter.com/terraintheory1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@terraintheoryMusic by Chris MerendaAfter Party Music by Great Balancing Act

Most men interested in sexual mastery have heard of the Taoist practices, Tantra, semen retention, and non-ejaculatory orgasms. But very few have ever heard of Dr. Newman K. Lin.In this video, I dive into the work of one of the most fascinating and underappreciated pioneers in the world of Sexual Kung Fu. Dr. Lin developed a unique system for ejaculation control, non-ejaculatory orgasms, sexual energy cultivation, and maximizing pleasure for both partners. His teachings on anal breathing, reverse Kegel-style breathing, nervous system regulation, pelvic floor relaxation, sexual exhaustion, and orgasmic development were unlike anything else I've encountered.I also share my own experiences implementing many of his methods over the last several years, what I found effective, where I agree with his teachings, where I differ, and how his work has influenced the Sexual Kung Fu system that I teach today.In this video you'll learn:• Who Dr. Newman K. Lin was and why his work matters• The anal breathing technique and sexual qigong• How pelvic floor tension contributes to ejaculation• Why Dr. Lin opposed Kegel exercises for men• The role of reverse Kegel breathing in ejaculation control• Tailbone activation and orgasmic energy circulation• The relationship between the nervous system and sexual stamina• Dr. Lin's views on sexual exhaustion and recovery• His methods for creating intense pleasure during partnered intimacy• My personal experiences applying his techniques over the yearsIf you're interested in Taoist sexual practices, semen retention, non-ejaculatory orgasms, nervous system regulation, and advanced ejaculation control, you're going to find this discussion fascinating.Get my FREE Ebook - 3 Techniques for Legendary Ejaculation Control:

What if the thoughts you trust most are the very thing keeping you anxious? Discover the Taoist way to quiet overthinking, calm the monkey mind, and return to inner peace. In this Tao Dialogues episode, discover the Taoist wisdom for taming the monkey mind and breaking free from overthinking, worry, anxiety, and the need to control life. Learn how the monkey mind is driven by fear, how Shen (authentic self) offers calm, clarity, and truth, and why practising wu wei helps you find lasting inner peace. If you're ready to stop believing every thought and start living with greater presence, authenticity, and emotional freedom, this teaching will show you how.Read the blog post that inspired this episode:  https://davidjameslees.substack.com/p/borrowed-happiness  [second blog post on this page]Our Tao Dialogues are powerful yet gentle teachings about authenticity, spirituality and finding emotional balance and flow in everyday life. These spoken-word episodes draw from David James Lees' practice as a Taoist monk and teacher, and expand upon popular posts on ‘David's Journal', his Substack blog.You can subscribe to David's Journal here: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comOther related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:TAO DIALOGUES PLAYLIST  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICamFP2zMyey3KGTnfm2aUq&si=AW_ZOUeldKv3nHhFSHEN (THE SPIRITUAL SELF) PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIBmp50wYcmU7jCBLp1Qvl-jINNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Music by Earth Tree Healing

What would a Daoist utopia actually look like? A perfect society? A better political system? A sacred rulebook everyone finally agrees to follow? Not exactly. In this free episode of Living the Tao (1-187), Master Mikel Steenrod and Morgan explore the Daoist view of utopia, and why Taoism begins with personal liberation rather than social control. The conversation moves through the Tao Te Ching, Confucianism, Laozi as the fed-up scholar leaving society behind, and the uncomfortable truth that humans may be building machines faster than they are developing wisdom. Along the way, the episode asks a sharper question: What if the reason humanity cannot build a perfect world is that humans have not yet developed enough to imagine one? This is a talk about Taoism, technology, failed ideologies, personal freedom, and the double donkey salute of Laozi riding out of a broken system. In this episode: Why the Tao Te Ching did not create Taoism The difference between personal liberation and social rule-making Why Daoism is not apolitical, but anti-political How technology can outpace human development Why old “isms” keep failing What a Taoist utopia might actually require   Watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/6H5JFASQ10Q

For 35 years, a controversial text detailing the intersection of Eastern mysticism and alien intelligence was missing. Now, Monk Yun Rou reveals the shocking contents of his forbidden UFO manuscript that mysterious resurfaced just as the global government coverup started leaking.In this episode, we exlore together why mainstream religious systems are terrified of absolute UFO Disclosure. If the public discovers the truth about our creators, the entire socioeconomic structure of the world changes instantly. We explore how traditional texts have altered the reality of ancient aliens to keep humanity subordinate.By linking ancient Taoist secrets with modern close encounters, this conversation reveals a hidden timeline of interstellar contact that changes everything we know about divinity. Is your faith strong enough to survive the uncovering of an engineered human origin story?✨ Download Our FREE Throne Room Meditation✨ ➡️ https://www.truthseekah.com ➡️Join our online community at https://www.truthseekah.com ➡️ Support on Patreon! https://patreon.com/join/truthseekah✅ Get access to 40+ video lessons + Weekly LIVE calls!✅ Worldwide Online Community!✅ Courses, Monthly Webinars, Prayer, Meditation, Discussion✅ TruthSeekah's Meditation Library

Are the angels and gods of our holy books actually space faring entities? This explosive episode features Monk Yun Rou as we dissect how a massive government coverup has worked alongside religious leaders to sanitize our true cosmic history.By examining ancient Taoist texts alongside modern reports of extraterrestrial life, we reveal how ancient aliens have guided human history from the shadows. The conversation centers on a forbidden UFO manuscript that exposes how modern tracking networks are hiding advanced non human crafts.If interstellar contact has been ongoing for millennia, why is the truth being leaked so carefully now? We challenge the conventional narratives of science and religion to bring you a raw, uncensored look at the cosmic puppet masters pulling the strings of global human civilization.✨ Download Our FREE Throne Room Meditation✨ ➡️ https://www.truthseekah.com ➡️Join our online community at https://www.truthseekah.com ➡️ Support on Patreon! https://patreon.com/join/truthseekah✅ Get access to 40+ video lessons + Weekly LIVE calls!✅ Worldwide Online Community!✅ Courses, Monthly Webinars, Prayer, Meditation, Discussion✅ TruthSeekah's Meditation Library

What if the worst day of your life is also the doorway to who you were always meant to be?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Nico Martens for one of the most personal conversations I've had on the show. Nico and I met about 11 years ago, right after my daughter Shayna passed. Our mutual friend Gini was coming to Shayna's service, and Nico told her Shayna had already visited him. That's how our friendship began, and Nico walked me through some of the darkest days of my life.Nico was a classically trained electromechanical engineer who had no use for anything that couldn't be measured. Then his mother got cancer in Belgium and chose euthanasia so she could be fully conscious when she passed. Sitting beside her in that hospital broke his heart and his entire framework for reality at the same time.What came next was a years-long awakening that took him from skeptic to consciousness educator. We talk about the five specific predictions his mother gave him after she passed that he could not possibly have known. We get into why your subconscious runs 90% of your daily life and why willpower alone will never change it. And we explore subtle energy, sacred sites, and the body wisdom that mainstream science still won't touch.If you have ever felt like grief was reshaping who you are at the foundation, this conversation will give you language for what is happening to you.What We Cover:

The Root Cause Most Doctors Never Look For with Dr. Yi Song   You have been through the tests. You have the results. You have the prescription. And something still feels unresolved, because the system you went through was built to find what is broken in one place, not to read the whole picture. Dr. Yi Song has practiced at the intersection of traditional Chinese medicine, Western pathology, and regenerative therapy for 25 years. Her argument is not that modern medicine is wrong. It is that it stops too soon, and that the philosophy behind Chinese medicine was already asking the right questions 6,000 years ago.   In This Episode: Why Chinese medicine reads pulse, tongue, complexion, voice, and personal history together, and why that picture is more complete than isolated biomarkers alone The six principles of lasting health from Dr. Song's forthcoming book: body constitution, early prevention, root cause diagnosis, tending the body like a garden, natural rhythm, and combining modalities designed for your specific constitution What stem cell therapy actually does, and what it cannot do. Dr. Song has administered stem cells to herself more than 30 times over five years and still pairs them with red light therapy, infrared sauna, and targeted Chinese medicine How long-term stress silently degrades the digestive system over years, and why treating the downstream symptom without addressing the upstream cause almost never holds The Taoist root of mental wellness: the actual source of unhappiness is comparison, not a lack of meditation practice Why your prenatal constitution cannot be eliminated, only understood and managed   Key Insights: Your reference range is not your range. Western benchmarks are population averages. What is normal for your body may look abnormal for someone else's, and vice versa. A symptom is almost always downstream of something upstream. Treating the symptom while the root stays intact is like watering the wilting plant while the irrigation line stays blocked. Stem cells are a jump-starter, not a cure. Their value multiplies when combined with modalities matched to the individual's constitution, not a generic longevity stack. The meaning of life lives in the process. Not the destination, not the outcome, and not how your outcome compares to anyone else's.   About Dr. Yi Song: Dr. Yi Song, raised in Beijing in a 17-generation medical family, trained in Pathology at Brown University before focusing on regenerative and holistic healing. She has operated a holistic clinic in Boston since 2004 and founded the Zenerchi Retreat in Colombia in 2018, where she offers advanced stem cell therapies. Integrating stem cell therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and anti-aging treatments, Dr. Song aims to help people live longer, healthier lives.   Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.yi.song.stemcellexperts https://www.facebook.com/regenerationeffect/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-yi-song/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regenerationeffect/  X: https://x.com/regenerationFx  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@regenerationeffect   Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom! Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro appointment 15 minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ rocky@richersoul.com Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

In this Living the Tao short (2-25), Master Mikel Steenrod and Morgan explore the role of animals in Taoism. Cranes, deer, cats, turtles, tortoises, three-legged crows, and many-tailed foxes all appear as symbols, teachers, guides, or mythic beings. But the strongest lesson comes from the turtle. When the storm comes, the turtle does not fight it. It sinks below the turbulence, spends the least energy possible, and rises again when the storm has passed. This short looks at animals as part of nature, what they can teach us about adversity, and why Taoism asks us to consider whether our actions fit our nature, preserve our energy, and serve a real purpose. Sometimes wisdom is not resistance. Sometimes wisdom is knowing when to sink beneath the storm.   Video version here: https://youtu.be/0hOPHx9tYRY

What does it mean to truly live in harmony with yourself and the universe?In this episode of Daughters of the Moon, Kim & Barb welcomes renowned Taoist teacher, author, and artist Deng Ming-Dao for a profound conversation inspired by his newest book, Taming Tigers & Butterfly Dreams.Together, they explore the timeless wisdom of Traditional Taoism and what it means to return to our most natural state. Ming-Dao explains that when energy is allowed to move freely, we naturally become healthier in body, mind, and spirit. When we resist life, we create stagnation and close ourselves off from possibility.This heartfelt conversation explores:• What the Tao is and how it flows through the universe• Aligning your personal path with the universal path• Returning to your authentic self• Why meditation is an essential daily practice• The power of simplicity and discovering your true values• The importance of breath, nourishing food, restful sleep, and movement• How stories help us understand ourselves and the world• Why resistance creates suffering and flow creates transformationWhether you're discovering Taoism for the first time or have practiced for years, this episode offers practical wisdom for living with greater peace, balance, and authenticity.Connect with Ming-Dao Deng

Dr. Mao Shing Ni is a 38th-generation doctor of Chinese medicine, board-certified anti-aging specialist, and bestselling author of Secrets of Longevity who spent 20 years studying over 100 Chinese centenarians. In this conversation, he reveals what the world's longest-living people had in common, how your emotions silently age your organs, and the Taoist principles for living a longer, healthier, more balanced life.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Why Centenarians Stopped Eating At 75% Full02:22 The Common Traits Of People Who Live Past 10005:30 The Eating Habits That Contradict Western Diet Advice07:37 Why Rural "Blue Zone" Communities Produce The Most Centenarians10:46 How Community And Connection Drive Longevity Anywhere15:14 The 2,000-Year-Old Question From The Yellow Emperor's Classic19:07 Why We Think We Can Cheat The Rules Of Health26:50 How Stress Is The #1 Silent Killer (Inflammaging Explained)29:24 Why Overtraining And Extreme Cold Plunges Backfire31:28 Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine, Explained39:14 What Is Qi And Why It's Fundamental To Healing44:20 Can You Feel Other People's Energy? The Science Of Qi52:59 Dr. Mao's Own Burnout And The Game-Changer: Sleep56:06 Wu Wei: Effortless Action For Ambitious High Performers1:06:41 How Hot Water And Keeping Warm Protect Your DigestionLearn more about Dr. Mao here:Website: https://www.taoofwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mao_YouTube / Ask Dr. Mao: https://www.youtube.com/@TaoofWellness / https://www.askdrmao.comListen to this episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/Kt8BlNSR9Uo

When life feels uncertain, you don't need more answers. You need a calmer mind. This meditation helps you find peace in the middle of the unknown - with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees. This guided meditation for uncertain times combines Taoist wisdom, mindfulness, breath awareness, and Inner Child healing to reduce anxiety, calm overthinking, regulate your nervous system, and help you release the need for control. Discover greater inner peace, emotional resilience, clarity and trust, one breath at a time.⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILE DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERYThis meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy: How to Stop Overthinking & Let Go of Control (Even When Life Feels Uncertain) https://youtu.be/sq8LvB3SIfM?si=mkrQ5t8Vej087RF6 GUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubLOVE & RELATIONSHIPS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zID3yxrdCbbZFuKHCwgV6qhX&si=-zdah_z6MiSZIl0tIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Music by Earth Tree Healing

Eman Alves is the author of Uncoupling Reimagined, a nervous system oriented book guiding people to get closure of previous relationships.Eman is also the founder of Sex and Integrity, a trauma informed body of work devoted to help folks overcome emotional disconnection and unconscious sexual habits so they can create deeply connected relationships and fulfilling sex.Her work is inspired by Family Constellation, Somatic Experiencing, Tantric and Taoist lineages.Visit Eman Alves' Website: www.eman.coach

What if midlife isn't the end of a woman's erotic life...but the beginning of an Erotic Renaissance?As we move toward the Capricorn Full Moon, this episode explores a different way of understanding Eros—not as something to manufacture, perform, or fix...but as an elemental force woven into the fabric of life itself.Together we explore:

Watch the full episode with Dr. Tamsin Lee here: https://youtu.be/x9XHsNZXSzISupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/inspiredevolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A guide to restoring the ancient relationship between farming and magic• Explores how to reconnect with nature and use practical, nature-based magic for gardening and farming, fertility, and abundance• Examines Moon work, plant magic, forest deities, Earth energies, weather magic, the cosmology of ritual, and how to work with land spirits• Discusses folk magic traditions of North America and Western Europe, including the grimoire tradition, Western esotericism, alchemy, Kabbalah, and shamanism as well as Taoist principles and ReikiMagic and farming, in the minds of ancient people, were not separate realms of life, but both were woven inextricably into the way people lived. Through libations, prayers, hymns, dances, sacrifices, and rituals, ancient farmers connected to the sacred forces, the gods, nature spirits, and ancestors to make the crops grow, keep the herds healthy, the weather favorable, and release energies of fertility. These rural farmer priests and priestesses of the ancient past are the spiritual ancestors of today's cunning farmers.This book explores folk magic traditions of North America and Western Europe, including the grimoire tradition and the practices of witches and cunning folk for increased fertility. Todd draws on Western esotericism, Taoist principles, alchemy, Kabbalah, Reiki, and shamanism to show how to use practical, nature-based magic, just like our ancestors, for more abundant gardening and farming. He shows how to work with land spirits, including meeting the place spirit of your land—the genius loci. He also explores working with Earth and Moon energies, plant magic and forest deities, and ritual. Learn how to deepen your connection to elemental and celestial forces and explore the idea of rewilding the imagination to enhance your relationship with nature and the spirits that call it home.This book is not just a guide to farming, but to forging a relationship with the living land. It shows that we are surrounded by spiritual powers and, with their help, we can re-enchant and reconnect with the land that gives us life.Todd Elliott is a farmer, earth worker, Reiki master, Druid, and was certified as an Astrological Magician by Renaissance Astrology. A lifelong student of mythology, religion, spirituality, folklore, and esoterica, he lives, works, writes, and studies on a small ridgetop farm in north central Kentucky, where he and his family ethically raise vegetables, fruits, and livestock.https://substack.com/@thecunningfarmerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.

Dr. Tamsin Lee reveals why humanity is entering a 20-year shift unlike anything we've seen — the rise of "feminine fire," the return of the mature woman archetype, and a great turning that's already underway.In this profound conversation, Tamsin shares a life-altering moment in her mid-20s when she woke up paralyzed from the waist down. This health crisis forced her to slow down, leading her to traditional Chinese medicine and an unexpected path of learning to truly listen to her body.As a complex trauma survivor, she unpacks how to distinguish a quiet, authentic intuition from the familiar chaos of fear. Tamsin explores the depths of Eastern metaphysics, explaining Taoist face reading, where our "original face" reveals our ancestry and destiny, and how altering facial features can shift our life paths. She details the major global transitions of modern times, breaking down the 20-year cycle of Period 9 — intense fire energy, the rise of the mature woman archetype, and a decentralized creator economy.She also reframes perimenopause and postpartum recovery as sacred, element-based rites of passage, urging a collective return to inward energy, community connection, and seasonal alignment to stay deeply human in a fast-paced digital world.___

Why are some of the world's oldest healing practices suddenly exploding in modern wellness culture? In this episode, host Doug welcomes Dr. Tom Ingegno, a nationally recognized Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with over two decades of clinical experience. As the founder of Charm City Integrative Health in Baltimore, Dr. Tom blends time-tested Eastern therapies with cutting-edge modalities like cryotherapy and red light therapy to reshape how we approach healing. Doug and Dr. Tom dive deep into the mechanics and history of cupping therapy, tracing its roots from grandmother's home remedies to a universal phenomenon shared across ancient Aztec, Incan, and Egyptian cultures. They explore how these traditional methods tap into a Jungian collective consciousness and how quantum physics is finally proving what Taoist masters illustrated 9,000 years ago. The conversation then shifts to the profound role of intuition and discernment in modern life. Dr. Tom shares how a dedicated, multi-decade meditation practice allowed him to cultivate clinical intuition—bypassing rigid textbook theory to read the subtle, energetic cues of his patients. Finally, the two pull back the curtain on the modern information landscape, offering sharp advice for men on how to develop the inner authority needed to spot fake AI content, manipulative health marketing, and the traps of the "shortcut" culture. Connect with the Guest – Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acuguy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CharmCityIntegrative Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baltimoreacupuncture Website: https://www.charmcityintegrative.com Books: The Cupping Book (2024) & You Got Sick, Now What? Connect with Doug Beitz: Email: info@dougbeitz.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbeitz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougbeitz/ Website: https://buymeacoffee.com/dougbeitz Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mQ258nugC3lyw3SpvYuoK?si=7cec409527d34438 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/intuitive-conversations-with-doug/id1593172364 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-beitz-472a4b338/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dougbeitz178

After a brief memorial to the late Tenzin Robert Thurman, Ethan welcomes author and seeker Erica Bassani to discuss her new book, Women in Love with the Divine. Erica's book explores what it means to be a woman committed to a relationship with the sacred in today's world. On a quest to answer this question for herself, Erica Bassani shares stories from her encounters with a dozen women spiritual teachers from Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Nondual traditions. They discuss her own spiritual journey, beginning with the study of the earliest Buddhist teachings, and explore her encounters and interviews with women wisdom holders from a wide variety of traditions. Erica Bassani is a writer based in Italy, and the author of the recently released Women in Love with the Divine. A graduate of the Academy of Storytelling in Turin, she spent a year living in a Theravadan Buddhist monastery at the age of 23. Since then, she has turned to female spiritual teachers from diverse traditions to help her navigate her inner journey. She created the Women Awakening Project—an initiative that highlights the wisdom of female spiritual role models and explores spiritual practice through the lens of women's experiences—to share their wisdom and create a bridge between generations of seekers. Bassani is also the Italian translator of The Four Noble Truths of Love by Susan Piver. Subscribe now (Episode available here now, or wherever you get your "pods," Apple, Ethan's Website, and every other pod place after 11am ET on Wednesday May 27th). Last year, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your support. Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber here. Show Notes and More cool resources: Check out our sponsor platform, A Mindful World! A new free video course from Ethan on Metta (lovingkindness) meditation is now available at this link. Sign up for our Fall retreat at the Garrison Institute at this link. Sign up for the August visualization meditation workshop here. Paid subscribers to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like guided meditations, extra podcast episodes and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed the obstacle of resistance to meditation practice, and Ethan also offered instruction in Metta meditation toward yourself. These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (Apple, Ethan's Website, etc). Subscribe now You can now order personally signed copies of Ethan's books at his website. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (Apple, Ethan's Website, etc).

In this episode, I'm sharing a reflection on Wu Wei, a Taoist principle often translated as "effortless action" or "action without force," and why this ancient wisdom has landed so deeply for me in this current season of life.For years, my business moved with a rhythm I had come to trust. Coaching spots filled, programs attracted people with ease, and opportunities seemed to flow naturally. But this year has looked very different. For the first time in a long time, coaching enquiries have slowed right down, and a program that has comfortably filled for years now has only a handful of participants.This season has challenged me in ways I didn't expect. It has brought up questions about trust, identity, worth, and what happens when the external validation we've become accustomed to begins to quieten down. Rather than immediately looking for another strategy, another offer, or another way to make things happen, I've found myself sitting with a different question altogether: What if nothing has gone wrong?In this conversation, I explore how quickly we can move into fixing, forcing, controlling, and solving when life doesn't unfold the way we expect it to. I share how Wu Wei has invited me to consider a different approach. One that isn't passive or detached, but one that asks us to stop exhausting ourselves by pushing against reality and instead learn how to move with life rather than against it.I also reflect on something I've been thinking deeply about lately. For many years, my work has been about helping people come home to themselves, uncover their conditioning, recognise the ego, and reconnect with who they truly are. But what if authenticity isn't the destination? What if it's only the beginning?Because once we know who we are, life asks us a new question: Can we trust that person? Can we trust ourselves when the future is uncertain? Can we trust ourselves when the evidence isn't there? Can we trust ourselves when life isn't unfolding according to our plans?This episode is a vulnerable reflection on what it means to stay open when certainty disappears, to loosen our grip on outcomes, and to trust that life may be leading us somewhere we never would have chosen for ourselves.If you've ever found yourself in a season where the old ways no longer seem to work, where you're questioning what comes next, or where life is asking you to trust more deeply than ever before, I think you'll find something for yourself in this conversation.In this episode, I explore Wu Wei and effortless action, trusting life through uncertain seasons, navigating change in business and identity, authenticity beyond self-discovery, releasing attachment to outcomes, and learning how to meet life as it is rather than constantly trying to make it something else.My hope is that this episode reminds you that not every season is meant to be conquered. Some seasons are meant to be listened to.Support the show

Learn why uncertainty triggers anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, and the need to control outcomes. Drawing on Taoist wisdom, we uncover why uncertainty itself is not the real problem, and why your nervous system may be reacting to old patterns of instability and fear.Learn how overthinking becomes mental vigilance, why control creates more stress, and how calming emotional activation can bring clarity, trust, and peace of mind. You'll discover practical ways to regulate anxiety, stop forcing solutions, and take aligned action without struggle.If you often feel stuck in worry, rumination, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or the need to know what happens next, this episode will help you find stability from within rather than chasing certainty from the outside.With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees (mindset and business coach).Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:Our INNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqOur GOLDEN THREAD PROCESS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIAsS_wgdRN7QGBKIk54sbyDIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email:  https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup Music by Earth Tree HealingDisclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.

What if what you're craving isn't another strategy?Not more information.Not another self-improvement project.But a different atmosphere.In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of how a single doctor's appointment changed the course of my life and led me on a decades-long exploration of sacred sensuality, pleasure, feminine embodiment, and what eventually became the Vital Goddess Mastery space... aka the Venus Temple.Together we explore:

In this fifth episode of The Cunning Farmer, Todd Elliott and I tromp-on through Chapter 5 (Moon Work) of his pivotal book, The Cunning Farmer: Agrarian Magical Practices, Mythology, and Folklore, discussing Lunar magic, Moon phases and Mansions, the worldview necessary to hold this, and how to integrate the Lunar Calendar into your agricultural practices....Learn more about our new podcast: The Language of Irish Mythology Podcast.Join the Unshod Substack (for free) and commune with us! Purchase The Cunning Farmer HERE.Learn more about Daniel's work HERE.The Cunning FarmerA guide to restoring the ancient relationship between farming and magicExplores how to reconnect with nature and use practical, nature-based magic for gardening and farming, fertility, and abundanceExamines Moon work, plant magic, forest deities, Earth energies, weather magic, the cosmology of ritual, and how to work with land spiritsDiscusses folk magic traditions of North America and Western Europe, including the grimoire tradition, Western esotericism, alchemy, Kabbalah, and shamanism as well as Taoist principles and ReikiMagic and farming, in the minds of ancient people, were not separate realms of life, but both were woven inextricably into the way people lived. Through libations, prayers, hymns, dances, sacrifices, and rituals, ancient farmers connected to the sacred forces, the gods, nature spirits, and ancestors to make the crops grow, keep the herds healthy, the weather favorable, and release energies of fertility. These rural farmer priests and priestesses of the ancient past are the spiritual ancestors of today's cunning farmers.This book explores folk magic traditions of North America and Western Europe, including the grimoire tradition and the practices of witches and cunning folk for increased fertility. Todd draws on Western esotericism, Taoist principles, alchemy, Kabbalah, Reiki, and shamanism to show how to use practical, nature-based magic, just like our ancestors, for more abundant gardening and farming. He shows how to work with land spirits, including meeting the place spirit of your land—the genius loci. He also explores working with Earth and Moon energies, plant magic and forest deities, and ritual. Learn how to deepen your connection to elemental and celestial forces and explore the idea of rewilding the imagination to enhance your relationship with nature and the spirits that call it home.

What was the world like before social mind became the dominant force shaping human experience? In this Living the Tao Short (2-24), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores a question that sits at the intersection of Taoist doctrine, history, and esoteric practice. According to the tradition, there was a time when the influence of social mind was far weaker, allowing human beings to access levels of capability, awareness, and spiritual development that seem nearly impossible today. Along the way, Master Steenrod discusses the relationship between social mind and the disappearance of magic, the loss of what he calls "cheap pathways" to higher development, and why extraordinary accomplishments may require vastly greater amounts of energy in the modern era. He also challenges a common assumption about enlightenment, explaining why early Daoist practice may have begun where most modern seekers hope to arrive. A thought-provoking exploration of human potential, reality, and the forces that shape both.   Video version here: https://youtu.be/6wlEvTgGcUU

For anyone who has hit a wall, whether that's a diagnosis, a burnout or just the quiet feeling that something has to change, this conversation with James Brett is the one to queue up.More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/james-brettJames Brett has lived a life most people only read about. He led high-stakes sales teams across Australia, Singapore and Europe, won multimillion-dollar contracts and collected the kind of corporate success that looks great from the outside. Then he got a stage three kidney cancer diagnosis, had a ten-centimeter tumor removed along with his right kidney, and nearly died from a bowel obstruction in the week that followed. What came next wasn't just survival. It was a complete rebuilding of who he is and how he lives.In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, James sits down to talk about the cost of running too fast for too long, and what it actually looks like to come back from rock bottom with more clarity than you had before. He's honest about the fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis, the identity crisis that follows when the career you built your life around disappears, and the quiet grief of having a parent with dementia on the other side of the world while you're fighting for your own life.James now runs a boutique retreat space on the mid-north coast of Australia with his partner Lisa and works with coaching clients around the world. His approach pulls from Eastern practices like Qigong and Taoist energy work, neuroscience, non-duality and what he calls the inside-out understanding of the mind. The core of everything he teaches comes down to one shift: we don't experience life like a camera pointed at the world. We create our experience from the inside through thought, and when you really see that, everything changes.We talk about the concept of radical wholeness, which includes waking up, growing up, cleaning up and showing up, and why doing just one of those without the others will only get you so far. We get into gratitude practices, how moods are contagious and what to do about it, why playfulness is seriously underrated in adult life, and how nature showed up for James in the most unexpected ways during his recovery.James also shares his life hack for deeper connection in relationships, the eye-gazing practice he does with his partner every night before sleep, and the moment he saw a wedge-tailed eagle circle above him coming out of the hospital and just completely fell apart in the best way.If you are a caregiver who has put yourself last so long you've forgotten what your own needs even feel like, if you are rebuilding after something that broke you wide open, or if you just have a nagging sense that there has to be more to life than the pace you've been running at, this one is for you.

In this Kundalini Sunday Zoom session, Chrism introduces a central teaching on shadow work: the process of facing fear, guilt, terror, self-hatred, psychic attack, and the unresolved emotional material that Kundalini may bring forward for purification.The episode explores why Kundalini may allow frightening encounters, nightmares, entities, voices, or astral attacks to arise, not as punishment, but as tests of courage, discernment, self-correction, forgiveness, and trust in grace. Chrism emphasizes that fear becomes an access point, while forgiveness, tolerance, self-discipline, neutrality, amusement, and courage become ways of reclaiming one's spiritual authority.The session also includes questions about eye migraines, crown energy, rainbow colors, ear piercings, semen retention, celibacy, Taoist sexual practices, Tantra, Kundalini activation, fasting, prana, dream-state practice, ETs and Grey beings, UFOs, liminal voices, kriyas, celestial frequencies, childhood disaster dreams, and how to respond when fear appears in dreams or daily life.The final portion includes live Kundalini readings and healings for participants, including discussions of energy overlays, entity clearing, Kundalini percentages, chakra development, halos, back pain, dream memory, running as energetic processing, scanning other people's chakras, LifeStraw preparedness, water scarcity, and practical spiritual responsibility.•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•≈•Drawing on more than six decades of direct experience with awakened Kundalini, Chrism offers grounded guidance for those navigating the physical and energetic challenges of awakening.This podcast is offered freely to support those walking the path of Kundalini awakening.For private one on one support from Chrism for your own Kundalini equation, as well as other services and resources, visit https://chrismkundalini.com.Recorded live on 24 May 2026

Your emotions are not facts—they are signals. Discover what anxiety, anger, fear, and shame are really trying to tell you. In this Tao Dialogues episode, we explore the Taoist understanding of emotions and why anxiety, anger, shame, fear, and emotional triggers are not problems to fight but messages to understand. Discover how hidden beliefs shape your emotional experience, how the Inner Child influences your reactions, and how Shen—your inner wisdom—can guide you back to clarity, balance, and emotional freedom. Learn practical Taoist insights, wu wei principles, and self-awareness tools to transform emotional suffering into growth and authentic living.Read the blog post that inspired this episode: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/p/resonant-return   [third blog post on this page]Our Tao Dialogues are powerful yet gentle teachings about authenticity, spirituality and finding emotional balance and flow in everyday life. These spoken-word episodes draw from David James Lees' practice as a Taoist monk and teacher, and expand upon popular posts on ‘David's Journal', his Substack blog.You can subscribe to David's Journal here: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comOther related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:TAO DIALOGUES PLAYLIST  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICamFP2zMyey3KGTnfm2aUq&si=AW_ZOUeldKv3nHhFSHEN (THE SPIRITUAL SELF) PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIBmp50wYcmU7jCBLp1Qvl-jINNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Music by Earth Tree Healing

Eman Alves is the author of Uncoupling Reimagined, a nervous system oriented book guiding people to get closure of previous relationships.Eman is also the founder of Sex and Integrity, a trauma informed body of work devoted to help folks overcome emotional disconnection and unconscious sexual habits so they can create deeply connected relationships and fulfilling sex.Her work is inspired by Family Constellation, Somatic Experiencing, Tantric and Taoist lineages.Visit Eman Alves' Website: www.eman.coach

Women have been taught to chase beauty through self-rejection.But the feminine body blossoms through love, pleasure, and relationship.In this episode of The Vital Goddess Podcast, we explore how sacred sensuality can tame the inner critic and restore your natural radiance—not by fighting the mind, but by creating a different atmosphere within the body.Together we explore:Why women often struggle with body criticism despite knowing "better" The atmosphere of surveillance, comparison, shame, and competition many women inheritHow sensuality changes the atmosphere of thought and perceptionThe connection between Venus in Leo, radiance, beauty, and embodied loveWhy women deserve to experience themselves outside the atmosphere of competitionThe profound relationship between Love and ErosWhy the breasts are where love becomes embodiedTaoist wisdom on the heart, breasts, kidneys, yoni, and the circulation of life forceThe role of oxytocin, nervous system softening, and feminine nourishment How daily breast massage supports the circulation of love, nourishment, and radianceThis episode also includes a guided Embodied Love Breast Massage, one of my favorite Taoist self-care rituals for women in their Second Spring.Downloadable Resources:

In this trailer for the subscriber episode “What Is Death?”, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod introduces a deeper Taoist examination of life, death, fear, and return. Rather than offering a simple comfort story, this episode asks what death actually is. Master Steenrod explores life as ordered differentiation, death as movement back through chaos, and the Taoist idea of return through Pu, Hundun, Hexagram 24, and the caterpillar's transformation. The full subscriber episode also enters more advanced territory, including meditation as the loosening of fixation, the story of the self, and what happens when deep practice approaches the edge of undifferentiation. Listen to the full episode through the Living the Tao subscriber feed on Supercast.   Unlock the full episode now on Supercast.  Subscribe now at  https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

A calming meditation to help you move beyond emotional struggle and soften into trust, ease, and natural self-leadership - with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees. In this guided meditation, David gently leads you through the transition from Inner Child healing into emotional integration and authentic inner peace. Inspired by Taoist wisdom, this meditation helps you release constant self-monitoring, emotional over-analysis, and nervous system vigilance, allowing your grounded adult awareness — your Shen — to lead with steadiness and ease. Experience a restorative meditation for emotional healing, self-trust, nervous system regulation, trauma recovery, relaxation, mindfulness, and effortless living. The meditation is ideal for anxiety relief, emotional overwhelm, self-soothing, spiritual growth, and reconnecting with calm presence and flow.⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILE DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERYThis meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy: Reparenting Yourself Without Force: How to Heal the Inner Child Gently https://youtu.be/YC2kzpZs3pI?si=ROup6Y9f_SIvIyErGUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubLOVE & RELATIONSHIPS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zID3yxrdCbbZFuKHCwgV6qhX&si=-zdah_z6MiSZIl0tIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Music by Earth Tree Healing

WelcomeHello, lovelies. It's Juliette here, and today I'm joined by Rosa Kelly, intimacy and relationship expert, Qigong practitioner, and guide in Taoist sexuality and embodied connection.In this conversation, we speak about desire, presence, sexual energy, relationship repair, body wisdom, and what happens when intimacy becomes another task on the to-do list.Rosa shares her journey through cancer, the healing power of Qigong, and why slowing down may be the most powerful thing we can do for our relationships.This episode is about coming back to aliveness.Not through performance or pressure, but through presence, curiosity, and connection.

Have you ever worked so hard for a promotion or achievement, only to realize when you get there, it feels fleeting and unfulfilling? In this episode, we explore embodied leadership and how authentic impact comes from cultivating a deep inner connection rather than chasing external validation.The Myth of External Fulfillment: Katherine Patrullo describes her journey of seeking validation and lasting confidence through external achievements and how it ultimately left her feeling empty until she turned inward and embraced self-connection and embodiment.Redefining Leadership: Many women arrive at moments of "success" expecting fulfillment, but find themselves disconnected because they followed a linear, strategy-based leadership model instead of aligning leadership style to their authentic self.Embodied Practices & Tantric Philosophy: Katherine shares how tools from tantra, kundalini, and Taoist philosophy help women reconnect to their bodies, process emotions, and cultivate internal safety—which are vital for sustainable influence and resiliency.The Power of Integration: Meaningful change doesn't come just from a single practice or breakthrough moment; it's about integrating those insights into everyday micro-moments and being compassionate with the “shadow” and the nervous system along the way.Resourcefulness and Self-Compassion: The journey to embodied leadership involves honoring past coping mechanisms, resourcing yourself through tools like breathwork and somatic safety, and taking radical responsibility for how you show up as a leader.TLDR: If you're a woman seeking purpose, power, and sustainable impact, look inward—embodied leadership isn't about a job title or outside reward, but about cultivating a resourced and authentic sense of self that you can bring to every facet of life and leadership. Integration and inner safety are the real game-changers.Thank you for listening!If this episode inspired you, please screenshot and share it on social media—be sure to tag @meganswanwellness so we can cheer you on. Your support means the world!Connect with Megan SwanInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellnessLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellnessWebsites: www.meganswanwellness.com + https://altavitahealth.ca/Subscribe to my Substack: ⁠⁠https://meganswan.substack.com/⁠⁠Connect with Katherine PatrulloWebsite: lu-minate.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinepetrullo/Keywordswomen's leadership, authentic expression, internal alignment, external validation, fulfillment, Taoist philosophy, tantra, kundalini, energy medicine, embodiment, self transformation, manifestation, emotional release, emotional expression, self-worth, corporate burnout, leadership development, shadow work, coping mechanisms, nervous system regulation, integration, conscious creation, life force energy, nourishment, personal growth, breathwork, somatic practices, trauma healing, internal resourcefulness, conscious impact

We talk with Taoist meditation and qigong teacher Solala Tauler about returning to the source through simple practices that fit into real life. We explore how slowing down, sensing the body, and learning from nature can restore steadiness, vitality, and meaning.Returning To The Source: https://www.amazon.com/Returning-Source-Meditations-Rediscovering-Everyday/dp/1645475085/ To learn more about Solala's books, classes, tea ceremonies and his Qigong and Cha Dao tours to Taiwan go to www.abodetao.com/• Solala's origin story from Buddhism to Taoist practice and teaching • How qigong and stillness meditation work together through qi • Core Taoist principles like flexibility and wu wei as not forcing • Nature as the highest teacher and the shift from head to belly • Lower dantian as a foundation for embodied awareness • “Source” as Tao and the longing to reconnect with the great mother • Manzou and why going slowly deepens experience and reduces harm • Organ balancing through the five phases and emotional qualities of organs • Breath training and the idea of breathing with the whole body • Acupuncture as a way to unblock stuck qi and restore flow • Tea meditation and Cha Dao as a path to presence and gratitude • Pu'er tea, fermentation, aging, and why “energy” matters in ritual I encourage everyone to check out the book. Teach mindfulness without self-doubt, fear of judgment, or imposter syndrome. Learn about our Internationally Accredited Certification Program:  https://certify.mindfulnessexercises.com/Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life.Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work.Each episode offers a mix of:Practical mindfulness and meditation teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you're interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you're in the right place.Learn more at ...

France boards a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic, accusing it of flying a false flag. Colombia heads for a presidential runoff election after the right-wing candidate wins the first round. The U.S. Supreme Court weighs two cases which could reshape the midterms. U.S. population growth slows. And Taiwanese BTS fans pray to the Taoist god of love for concert tickets. Listen to the Morning Bid podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover why healing is not endless self-work — it's the moment you finally feel safe enough to live freely, lightly, and fully as yourself.This is part 4 of our powerful 4-part Inner Child series for 2026.In this episode, we explore the profound shift from healing to integration — the stage where emotional regulation becomes natural, self-monitoring falls away, and your calm adult self leads with ease.You'll learn why some people get trapped in endless self-improvement, and the real signs that healing has matured into wholeness. Learn how playfulness, spontaneity, emotional resilience, inner peace, and effortless living return when safety becomes embodied.This is a powerful guide to Inner Child integration, emotional healing, Taoist wisdom, nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and living with calm, presence, and freedom.Watch part 1 here: https://youtu.be/FY0EMmLfiDw?si=vTqAAqPGWAcsgHFxWatch part 2 here: https://youtu.be/HhxyED-VSik?si=JkAIyg2kcWdRklh1 Watch part 3 here: https://youtu.be/YC2kzpZs3pI?si=lnGkxDDGgq27za3I With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees (mindset and business coach).Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:Our INNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqOur GOLDEN THREAD PROCESS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIAsS_wgdRN7QGBKIk54sbyDIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email:  https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup Music by Earth Tree HealingDisclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.

Eastern Philosophy describes a peace that is found when we fast our minds to release preconceived judgments and get out of our own way. The Taoist Philosophy of Joy teaches that when we are disharmonized with the world, we feel it physically and emotionally, becoming susceptible to being too rigid or totally submissive. But Taoism and happiness aren't just intellectual thoughts to be debated; they are our natural flow. By aligning ourselves with the natural current of existence, we naturally step into effortless living. To discuss the crossroads of Eastern philosophy and effortless living, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen welcomes Professor of Philosophy and author, Dr. Robin R. Wang, PhD. Dr. Yang describes the Taoist principles that offer a short lesson of ancient wisdom for our modern world from her acclaimed book, Yinyang: The Way of Heaven and Earth in Chinese Thought and Culture. Like what you're hearing? WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on https://harvestinghappiness.substack.com/ and https://medium.com/@HarvestingHappiness.

Interview starts at 31:25   Interstellar Contact, Taoism, and the Future of Humanity with Monk Yun-Roe Explore the intriguing intersection of Taoist philosophy, extraterrestrial life, and personal transformational experiences with Monk Yun-Roe. Discover how ancient wisdom aligns with modern UFO phenomena and the potential future of human evolution. Introduction: In this episode, Monk Yun-Roe shares his journey from a Hollywood screenwriter to a Taoist monk, his visionary experiences involving alien contact, and insights on humanity's evolution and cosmic interconnectedness. Why understanding ancient philosophies and embracing the unknown can shape our future. The Author: Yun Rou has been called the "Zen Gabriel Garcia-Marquez" for his works of magical realism.  Born Arthur Rosenfeld in New York City, he received his academic background at Yale University, Cornell University, and the University of California and was officially ordained a Taoist monk in Guangzhou, PRC.  His award-winning non-fiction works on Taoism bridge science, spirituality, and philosophy, while his novels have been optioned for film in both Hollywood and Asia.  Yun Rou lives in the American Southwest with his wife.  He is an international teacher of Tai Chi and Daoism and travels frequently in the Far East. https://a.co/d/0fDNXvXl monkyunrou.com  Main Topics: The connection between Taoism and interstellar contact Personal visionary experiences involving ET and cosmic consciousness The concept of ontological shock and its global relevance Humanity's potential for evolution and the possibility of collective non-corporeal existence The role of conflict, interconnectedness, and consciousness in our evolution Updates on Monk Yun-Roe's 1990s book and its prophetic parallels with current events The importance of integrated holistic practices like Tai Chi for health and longevity The ongoing dialogue about alien interference, government secrecy, and future contact Key Insights: Ancient Taoist principles may offer a framework for understanding contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. Monk Yun-Roe experienced a profound visionary coma, where he was shown humanity's future in a vessel teeming with life, suggesting our evolution may lead to non-physical existence. The concept of ontological shock is a shared experience across cultures and might be a universal trigger for cosmic awakening. Tai Chi and Chinese medicine exemplify how spiraling energy flow can enhance health and align us with universal rhythms, possibly echoing cosmic principles. Our current era mirrors a cyclical pattern of crises, requiring global evolution amidst universal risks. The mysterious re-emergence of Monk Yun-Roe's early work hints at messages or messages embedded in the universe's unfolding narrative.   Become a Lord or Lady with 1k donations over time. And a Noble with any donation. Leave Serfdom behind and help Grimerica stick to 0 ads and sponsors and fully listener supported. Thanks for listening!! Help support the show, because we can't do it without ya. https://www.simulationmaps.com/#products Suite of Interactive Maps! 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Discover why anger never truly protects you — and how Taoist wisdom helps you finally release resentment, emotional pain, and inner conflict.In this Tao Dialogues episode, discover how resentment, emotional triggers, and replaying past pain can quietly shape your identity and block inner peace. Through Taoist wisdom, Inner Child healing, authentic self-awareness, and wu wei teachings, you'll learn how to release anger without suppressing emotions or losing your boundaries. The teaching is perfect for anyone struggling with anger, stress, emotional overwhelm, or their spiritual growth. Read the blog post that inspired this episode: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/p/burning-bridges  [first blog post on this page]Our Tao Dialogues are powerful yet gentle teachings about authenticity, spirituality and finding emotional balance and flow in everyday life. These spoken-word episodes draw from David James Lees' practice as a Taoist monk and teacher, and expand upon popular posts on ‘David's Journal', his Substack blog.You can subscribe to David's Journal here: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Learn more about David's online consultations, events, books and audio teachings: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comOther related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:TAO DIALOGUES PLAYLIST  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICamFP2zMyey3KGTnfm2aUq&si=AW_ZOUeldKv3nHhFSHEN (THE SPIRITUAL SELF) PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIBmp50wYcmU7jCBLp1Qvl-jINNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Mus

Fear has always been a powerful political tool — but in today's media environment, it feels constant. Fear of crime. Fear of immigrants. Fear of losing democracy. Fear of “the other side.” Fear is everywhere. But what is all of this fear actually doing to us psychologically? And why does it work so well politically?In Episode 4 of We Vote Too, we go beyond outrage and ask a deeper question: What happens to people when fear becomes the foundation of political communication?Joining us is Bob Martin — former trial attorney during Miami's infamous Cocaine Cowboy era, now a social worker, meditation teacher, wellness professor, and host of the Wise and Happy Life Podcast. Bob brings a rare perspective that blends psychology, neuroscience, Taoist philosophy, and lived experience to unpack how fear shapes how people think, react, vote, and engage with the world around them.Together, we explore:Why fear-based messaging is so effectiveHow media and politics reinforce emotional conditioningThe psychological impact of outrage cyclesWhy anxious populations are easier to influenceHow fear shapes political identity and polarizationAnd what people can do to stay informed without being emotionally consumedThis conversation isn't about telling people what to think politically. It's about understanding the emotional machinery underneath modern politics — and how to navigate it consciously.Because fear doesn't just influence elections. It influences people.

[Rebroadcast] Angels and Awakening – Pray & Be Wealthy Series In this powerful angel message, Julie Jancius reframes wealth as a sacred, spiritual state that existed long before money. Drawing from ancient wisdom and a timeless Taoist parable, this episode invites you to release guilt around receiving, soften long-held beliefs about money and support, and step fully into your divinely supported life. If you've ever felt uncomfortable accepting help, charging what you're worth, or allowing yourself to receive blessings, this message is for you. Divine wealth begins the moment you give yourself permission to sit down, receive, and let heaven meet you where you are. Short Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome & the true meaning of wealth 01:06 Ancient wisdom on divine support 02:10 The woman who would not sit 04:09 How limiting beliefs impact our children 05:38 Angels on under-earning and over-giving 07:03 What it means to take your seat 09:05 Receiving as a spiritual practice 10:28 Heaven lives within you Angel Integration Practice This week, practice receiving. Once a day, allow someone to help you in any way, time, support, or care. When your instinct is to say “I'm fine,” pause. Then gently say instead: “Actually, I do need help with this.” No explaining. No apologizing. Notice what shifts in your body, your energy, and your heart when you allow yourself to be supported. Key Takeaways Wealth is alignment, not accumulation Receiving is not selfish; it is sacred When you rest, you give others permission to rest Divine wealth expands your capacity to love and lead Heaven is not distant; it lives within you Work with Julie & Your Angels If you've been feeling the nudge I want to hear my angels clearly, I want to work with them every day, here's how to go deeper: