Podcasts about taoist

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

This episode we look at many of the natural events and talk about those observing and writing things down, and why they may have wanted to do so. For more, check out our podcast blogpage:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-139   Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua and this is episode 139: Observing the "Natural" World. Members of the Onmyou-ryou, dressed in the official robes of their office, sat around in their observation tower, measuring the location of the stars.  They kept their light to a minimum, just enough so that they could write down their observations, but not so much that it would destroy their vision.  As they looked up, suddenly they saw a strange movement: a streak through the sky.  They waited, and observed, and then there was another, and another after that.  It was as if the stars themselves were falling from the heavens.  They watched as it seemed that the constellations themselves were melting and falling apart.  Quickly they scribbled down notes.  Tomorrow, with the light of day, they would consult various sources to see just what it could mean.  For now, their role was simply to observe and record.   Welcome back, everyone.  It is the height of holiday season in the US as I record this, and in our narrative we are in the middle of the reign of Ohoama, aka Temmu Tennou, who came to power in 672 and who has been shoring up the Ritsuryo state instigated by his late brother, Naka no Oe, aka Tenji Tennou.  We have talked in recent episodes about how Ohoama put a lot of the state under the control of members of the royal family, or at least those with claims to royal blood, and how he had also begun work on the Chronicles—the very works that we have been using to try and understand the history of this and earlier periods.   It seems clear that Ohoama and his cohorts were doing their best to solidify their control and, in the process, create what they felt was a modern state, leveraging the continental model, but not without their own local flavor.  After all, they were also investing in the kami based rituals of state and specifically in Ise shrine, which they claimed as an ancestral shrine for their lineage. This episode, let's dig into another thing that was getting reported around this time.  And that is… science!  Or at least observations of the world and indications of how people were interacting with it. Before going into the subject, I want to acknowledge that "science", or "Kagaku" in modern Japanese, may not look like what we think of as "science" today.  The word "Kagaku" itself appears to come about in the late Edo period, and became associated with the western idea of "Science" in the Meiji period.  Today we think of it as observations, yes, but also testing via the scientific method. I think it might be more appropriate to categorize a lot of earlier science under a term like "learning" or "study", and it seems to have encompassed a wide range of topics of study, some of which we would include as "science" and some which we might refer to more as "arts".  There is also a very fine line with religion and philosophy as well. From a modern perspective, I think one could fairly argue that "science"—particularly the so-called "hard" sciences—refers to something that can be empirically tested via the scientific method.  So you can see something, form a hypothesis, create a test, and then that test should produce the same results no matter who conducts it, assuming you account for the variables. And please don't @ me about this… I know I am simplifying things.  This isn't a podcast about science unless we are talking about the social sciences of history and archaeology. In contrast to our modern concept of science, much of what we see in the Asuka era is built around using our reasoning to arrive at the truth of something.  In cases where we are dealing with clearly physical phenomena that have observable causes and effects, this can lead to remarkably reliable results.  One example of this is calendrical science—it isn't that hard to observe the passing of days and seasons.  Even the rotation of the earth and the movements of stars and even something with as large a period as comets could be observed and tracked, especially if you had centuries of data to comb through.  In fact, they often would predict things that it turns out they couldn't, themselves, see.  They could predict that an eclipse would occur, for example, even when that eclipse was only visible somewhere else.  And they didn't have to calculate gravitational pull, mass, or distances between different heavenly bodies for that to occur. Similarly, in the agricultural sphere: you had so many people who observed the seasons and would figure out new ways of doing things.  It doesn't take an understanding of chlorophyl to know that plants generally do better when exposed to sunlight. I believe the leap happens when you get to things that go beyond purely observable means.  Sickness, for example—how do you explain viruses or germs without equipment like microscopes to see what our eyes alone cannot?  And if such "invisible" things could cause so much damage, then why could there not be other "invisible" elements, such as kami and boddhisatvas?  And as humans we are driven to make connections.  It is one of the things that has driven our technological innovation and rise, but it is also something that can easily go awry.  Like when you are sitting in a dark house, alone, and you hear a noise.  Rationally, you might know that houses settle and creak, but that doesn't necessarily stop your brain from connecting it with thoughts that someone must be in the house making that noise. Or even how we make judgments based on nothing more than how someone talks or what they look like, because our brains have made connections with those things, for good or ill. A large part of the rationalization that was accomplished in Asian thought had to do with concepts of Yin and Yang, the negative and the positive, the dark and the light.  This was thought of as a kind of energy—qi or ki—that was embedded in things.  We discussed this somewhat back in episode 127, because yin yang theory, along with the five element theory, known as Wuxing or Gogyou in Japanese, became embedded in the idea of the calendar.  Why was summer hot, except that it was connected with an excess of fire energy?  And the cold, dark days of winter would be associated with an excess of water, naturally. I should note that while this is one of the more comprehensive philosophical systems in use, it was not the only means by which various phenomena and effects were rationalized.  After all, it had to be imposed on a framework of how the world otherwise worked, and descriptions of the world came from a variety of places.  There was, for example, the Classic of Mountains and Seas, or Sanhaijing, which detailed the world as envisioned in the period before the Qin dynasty, although there were occasional updates.  The Sanhaijing  described regular plants and animals in the same breath as gods and monsters.  There were also various buddhist sutras, which brought their own cosmological view of the universe that had to be squared with other visions, including those passed down locally describing the archipelago as the "Reed Plain" and giving particular importance to eight of the islands—though which eight depends on which variant of the creation myth you are referencing. To categorize the study of the natural—and what we would consider the supernatural—world around them, the Ritsuryou set up specific bureaus.  One of these was the Onmyou-ryou, the Bureau of Yin-yang, also known as the Onyo no Tsukasa.  This Bureau oversaw divination, astronomy, time, and calendars.  At its head was the Onmyou-no-kami.  Below them were the various scholars studying the core subjects, as well as technical practitioners to carry out the rites and divination. On the continent, priority was generally given to astronomical and calendrical studies, and many of the more magical practices or rituals would fade away, likely because there were local Taoist institutions who could take up much of that work.  In Japan, however, it seems that the calendrical studies tended to ossify, instead, while onmyoji came to fill a role not just for the state but also among the population for divination and other such practices.  Even into the Edo period one could find private onmyoji, and the Bureau itself lasted until the very beginning of the Meiji period. Another important institution of the Ritsuryo government for learning was the Daigakuryou, the Bureau of Great Learning.  Students of Japanese may recognize the term "Daigaku" referring, today, to universities. The original concept for the Daigaku-ryou, or Daigaku no Tsukasa, was focused on the study of those things that were considered perhaps a bit more practical and necessary to anyone who might want a political career.  Since this was founded on concepts of Confucian government, it is little wonder that it was originally designed to focus on Confucian studies, among other things.  This fits into the idea of a supposed meritocracy, where one's education was part of the examination.  You may recall from Episode 115 we talked about the National University in Chang'an, which is likely something that the Daigaku Ryou could only ever dream of becoming. Early arts taught at the Daigaku Ryou included the Confucian classics, mathematics, writing, and Chinese pronunciation.  These were all things that you would need to know to become a part of the bureaucracy The idea of a school may have been born along with the early institution of the government, with mention as early as 671, in the last year of Naka no Oe's reign, but we don't have it clearly established in the code until later.  Full operations may have been somewhat delayed due to the tumultuous events of Ohoama's accession to power in 672, but we do see it explicitly mentioned in the year 675.  On the first day of the year we are told that Students from the Daigaku Ryou, along with students from the Onmyou-Ryou and from the Gaiyaku Ryou, the Bureau of External Medicine; along with the Woman of S'ravasti, the Woman of Tara, Prince Syeonkwang of Baekje, and Silla labourers offered presents of drugs and various rarities. We talked about the first two, the Daigaku-ryou and the Onmyou-ryou, but the Gaiyaku Ryou doesn't seem to have a lot of information out there beyond this mention.  Later there would a "Ten'yaku Ryou", or Bureau of Medicine, established in the code.  Since we don't have any extant codes from this period beyond what was written down in the Nihon Shoki, we don't know for certain what the Gaiyaku-ryou was , and it is possible that the Gaiyaku-Ryou was a precursor to the Ten'yaku Ryou.  "GAI" means "outside" or "external", leading me to wonder if this referred to external medicine in contrast to internal medicine, or if it meant medicine or drugs from outside teh archipeloago. I would point out that these students are found with the Woman of S'ravasti, or Shae; the Woman of Tara; a Baekje prince and Silla labourers.  In other words, they were all people from outside of the archipelago.  This is not entirely surprising as it was from outside that much of the learning was coming into the country. "Yaku" or "Kusuri", which can be translated as either "Drugs" or "medicine", could refer to a number of things.  How effective they were is somewhat questionable. Almost certainly some of them had confirmed medicinal efficacy, but others may have been thought to have been effective due to things like their connection to the five elements, or wuxing, theory. For example, something red might be assumed to have a warming effect because of the presumed presence of the fire element.  And the power of the placebo effect no doubt made them seem at least partially effective.  Consider, for example, how many people will swear by certain remedies for the common cold when all it really does is distract you, or perhaps make you a bit more comfortable, until the symptoms pass on their own. A more certain science was probably that of Astronomy, which we've mentioned a few times.  The passage of the stars through the sky was something that could be easily observed.  There is a theory that some of the first lines in the Yijing, or book of changes, may actually be a description of the changing of seasons as different aspects of a given constellation rise over the horizon, and the placement of certain stars would help in the adjustment of the lunar calendar, since the moon's orbit does not match up exactly with the solar year, and year the solar year was quite important to things like agriculture and even sailing to the mainland. This all makes 675 a seemingly banner year for science, as four days after the presentation of medicine to the throne, the government erected a platform by which to observe the stars.  This wouldn't need to be much—it could have been an earthen mound, or just a tower, from which one could get above the ground, presumably see over any buildings, to the horizon.  Granted, Asuka might not be the best place for such observations, with the nearby mountains meaning that the true horizon is often obstructed.  Nonetheless, it may have been enough to make calculations. Astronomy platforms, or Tenmondai, would continue to be used up until at least the Meiji period.  Without a telescope, observations were somewhat limited—though they also didn't have the same level of light pollution that we have today.  Remember, many woke just before dawn and went to sleep not too long after the sun went down, which only makes sense when you are living in a place where creating light, while doable, also ran the risk of burning your entire house to the ground. It is worth noting that the sky for the ancient Japanese was likely quite different than what most of us see when we look up, unless you are fortunate enough to live in a place with very little light pollution.  For many of those living today in the cities and suburban landscape, go outside at night and you might see the moon and some of the brightest stars, but for most of the ancient Japanese, they would look up and see the heavenly river, the Amakawa, or Milky Way.  They would have looked up at a sky glittering with myriad dots of light, as well as planets and more.  It was both familiar and strange—something one saw regularly and yet something that was also extremely inaccessible. Astronomical observations would have been important for several reasons, as I've mentioned.  They would have been used to keep the calendar in check, but they would also have likely been used to help calibrate the water clock, which helped to tell time.  Of course, going back to the five elements and yin yang theory, it is also believed that the energy, the qi or ki, changed with the seasons and the movements of the stars and planets—planets were not known as such, of course, but their seemingly erratic movements compared to bright lights in the sky meant they were noticed and assigned values within the elemental system. One of the things that came with the changing seasons, the heavenly movements, and the flow of ki was a concept of "kata-imi", literally directional taboos.  There were times when certain directions might be considered favorable or unfavorable for various actions.  This could be something as simple as traveling in a given direction.  In the centuries to come this would spawn an entire practice of kata-tagae, or changing direction.  Is the north blocked, but you need to travel there, anyway?  Well just go northwest to say hello to a friend or visit your local sake brewery, and then travel due east.  Ta-da!  You avoided going directly north!  There were also mantra-like incantations that one might say if they had to travel in an inauspicious direction to counteract the concept of bad influences. This also influenced various other things, and even today you will often see dates where a year and month might be followed by simply the character for "auspicious day" rather than an actual day of the month. So observing the heavens was important, and it was also important that they tostudy the works of those on the continent, whose records could help predict various astronomical phenomena.  Except that there was one tiny problem:  I don't know if you've noticed, but Japan and China are in two different locations.  Not all astronomical phenomena can be observed from all points of the globe.  The Northern Lights, for example, are rarely seen in more southerly latitudes, and while eclipses are not too rare, a total eclipse only impacts certain areas of the earth, along relatively narrow paths. I mention this because it isn't always clear if the records we get in the Nihon Shoki are about phenomena they directly observed or if they are taking reports from elsewhere and incorporating them into the narrative.  One such event is the comet of 676. The entry in the Nihon Shoki tells us that in the 7th lunar month of the 5th year of Temmu Tennou, aka 676 CE, a star appeared in the east that was 7 or 8 shaku in length.  It disappeared two months later. We've mentioned some of this before, but the sky was divided up into "shaku", or "feet", though how exactly it was measured I'm not entirely sure.  It appears to be that one foot was roughly 1.5 degrees of the sky, give or take about a quarter of a degree, with 180 degrees from horizon to horizon.  So it would have been about 10 to 12 degrees in the sky.  Another way to picture it is if you hold out your arm towards the object, and spread your index and little finger, it would probably fit between those two points.  This comet hung around for some time, and a great part about a comet like this is that it was viewable from multiple locations.  After all, as the earth turned, different areas were exposed to the comet as it passed through our part of the solar system.  Thus we have records of it from not just the Nihon Shoki:  We also find it in the Anglo-Saxon chronicles, where it was thought to have foretold the end of Bishop Wilfred's control of Northumbria.  We also see it in Tang, Silla, and Syrian sources. These sources aren't always in complete agreement.  For one thing, they noted when they first saw it, which might have been impacted by local conditions.  And then conversion between lunar and solar calendars can also sometimes get in the way.  Roughtly speaking, we have the Nihon Shoki providing dates of somewhere from about August or September of 676, on the Western calendar, to October or November. Tang sources put it from 4 September to 1 November.  Silla Chronicles claim that it first appeared in the 7th lunar month, so between August and September.  A Syrian Chronicle notes a comet from about 28 August to 26 October in the following year, 677, but this is thought to have been a mistake.  European sources generally seem to claim it was seen in August and lasted for three months.  All of these sightings put it at roughly the same time. Working with that and with known comets, we think we actually know which comet this is:  The Comet de Cheseaux also known as the Comet Klinkenberg-Cheseaux.  And I should mention this is all thanks to a research paper by M. Meyer and G. W. Kronk.  In that paper they propose that this is the comet with the designation of C/1743 X1, or the common names I just mentioned.  If so, based on its trajectory, this comet would have been visible in 336, 676, 1032, 1402, 1744, and is next predicted to show up in 2097.  And no, those aren't all exactly the same amount of time.  It is roughly every 350 years or so, but with the movements of the solar system, the planets, and various gravitational forces that likely slow or speed up its movement, it doesn't show up on exactly regular intervals.  Still, it is pretty incredible to think that we have a record of a comet that was seen the world over at this time, by people looking up from some very different places. Comets were something interesting for early astronomers.  They may have originally been seen as particularly ominous—after all, in the early eras, they were hardly predictable, and it would take years to get enough data to see that they were actually a somewhat regular occurrence.  In fact, it is likely that early astronomers were able to figure out eclipse schedules before comets.  Still, they seem to have come to the realization that comets were in fact another type of natural and reoccurring phenomenon.  That isn't to say that they didn't have any oracular meaning, but it did mean they were less of an obvious disturbance of the heavenly order. We have another comet mentioned in the 10th lunar month of 681, but that one seems to have had less attention focused on it, and we don't have the same details.  Then in the 8th lunar month of 682 we have an entry about a Great Star passing from East to West—which was probably a shooting star, rather than a comet.  Comets, for all that they appear to be streaking across the sky thanks to their long tails, are often relatively stable from an earthbound perspective, taking months to appear and then disappear again. Then, on the 23rd day of the 7th month of 684 we get another comet in the northwest.  This one was more than 10 shaku in length—about 15 degrees, total, give or take.  Given the date, we can be fairly confident about this one, as well: it was the famous Halley's comet.  Halley's comet is fascinating for several reasons.  For one, it has a relatively short period of about 72 to 80 years, though mostly closer to 75 to 77 years in between sightings.  The last time it visited the earth was in 1986, and it is expected back in 2061.  Halley's comet has been recorded since the 3rd century BCE, and, likely because of its short period, it was the first periodic comet to be recognized as such.  There are other periodic comets with short periods, but many of them are not visible with the naked eye.  Halley's comet is perhaps the most studied comet, given its regular and relatively short periodicity.  It is also connected to the famous writer, humorist, and essayist, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain.  He was born only a few days after the comet reached perihelion in 1835 and died a day after it reached the same point again in 1910, and while he may not have visited Japan in his lifetime, it was a period of great change both in his home country of America and in Japan.  America, of course, would undergo a Civil War over the issue of slavery in the early 1860s, and shortly after that Japan would have its own civil war in the form of the Meiji Revolution.  And while he never visited—and translation could only do so much to capture the art of his prose—Mark Twain's works were apparently quite influential in Japan in the early 20th century. Of course, comets were just one of the celestial phenomena to be observed.  The astronomers were interested in just about anything happening in the sky.  We have accounts of both solar and lunar eclipses, and not necessarily full eclipses either.  We even have notice of the movement of some planets, such as in 681, when they noted that the planet mars "entered" the moon. Obviously the astronomers weren't recording every raincloud that came through—at least not in the main chronicles—but they did capture a fair number of events.  They did record particularly memorable storms.  For instances, in the 8th lunar month of 675 there was a storm that is said to have caused sand to fly and which then damaged houses.  This sounds like a wind storm without rain—after all, if there was rain, you would expect that the sand would have been wet and tamped down.  It is possible to have hurricane level winds without the rain.  While typhoons typically bring rain, especially as they usually build up their strength at sea, it is possible to have the winds alone, as I've experienced, myself, in Tokyo.  This most likely happens in an isolated area—there is water and rain somewhere, but the typhoon can be large, so parts of it may only get the wind and little or no rain.  I wonder if something like that happened in this instance.  It is also possible that this record refers to actual sand being brought across from the continent.  In some instances, sand can be lifted up from as far away as Mongolia and carried all the way to Japan, though it is pretty rare. And it wasn't just wind and sand.  We get accounts of hail coming down as large as peaches, torrential rainstorms, and even ash, likely from a volcanic eruption that was otherwise unrecorded.  There are also accounts of snow, though typically recorded in times where you wouldn't expect to see it, such as the third lunar month, which would mean snow in late April or early May. Mostly these storms are mentioned in terms of how they affected the immediate fortunes of the living, but sometimes storms did even more damage.  In 682, for example, a hoar-frost was reported in both Shinano and Kibi in the 7th lunar month.  On its own, this probably wouldn't have been worth mentioning, but the chroniclers add that because of storms the "five grains had not formed".  So storms had diminished the crops and the hoar-frost was apparently the killing blow.  The harvest that year would be lean, and it would not be a happy time for many that winter. And then, just as important as what was happening was what was not.  There are several mentions of droughts, particularly towards the end of Spring, early Summer.  This is traditionally a drier period, and if it is too dry it could harm the harvest.  And so the government was expected to find a way to bring the rain—a tall order, the general resolution to which seems to be prayers and rituals designed to bring rain.  In a place like Japan, I suspect that it was usually just a matter of time before the prayers were "successful", thus reinforcing their presumed efficacy. Some of the things that they recorded were a bit more mysterious.  For example, in the second lunar month of 680 we are told that a sound like drums was heard from the East.  There are many things this could theoretically be, from rumbles of thunder to some other phenomenon, though the following year we have a note about thunder in the West, so theoretically they knew the difference between thunder and drums.  Later that same year, 680, we are told that there was a "brightness" in the East from the hour of the dog to the hour of the rat—about 8pm to midnight.  Was this some kind of aurora?  But wouldn't that have been in the north, rather than the east?    Could it have been some kind of lightning?  But that is a long time for a lightning storm to hang around.  And there are other strange things, some of which seem impossible and we have to doubt.  For example, in 684 they said that, at dusk, the seven stars of the Big Dipper drifted together to the northeast and sank.  Unless they are just recording the natural setting of the stars of the big dipper.  Certainly, over time the constellation appears to rotate around the north star, and it dips down to or below the horizon in the autumn months.  So were they just talking about the natural, yearly setting of the stars, or something else? There may be some clues in that the 11th lunar month, when that was recorded, we see several other heavenly phenomena recorded.  Two days after the Big Dipper set, at sunset, a star fell in the eastern quarter of the sky that we are told was as large as a jar.  Later, the constellations were wholly disordered and stars fell like rain.  That same month, a star shot up in the zenith and proceeded along with the Pleiades until the end of the month.  While this sounds like shooting stars and a possible meteor shower, a later commenter suggested that this was all a heavenly omen for the state of the court, showing the "disordered" state of the nobility at this time.  Of course, this was also a year and change before the sovereign's eventual passing, so there is also the possibility that the Chroniclers were looking at events later and ascribing meaning and importance after the fact. In another account of something seemingly wonderous: in 682 we are told that something shaped like a Buddhist flag, colored like flame, was seen by all of the provinces and then sank into the Japan sea north of Koshi.  A white mist is also said to have risen up from the Eastern mountains. There are various things that could be going on here.  It strikes me that the white mist could be a cloud, but could also be something volcanic.  And the flame colored prayer flag makes me think about how a high cloud can catch the light of the rising or setting sun.  That could look like a flag, and can seem extremely odd depending on the other conditions in the sky. Or maybe it was aliens. Okay, it is unlikely that it was aliens, but I think that these do give an idea of the kinds of records that were being made about the observed phenomena.  Obviously the Nihon Shoki is recording those things that were considered particularly significant for whatever reason.  This could just be because it was something odd and unexplained, or perhaps it was more well known but rare.  It may have even had religious connotations based on some aspect, like evoking the image of Buddhist flags.  And it is possible that it was thought to have had significant impact on events—perhaps even an impact that isn't clear to us today, many centuries removed from the events. Some things were clear, however.  Lightning strikes are often mentioned specifically when they strike something of note.  In 678, we are told that a pillar of the Western Hall of the New Palace was struck by lightning, though apparently the building itself survived.  Then, in 686, Lighting appeared in the southern sky with a large roar of thunder.  A fire broke out and caught the tax cloth storehouse of the Ministry of Popular affairs, which immediately exploded in flames.  After all, a thatched roofed, wooden building filled with kindling in the form of cloth—and likely a  fair amount of paper and writing supplies to keep track of it all—sounds like a bonfire waiting to happen.  There were reports that the fire had actually started in Prince Osakabe's palace and then spread to the Ministry of Popular Affairs from there. It is also worth noting that recording of such events was still somewhat new to the archipelago as a whole. They were learning from the continent, but also defining their own traditions. Observations of natural phenomena weren't just relegated to celestial occurrences or weather.  After all, there was something else that one could observe in the sky:  birds.  Now this wasn't your average bird-watching—though I'm not saying that there weren't casual birders in ancient Japan, and if we ever find someone's birding diary from that era I think that would be so cool.  But there were some things that were significant enough to be mentioned. For example, in 678 we get a report of "atori", or bramblings.  Bramblings are small songbirds which are found across Eurasia.  Notably they are migratory, and are known to migrate in huge flocks especially in the winter time, and sure enough on the 27th day of the 12th month we are told that the bramblings flew from the southwest to the northeast, covering the entire sky.  This makes me think about some of the other mass migrations that used to occur that have largely been reduced significantly due to habitat loss, disruption to traditional migratory routes, and other population pressures on various bird species.  Still, having so many birds that it blocked out the sky certainly seems a significant event to report on.  We later see a similar account in 680, with the flock moving from southeast to northwest.  Given the location of Asuka it sounds like they were flocking in the mountains and heading out over the Nara Basin, perhaps seeking food in another mountainous area. In 682, the birders were at it again.  This time, around midday on the 11th day of the 9th lunar month, several hundreds of cranes appeared around the Palace and soared up into the sky.  They were there for about two hours before they dispersed.  Once again, cranes are migratory and known to flock.  Cranes are also known as a symbol of long life and joy—and I can understand it.  Have you ever seen a flock of cranes?  They are not small birds, and they can be really an incredible sight.  Flocks of cranes themselves were probably not that rare, and it was no doubt more about so many gathering around the palace which made it particularly special. It wasn't just birds in the sky that were considered important symbols, though.  Birds often are noted as auspicious omens.  Usually strange birds, plants, or other such things are found in various provinces and presented to the throne.    So in 675, Yamato presented auspicious "barn-door fowl", likely meaning a fancy chicken.  Meanwhile, the Eastern provinces presented a white falcon and the province of Afumi presented a white kite.  Chickens are associated with the sun and thus with the sun goddess, Amaterasu, and albino versions of animals were always considered auspicious, often being mentioned in Buddhist sources.  Later, in 680, we see a small songbird, a "Shitodo", also described as white, and probably albino, sent to the court from nearby Settsu. Then, in 681 there is mention of a red sparrow.  Red coloration is not quite the same as albinism, though it is something that does occur at times, when the brownish coloration comes out more red than brown, and I suspect this is what we are talking about.  This is most likely just a recessed gene or genetic mutation, similar to causes for albinism, but just in a different place in the DNA.  As for why it was important:  I'd first and foremost note that anything out of the ordinary (and even some ordinary things) could be considered a sign.   Red was also seen as an auspicious color, so that may have had something to do with it as well.  And then there is the concept of Suzaku, the red bird of the south.  Suzaku is usually depicted as an exotic bird species of some kind, like how we might depict a phoenix.  But it was also just a "red bird", so there is that, and perhaps that was enough.  Not that this red sparrow was "Suzaku", but evoked the idea of the southern guardian animal.  A year prior, in 680, a red bird—we aren't told what kind—had perched on a southern gate, which even more clearly screams of the Suzaku aesthetic. It is probably worth noting here that in 686, towards the end of the reign, not that anyone knew it at the time, Ohoama decided to institute a new nengo, or regnal period.  It was called Shuuchou—red or vermillion bird—and it likely referred to Suzaku.  This nengo was cut short, however, with Ohoama's death that same year.  Nengo were often chosen with auspicious names as a kind of hope for the nation, so clearly "red bird" was considered a good thing. A month after the red sparrow, Ise sent a white owl, and then a month after that, the province of Suwou sent a red turtle, which they let loose in the pond at the Shima palace.  Again, these were probably just examples of animals seen as auspicious, though they would have likely been recorded by the Onmyou-ryou, who would have likely combed through various sources and precedents to determine what kind of meaning might be attached to them. Color wasn't the only thing that was important.  In 682, the Viceroy of Tsukushi reported that they had found a sparrow with three legs.  There are numerous reasons why this could be, but there is particular significance in Japan and Asia more generally.  A three legged bird is often associated with the sun Andusually depicted as a black outline of a three legged bird inside of a red sun.  In Japan this was often conflated with the Yata-garasu, the Great Crow, which is said to have led the first mythical sovereign, Iware Biko, to victory in his conquest of Yamato.  Thus we often see a three legged crow depicted in the sun, which was an object of particular veneration for the Wa people from centuries before.  And I suspect that the little three-legged sparrow from Tsukushi  I suspect that this had particular significance because of that image. Animals were not the only auspicious things presented to the throne.  In 678, Oshinomi no Miyatsuko no Yoshimaro presented the sovereign with five auspicious stalks of rice.  Each stalk, itself, had other branches.  Rice, of course, was extremely important in Japan, both from a ritual and economic sense, so presenting rice seems appropriate.  Five stalks recalls things like the five elemental theory—and in general five was consider a good number.  Three and five are both good, prime numbers, while four, pronounced "Shi", sounds like death and is considered inauspicious.  Three, or "San" is sometimes associated with life, and five is associated with the five elements, but also just the fact that it is half of ten, and we have five fingers on one hand and in so many other ways, five is regarded as a good number in much of Asia. That the stalks had multiple branches likely referred to them bearing more than the usual amount of rice on them, which seems particularly hopeful.  Certainly the court thought so.  In light of the auspicious gift, all sentences of penal servitude and lower were remitted.  In 680, Officials of the Department of Law gave tribute of auspicious stalks of grain, themselves.  I'm not sure, in this case, that it was all that they hoped, however, as that began three days straight of rain and flooding. A year earlier, in 679, we are told that the district of Ito, in Kii, immediately south of Yamato, sent as tribute the "herb of long life".  We are told that it "resembled" a mushroom—probably meaning it was a mushroom, or maybe something formed into a mushroom shape.  But the stem was about a foot long and the crown was two spans, about 6 feet in diameter.  This is pretty incredible, and I have to wonder if there is a bit of exaggeration going on here. Another tribute was a horn found on Mt. Katsuraki.  It branched into two at the base, was united at the end, and had some flesh and hair still attached, about an inch in length.  They claimed it must be horn or a Lin, or Kirin, sometimes referred to as an Asian unicorn—a mythical creature considered to be quite auspicious and benevolent.  This was on the 26th day in the 2nd lunar month of the year 680, probably around March or April.  I highly suspect that what they found was an oddly shaped bit of antler from  a buck whose antlers had begun to come in and which might have been taken out by wolves or bears or something else altogether.  The fact that the ends were said to be fused together could just be referring to some kind of malformation of the antlers.  The fur and flesh could mean that the antlers were still growing—antlers would probably just be coming in around early spring time.  Still, there is no telling how long it was there, so it could have been from the previous year as well.  Attributing it to a kirin seems a bit of a stretch, but it was clearly something unusual. Animals and plants were recorded in tribute, but also when something odd happened.  Fruiting out of season was one such occurrence, which we've seen elsewhere in the chronicles as well.  There was even a record when the famous Tsuki tree outside of Asukadera had a branch fall down.  Presumably it was a large and noticeable branch, and by now this appears to have been a tree with a bit of age to it that had seen a lot, so it makes sense it got a mention. Finally, we go from the heavens to the earth.    Perhaps the most numerous observations in the Chronicles were the earthquakes.  We've noted in the past that Japan is extremely active, volcanically speaking, so it makes sense that there are multiple accounts of earthquakes each year, especially if they were compiling reports from around the country.  Most of these are little more than just a note that there was an earthquake, but a few stand out. The first is the 12th lunar month of 678.  We are told that there was a large earthquake in Tsukushi—modern Kyushu. The ground split open to the width of about 20 feet for more than 30,000 feet.  Many of the commoners' houses in the area were torn down.  In one place there was a house atop a hill, and though the hill crumbled down the house somehow remained intact.  The inhabitants had apparently been home and must have been oblivious, as they didn't realize anything had happened until they woke up the next morning. Again, probably a bit of hyperbole in here, but if we think back to things like the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, where large areas of land shifted noticeably along the fault lines, it is likely that this was a similar or even more catastrophic event.  And here I'll give a quick plug for Kumamoto, which is still working to rebuild from the earthquake, and if you ever get a chance, I recommend a visit to the Kumamoto Earthquake Memorial Museum or Kioku, where you can see for yourself just how powerful mother nature can be. Another powerful earthquake was mentioned in the 10th lunar month of 684.  If the earthquake in Tsukushi had hit mostly agricultural areas, based on the description, this seems to have hit more populated regions.  We are told that it started in the dark of night, the hour of the boar, so about 10pm, give or take an hour.  The shaking was so bad that throughout the country men and women cried out and were disoriented—they could not tell east from west, a condition no doubt further hindered by the dark night sky.  There were mountain slides and rivers changed course, breaking their banks and flooding nearby areas.  Official buildings of the provinces and districts, the barns and houses of the common people, and the temples, pagodas, and shrines were all destroyed in huge numbers.  Many people and domestic animals were killed or injured.  The hot springs of Iyo were dried up and ceased to flow.  In the province of Tosa, more than 500,000 shiro of cultivated land sank below sea level.  Old men said that they had never seen such an earthquake.  On that night there was a rumbling noise like that of drums heard in the east—possibly similar to what we had mentioned earlier.  Some say that the island of Idzu, aka Vries Island, the volcanic island at the entrance of Edo Bay, increased on the north side by more than 3,000 feet and that a new island had been formed.  The noise of the drums was attributed to the gods creating that island. So here we have a catastrophic quake that impacted from Iyo, on the western end of Shikoku, all the way to the head of Edo Bay, modern Tokyo.  This appears to be what seismologists have labelled a "Nankai Trough Megathrust Earthquake".  Similar quakes have occurred and are predicted to occur in the future., along a region of Japan from the east coast of Kyushu, through the Seto Inland Sea, including Shikoku, through the Kii peninsula and all the way to Mt. Fuji.  The Nankai Trough, or Southern Sea Trough, is the area where the continental shelf drops down, and where the Philippine tectonic plate slips underneath the Eurasian—or more specifically the Amuric—plate.  As these plates move it can cause multiple events all along the trough at the same time.  Since being regularly recorded, these quakes have been noted every 100 to 150 years, with the last one being the Showa Nankai quakes of 1944 and 1946. For all of the destruction that it brought, however, apparently it didn't stop the court.  Two days after this devastating quake we are told that Presents were made to the Princes and Ministers.  Either they weren't so affected in the capital, or perhaps the date given for one of the two records is not quite reliable.  Personally, I find it hard to believe that there would be presents given out two days later unless they were some form of financial aid.  But what do I know?  It is possible that the court itself was not as affected as other areas, and they may not have fully even grasped the epic scale of the destruction that would later be described in the Chronicles, given the length of time it took to communicate messages across the country. Which brings us back to the "science" of the time, or at least the observation, hoping to learn from precedence or piece out what messages the world might have for the sovereign and those who could read the signs.  While many of the court's and Chronicler's conclusions may give us pause, today, we should nonetheless be thankful that they at least decided to keep notes and jot down their observations.  That record keeping means that we don't have to only rely on modern records to see patterns that could take centuries to reveal themselves.  Sure, at this time, those records were  still a bit spotty, but it was the start of something that would be remarkably important, and even though these Chronicles may have been focused on propaganda, the fact that they include so many other references are an incalculable boon to us, today, if we can just see to make the connections.  And with that, I think I've rambled enough for this episode.  We still have a couple more to fully cover this period. 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.  

Move forward with hope: healing after painful endings and embracing your next life chapter.In this episode, we explore hope, healing, letting go, and new beginnings through the wisdom of Taoism, wu wei, and Inner Child work. Discover why painful endings trigger fear, how red-light emotions guide your growth, and how to move into your next life chapter with clarity and courage.You'll learn: •  How to let go with compassion instead of forcing •  How red-light emotions reveal limiting beliefs •  The Golden Thread Process for emotional healing •  Taoist insights from the Tao Te Ching and I Ching •  How to create inner safety for your next beginning •  Simple practices to release the past and welcome renewal.This is a grounded, gentle guide for anyone navigating life transitions, heartbreak, identity shifts, grief, or emotional healing.Read the blog post that inspired this episode: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/p/walking-forward-turning-endings-intoOur 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.Subscribe to David's Journal here: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Discover David's online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comRelated teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zID3yxrdCbbZFuKHCwgV6qhX&si=9yNvhZaaUGvRWMOeTAO DIALOGUES PLAYLIST  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICamFP2zMyey3KGTnfm2aUq&si=AW_ZOUeldKv3nHhFINNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqJoin our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  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 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

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

Send us a text & leave your email address if you want a reply!Breaking the Silence: The Truth About Painful Sex That Almost No One Is Talking About. Are you one of the 20-30% of women experiencing painful penetration, feeling like your body is betraying you while the world stays silent about sexual wellness? Painful sex affects up to 35% of women worldwide at some point in their lives, yet most suffer in silence. Whether you've been diagnosed with vaginismus, dyspareunia, or genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder, you're not alone—and more importantly, you're not broken. In this episode of Sex Reimagined, tantric experts Leah Piper and Dr. Willow Brown expose the truth about painful sex that medical professionals rarely discuss. They reveal why traditional diagnoses often miss the mark and share revolutionary somatic therapy techniques that are transforming women's sexual wellness around the globe.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSThe Permission That Changes Everything: "Something bad didn't have to happen to you in order for this to occur"—Leah dismantles the myth that sexual trauma is required for painful penetration, offering relief to countless women blaming themselvesAncient Wisdom: Dr. Willow shares the profound Taoist teaching that sexual essence (Jing) and your true self are the same word—reframing sexuality from shame to sacred life force energyThe Pain-Pleasure Connection: Discover the neuroscience breakthrough that pain and pleasure activate the same brain receptors, meaning your greatest challenge could become your pathway to earth-shattering orgasmsPartner Communication Magic: Get the exact scripts that work—"I really like what you're doing and I want to feel it even more, so if you could slow down to half speed, I probably could feel it even more"—language that heals instead of hurtsThe Somatic Breakthrough Technique: Learn the step-by-step breath and sound method to move trauma out of tissues—breathe the "block" up to your throat, give it a voice, and vibrate it out of your body for real, lasting healingLINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEBSITE, CLICK HERELAST 10x LONGER. If you suffer from premature ejaculation, you are not alone, master 5 techniques to cure this stressful & embarrassing issue once and for all. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST20. THE VAGINAL ORGASM MASTERCLASS. Discover how to activate the female Gspot, clitoris, & cervical orgasms. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST 20Support the show FREEBIE- Introduction to Tantric Kissing Video and Workbook SxR Website Dr. Willow's Website Leah's Website

The Tao of Addiction and Recovery, Doug Hilton co Author with Mantak Chia Doug Hilton has been a counselor for over thirty years with extensive experience in trauma, addictions, and couples and family issues. A certified Universal Healing Tao instructor, he has been integrating Chi Kung into his counseling practice for twenty years. A Taoist guide to recovering from addiction offers  easy-to-perform Chi Kung practices to aid with recovery, the authors systematically explain the nature and development of addictions, the process of recovery, and how the Tao Te Ching can provide guidance. With Taoist Emotional Recycling, this book shows how to heal stuck emotions and address the urges and attitudes that often cause relapse. Phone  (250) 217-8854 Email              doug_hilton@hotmail.com

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

All Chapters AI Contribution: Courtesy of Google NotebookLM

All Chapters AI Contribution: Courtesy of Google NotebookLM

All Chapters AI Contribution: Courtesy of Google NotebookLM

Step into this calming Inner Child guided meditation designed to help you overcome the fear of the unknown and restore deep emotional safety - with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees.When the fear of the unknown rises, the mind tightens and the body moves into protection. This soothing Inner Child guided meditation helps you release emotional tension, calm survival-driven thinking, and reconnect with a deep sense of inner safety. You'll gently explore the root of uncertainty, soften old conditioning, and create space for trust, clarity and courage to emerge.Through grounding breathwork, visualisation, and compassionate Inner Child work, this meditation guides you back to your natural state of ease and flow. You'll learn to meet fear with presence, restore emotional balance, and align with the Taoist principle of allowing rather than resisting. Use this practice whenever uncertainty feels overwhelming or when you want to strengthen your ability to move forward with confidence, peace, and self-trust.⚠️ 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 our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy:Untangling Fear of the Unknown: Taoism, Flow & Inner Child Healing https://youtu.be/TxWWryjPOK0?si=PKX3uvvBDgHnbWcXINNER CHILD PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qq&si=7TkslLfvthRWePOIGUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubIs 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

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik, MD is joined by Dr. Seema Anand to explore the deeper origins and misconceptions surrounding semen retention, sexual energy, and tantric practices. They discuss the importance of channeling sexual energy, the spiritual intentions behind ancient texts, and practical tips for enhancing intimacy—such as non-pressure days and mindful connection. Listeners will gain fresh perspectives on the true meaning of sexual practices from historical and cultural contexts, as well as actionable advice for building better sexual relationships. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 00:00 Ancient roots of sexual energy 01:51 Misconceptions on semen retention 03:32 Erotic temples and spiritual passion 05:40 Orgasm without ejaculation 06:40 Tantric sex and mindful positions 10:39 Wilhelm Reich and orgasm energy 10:55 Soft penetration in Taoism 13:19 Top tip for better sex 14:24 No pressure days for intimacy Stay connected with Seema Anand on social media for daily insights and updates. Don't miss out—follow her now and check out these links! INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/seemaanandstorytelling YOUTUBE - http://www.youtube.com/@SeemaAnandStoryTelling Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Masturbation is not a throwaway habit. It is training and you are probably doing it wrong. In this episode, I sit with sexologist and Love Lab host Kevin Anthony to show men how mindful self-pleasure upgrades stamina, sensitivity, and confidence in and out of the bedroom.We cover the biggest mistakes men make, including rushing to the finish and outsourcing arousal to porn. Kevin walks through the arousal scale, edging, and how to separate orgasm from ejaculation. We dig into delayed ejaculation, the “death grip,” desensitization, and how to resensitize your body. We also break down strokers, pumps, condoms, and when meds help or hinder. You get a practical framework to slow down, feel more, and choose when to ejaculate.Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:05 Why a masturbation practice matters for men05:12 How habits train performance in bed06:48 The speed problem and the orgasm gap08:58 Porn use. Hyper-stimulation and desensitization12:52 Delayed ejaculation and loss of sensation15:16 The “death grip.” Injury and numbness risks17:48 Edging, tantra, and Taoist ejaculation frequency21:22 Orgasm vs ejaculation. Physiology and separation24:58 Mindful masturbation. Arousal scale and pacing28:12 Step-by-step: build, back off, repeat, choose the finish29:56 Tools and strokers. When they help. When they hurt32:04 Pumps vs meds. Health-first strategy and retention rings34:56 Mindset shift. Slow down, train, feel more36:22 Lightning round: definition of sex, best multi-orgasmic run, beach fantasy38:10 Wrap-up. Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today's discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don't miss out!Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:Email: karen@taboototruth.comWebsite: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastAbout the Guest:Kevin Anthony is a Certified Sexologist by the American Board of Sexology, a Certified Tantra Counselor, Certified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner, and a Sex, Love & Relationship coach. For over 10 years I have worked with men, women, and couples to help them have stronger, happier, more loving relationships, and the best sex of their lives!He is also the host of “The Love Lab Podcast”, co-founder of the popular YouTube channel

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

Ancient Chinese records tell us that in 210 BC a Taoist priest and alchemist named Xu Fu (徐福) sailed east to find the elixir of immortality for the despotic Qin Shi Huang. China's first emperor was obsessed with cheating death (as revealed by his huge tomb complex in Xi'an, with its thousands of terracotta warriors); he outfitted Xu Fu's expedition with everything needed to establish a settlement – equipment, supplies, and several thousand young men and women. Xu Fu and his companions never returned to China. Where did they go? John and Chris Stowers, an English photographer and writer based in Taipei, discuss this story, especially as it relates to Taiwan. Did Xu Fu settle in Formosa? Or Japan? Or, as is the premise for Tim McGirk's The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers, did he reach Central America?NOTE: A technical problem affected the audio quality of this episode, but the conversation is solid and worth sticking with. Thanks for your patience.

What if the real danger isn't change, but staying stuck where you are?We often mistake familiarity for safety, creating inner resistance and a fear of the unknown whenever we face something new. This episode explores that subtle fear — the emotional “red light” that appears as change approaches, whether we're starting something, letting go, or sitting with uncertainty. We look at how fear softens when we stop forcing and instead align with life's natural flow. You'll learn why the unknown feels threatening to the mind and how presence helps us move through it with greater ease. Bringing in Inner Child wisdom, we uncover early conditioning that taught us to avoid the unknown. By meeting those younger parts of ourselves with compassion, we can create an inner safety that empowers us to step forward with trust and confidence.With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees (mindset and business coach).Discover our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:INNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqGOLDEN THREAD PROCESS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIAsS_wgdRN7QGBKIk54sbyDJoin 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 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.

Ancient wisdom might hold the key to modern men's vitality, and it starts with a practice you've probably never tried.In this episode, we dive into a little-known Taoist practice that's been quietly transforming men's vitality for centuries: testicle massage. You've probably never heard this talked about before, but once you do, it might change everything about how you think about men's health.Listen now and explore the simple technique that could shift your energy, focus, and performance in ways you never expected.--------------Resources mentioned:Modern Man CribMediterranean DietGood Morning Wood Smoothie--------------Curious about how you can boost your bedroom game and build lasting confidence? Check out the course at getwoodnow.com and start your journey to feeling like yourself again!--------------If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more and get more tips, subscribe to The Modern Man newsletter for exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox! https://dranne.co/themodernman--------------Follow Me On:InstagramTwitterFacebookTikTokYouTube--------------For all links and resources mentioned on the show and where to subscribe to the podcast, please visit https://truongrehab.com/testicle-massage-men-health-benefits--------------Want to regain control of your sex life? It's time to reverse the effects of ED on your life. Join the Modern Man Club and embark on your journey to complete recovery and community.--------------Reveal the FREE treatment most men ignore that solves thousands of erectile dysfunction cases every year, plus the 5 biggest mistakes you must avoid if you want to say goodbye to your ED. Uncover it all in my free eBook, available to download now.https://dranne.co/ebook

Tune in for the wisdom of Lao Tzu in this transformative episode of Exploring the Mystical Side of Life. Host Linda Lang welcomes Taoist Master San Qing, who channels a message from Lao Tzu, focused on discovering your innate wholeness and accelerating your spiritual evolution. San Qing shares a powerful breathing exercise—rooted in Taoist tradition—to help you reconnect to your heart, nurture self-love, and access your true nature beyond the confines of everyday struggles. Experience guidance on mastering emotions, cultivating patience, and igniting your divine spark. Plus, learn more about San Qing's teachings and practical tools for self-realization. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a practical path to remembering who you truly are.Explore San Qing's podcast, The Way 126 Experience on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.Work with San Qing: ⁠https://immortaltaoistrites.com/⁠ Buy the TAO TE CHING transcribed by San Qing as a DIRECT Channel of Lao Tzu: ⁠https://bit.ly/SanQing-Tao-Te-Ching⁠The Way 126 app LIVE now on web, IOS and Android: ⁠https://theway126.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theway_126⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theway126experience

Aging doesn't have to involve loss of possibilities and heaviness. Just ask Nietzsche, the Taoists, Hannah Arendt and Camus! 

Robert D. Morningstar is currently Co-Editor of UFO Digest. RDM is a civilian intelligence analyst, and photo analyst living in New York City. He is a graduate of Power Memorial Academy ('67) with a degree in psychology from Fordham University ('74). While at Fordham University, Robert D Morningstar was recruited as a research associate in some of the earliest studies of "Artificial Intelligence" in a program sponsored by ONI & IBM. During the 1970s, Robert D Morningstar became a "China Watcher," specializing in Chinese language studies, as well as, a Yang Family Tai Chi master, acknowledged by the Hong Kong Tai Chi Masters Association and the highest-ranking masters in. RDM has taught Tai Chi for the East Asian Studies Department at Oberlin College (1980-81) and as an Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College (1994-95), City University of New York. From 1992-1994, he served as a consultant and movement therapist in the Behavioral Sciences Department at The International Center for the Disabled in New York City teaching Movement Therapy, Stress Management and Behavioral Modification Programs. During the 1990s, Robert D Morningstar dedicated himself to investigating the JFK Assassination and exposed the doctoring of the Zapruder Film and the alteration of the medical and forensic evidence in the Warren Commission Report. Robert has been studying UFOs since the mid-1950s and has had several close encounters while airborne and on the ground (most recently in September '07). Morningstar is a civilian pilot, FAA-certified Instrument Ground Instructor and a USG certified Weather Specialist. Robert D Morningstar works regularly with victims of alien abduction around the world (via Internet) and uses Tai Chi, Taoist meditation methods to relieve trauma resulting from PTSS (post traumatic stress syndrome) of ETAP. Morningstar teaches psychic and psychological skills (like Remote Viewing) to combat "intruders" and thwart psychic attacks and alien abductions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

Are we living in a parasitic Matrix designed to keep us disconnected from God and our true power? Josh Trent welcomes Pedram Shojai, Taoist priest, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, and Qi Gong Master, to the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast, episode 781, to explore how modern society has become a parasitic system designed to steal our focus, time, and divine connection, how language, self-talk, and unconscious patterns shape our reality, and why reclaiming awareness restores the power to co-create with God. Bring Vitality Back to Your Life Join the Urban Monk Academy to free yourself from the trap of stress and reactivity, pull your attention back onto your own priorities, regain your vitality, and come back to life. Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but you have the power to change your trajectory. Don't let stress consume you any longer. Once you're registered as a student, you get it all. All the courses, the media, the series, the tools, resources, community, and LIVE weekly calls with Pedram. He personally guides and curates your journey with LIVE weekly interaction and questions. Join The Academy In This Episode, Pedram Shojai Uncovers: [01:15] We Live in a Parasitic Universe Why we live in a parasitic universe. How the things that are trying to steal our attention, money, and energy are parasitic entities. Why we can create anything with sustained attention. How media and social media are designed to influence our emotions. Why most people are angry about the current systems, but misdirect their anger. Resources: Pedram Shojai [06:15] Words Create Your Reality How many people on social media can't be trusted. Why the words we speak create our reality. How deconstructing the self-talk language can heal us. Why words can empower our weakness. [11:00] Finding Purpose in Taoism How Pedram got into practicing Taoist Kung Fu. Why Kung Fu is an operating system for life. How he was raised in a family that was angry at religion. Why he found his way to Taoism through a book that fell off a shelf. [16:50] Escape the Matrix Why Pedram wasn't involved in religion growing up. How he realized he was living in the Matrix. Why he went from becoming a traditional medicine doctor to Chinese medicine. How he started studying Taoism and ancient practices. [21:35] Listen to The Voice of God The importance of having God in our lives. Why religious institutions are the middleman that get in the way of us and God. How many people are puppeted by the parazites. Why we have to learn to listen to the voice of God. [25:15] How to Turn Your Awareness Inwards How we can bring our neuroception back online. Why our body needs safety in order to heal. How every sounds and feeling contain information that tells us what's happening around us. Why we can't hear God if we can't even hear our own heartbeat. [29:40] Why You Can't Meditate Why we get stuck in a shame spiral. How leaky gut creates endotoxemia, which causes more than 80% of chronic diseases. Why we can't meditate if our gut is in dysbiosis. How every day is Kung Fu for Pedram. Why the food we eat is destroying our natural gifts and making us sick. The importance of testing our gut. [37:40] Who Am I? Why so many people experience anxiety and depression. How we need to deconstruct the "I" with the right questions. Who we think we are is not who we truly are. The original definition of alchemy. Why freedom comes from immortalizing our consciousness. [44:15] How to Deconstruct Your Conditionings How our parents did the best they could. Why Pedram doesn't blame his mother for making him anxious. How he's learning to set boundaries with his parents while being kind. The importance of learning not to respond to our programming. Why we're in the era of codes. How we're being manipulated through codes. [55:50] You Co-Create The World Why the Luciferian experiment is not real, but our participation is real. How our energy co-creates the evil. Why we become eternal when we stop co-creating the human prison. How we tell ourselves stories that distract us from becoming eternal. Why our brain is always looking for signs of whether we can trust someone or not. [01:01:00] The Journey of an Urban Monk Why Pedram started calling himself "urban monk." How he noticed himself being arrogant after he had studied ancient teachings. Why people weren't able to receive Pedram's wisdom at first. [01:04:50] How to Strengthen Your Intuition How we can train our intuition to uncover whether someone is authentic or not. Why the spiritual and self-development industry are full of evil people. The importance of deconstructing our wants and needs. Why nobody else can save us but ourselves. Resources: Justin Nault [01:10:00] Choose a Different Path Why Pedram struggles with being a public figure because he doesn't want the fame. How society norms can make us feel not good enough. Why we need to stop avoiding the lessons that come through pain and suffering. How transformation cannot be bought, it can only be created from within. "There's a lot of parasitic energy in the biohacking community, convincing people to live forever versus immortalizing your consciousness. This is the difference between God and Lucifer. There are many nefarious players now that are just trying to get your money and get your attention. — Pedram Shojai Leave Wellness + Wisdom a Review on Apple Podcasts All Resources From This Episode Pedram Shojai Justin Nault

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Andrew Alan Buhman, author of the book Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies. Andrew grew up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula within a Fundamental Baptist family, attending a private Christian school and later a renowned Bible college in South Carolina. At five, Andrew embraced faith in Christ, and at ten, inspired by a fiery summer camp sermon, devoted his life to missionary work. After college, he pursued that dream, marrying in the Philippines and eventually planting a church in Southern California. However, the pandemic marked a turning point.   Witnessing the church's response during this time led to a profound spiritual awakening and a transition from Christianity to an eclectic, Taoist-inspired spirituality. This journey of faith, disillusionment, and redemption deeply influenced Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies. The complex characters and morally ambiguous world—rooted in themes of voodoo, Catholicism, and personal struggle—are a reflection of Andrew's own search for truth in a shifting spiritual landscape.   In my book review, I stated Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies is detective mystery/thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Set in New Orleans, this novel takes us into the seedy side of town with voodoo, drugs, and corruption.   Nick Grayson, though a present-day private investigator, looks and acts like a throwback to an earlier time. His office desk sports a rotary phone, he wear a fedora and trench coat, and he calls the women in his life 'doll.' His secretary is just the opposite, using modern technology and listening to hip hop. Together, they make an unbeatable team. However, the case they take on begins to unravel their trust and could cost them their lives.   Despite doing his job well, Nick's life is a mess. He drinks too much, he's a womanizer, and he has ghosts from his past that keep him from moving forward. And that is what makes him so endearing. His flaws make him real and keep the reading hoping for a good outcome. If you like fast-paced books with gritty characters, then you will love Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies.   Content note: There are some rather detailed sex scenes. I chose to skip them and doing so did not change the book's narrative.   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Andrew Alan Buhman FB: @AndrewAlanBuhman X: @andrewbuhman IG: @andrewalanbuhman   Purchase Nick Grayson: The Truth in the Lies on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/3IQ0bx7   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors   #andrewalanbuhman #thetruthinthelies #nickgrayson #mystery #thriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Membership | Donations | Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Discord | FB GroupThis week (actually, April) I speak with Rimma Boshernitsan (Website | LinkedIn), a speaker, interviewer, facilitator, and advisor who has partnered with senior leadership at Fortune 500 companies—including Google, Kaiser Permanente, Roche, TATA, and Aesop—guiding them through transformation and growth. Her writing has appeared in Fast Company, Inc. Magazine, Tech Crunch and Forbes.She began her career in management consulting at Deloitte, focusing on M&A and large-scale transformation, before moving into industry advising across healthcare, consumer business, and telecommunications. Later work in the art world taught her how cultural and political insights could drive innovation and transformation in business, leading her to found DIALOGUE in 2016.She now combines strategic foresight, human-centered innovation, and interdisciplinary thinking to help her clients reframe challenges, identify opportunities, and lead with intention. She sits on the board of trustees at Headlands Center for the Arts and on the SECA Council Board at SFMOMA, and is also an advisor to Stanford's Women in Design Program.Her most recent focus is in co-intelligence: integrating human, machine, and planetary intelligence to build future-facing organizations.I'm glad to have such an excellent partner in conversation to, as the Taoists say, “Feel our way across the river stone by stone” in a discussion about all of this and more: the re-emergence of nomadic populations and intentional communities, fumbling toward an idea of planetary culture, the role of intuition in leadership and biophilia in the design of our work spaces...it's a marvelously nondisciplinary co-exploration.There are well over a dozen episodes in the editing queue and founding members can access the entire trove of unedited conversations before they're released:✨ Show Links• Dig into nine years of mind-expanding conversations• Learn more about the Humans On The Loop project and its goals• Browse the books we discuss on the show at Bookshop.org• Contact me if you have a problem you think I can help you solve• Explore the interactive knowledge graph grown from over 250 episodes• Explore the Google Notebook for How To Live In The Future, my five-week science and philosophy course at Weirdosphere✨ Mentioned Media & PeopleIn Threads' dwindling engagement, social media's flawed hypothesis is laid bareIn a Time of Stress, Neuroaesthetic Spaces and Places Create a Path to Healing and HopeThe Triad of Intelligences: Harnessing Machine, Planetary, and Human Intuition in The Age of AIDIALOGUE Interviews: Ivy RossDIALOGUE Interviews: Susan MagsamenDIALOGUE Interviews: Kevin KellyMore Is Different: Broken symmetry and the nature of the hierarchical structure of scienceNikki SilvaBruce LiptonEd BernaysKen Wilber This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelgarfield.substack.com/subscribe

The root of self-sabotage lies in your Inner Child's fear of failure and rejection — learn how to transform that fear into flow, confidence, and peace.Are you tired of getting in your own way? This Tao Dialogue explores the deeper roots of self-sabotage — why it happens, where it begins, and how to transform it through awareness and compassion.You'll learn how to: ✅ Recognise hidden self-sabotaging patterns ✅ Heal your Inner Child and reconnect with self-trust ✅ Reprogram limiting beliefs that keep you stuck ✅ Take aligned action toward peace, purpose, and successWhen you stop fighting yourself, life starts to flow. Freedom begins with understanding, not force.Read the blog post that inspired this episode: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/p/breaking-free-from-self-sabotageOur 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/Discover David's online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comOther related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:Why Do I Self-Sabotage My Happiness? https://youtu.be/8xOmnlLZ08I?si=HlOOhfx247kdApHGTAO DIALOGUES PLAYLIST  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICamFP2zMyey3KGTnfm2aUq&si=AW_ZOUeldKv3nHhFINNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqJoin 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

“Revered for thousands of years in Chinese and Taoist traditions as the ‘Mushroom of Immortality,' Reishi has become one of the most researched and respected adaptogenic herbs in the world. Today, we're exploring how this remarkable mushroom helps the body achieve balance, resilience, and longevity.” Our guest today is one of the foremost experts on medicinal mushrooms, Mark Kaylor.  He explores in depth, a diverse array of healing practices and traditions from around the world. From a Cherokee reservation to the Amazon rainforest to mountains in China, his studies have lead him to develop a truly holistic practice and approach to health and healing incorporating many traditions, styles, and modalities. He has worked and consulted in the Natural Foods Industry for close to 40 years as a leading holistic health educator, formulator, radio show host/guest, and author.  Let's welcome our esteemed guest holistic health expert Mark Kaylor to the show.  “Reishi truly bridges the wisdom of ancient herbal traditions with modern scientific understanding—supporting the body, mind, and spirit in remarkable ways. Thank you for shedding light on why this ‘Mushroom of Immortality' continues to inspire wellness seekers around the world.” #medicinalmushrooms #reishimushroom #reishi #shitake #maitake #lionsmane #cordyceps #naturalhealth #naturalhealing #cardiovascularhealth #immunesupport #wisdom 

“Revered for thousands of years in Chinese and Taoist traditions as the ‘Mushroom of Immortality,' Reishi has become one of the most researched and respected adaptogenic herbs in the world. Today, we're exploring how this remarkable mushroom helps the body achieve balance, resilience, and longevity.” Our guest today is one of the foremost experts on medicinal mushrooms, Mark Kaylor.  He explores in depth, a diverse array of healing practices and traditions from around the world. From a Cherokee reservation to the Amazon rainforest to mountains in China, his studies have lead him to develop a truly holistic practice and approach to health and healing incorporating many traditions, styles, and modalities. He has worked and consulted in the Natural Foods Industry for close to 40 years as a leading holistic health educator, formulator, radio show host/guest, and author.  Let's welcome our esteemed guest holistic health expert Mark Kaylor to the show.  “Reishi truly bridges the wisdom of ancient herbal traditions with modern scientific understanding—supporting the body, mind, and spirit in remarkable ways. Thank you for shedding light on why this ‘Mushroom of Immortality' continues to inspire wellness seekers around the world.” #medicinalmushrooms #reishimushroom #reishi #shitake #maitake #lionsmane #cordyceps #naturalhealth #naturalhealing #cardiovascularhealth #immunesupport #wisdom 

Step into the mysterious world of Taoist magic as Master San Qing shares his extraordinary journey—complete with mystical encounters, ancient rituals, and the powerful guidance of Lao Tzu. Prepare to have your perceptions of reality challenged as we uncover the hidden superpowers within us all on this episode of Exploring the Mystical Side of Life. San Qing shares his personal journey—from childhood enchantment with superheroes, bodybuilding and ancient wisdom, through intense awakening experiences, to connecting with spiritual master Lao Tzu. Discover how resonance, empathy, and self-realization are keys to accessing the “superpowers” of the human spirit, and learn about the real-life miracles, energetic tools, and portals that show magic truly is everywhere. Plus, hear about San Qing's unique perspectives on channeling, energy healing, and the importance of mastering your emotional state.If you're curious about the deeper layers of mystical practice, spiritual awakening, or the practical tools behind Taoist rituals, this episode is for you.Work with San Qing: https://immortaltaoistrites.com/ Buy the TAO TE CHING transcribed by San Qing as a DIRECT Channel of Lao Tzu: https://bit.ly/SanQing-Tao-Te-ChingThe Way 126 app LIVE now on web, IOS and Android: https://theway126.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theway_126 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theway126experienceStay tuned for a bonus episode coming November 14, 2025, where San Qing channels a message from Lao tzu.

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

Join host Myrna Young as she explores the ancient Taoist philosophy with therapist Gerard Wouters, focusing on mental health and personal development. Discover how Taoism offers a transformative path to simplify life, build resilience, and cultivate wellness. Gerard shares valuable insights on overcoming fear, shifting your mindset, and finding true happiness by aligning with nature's flow. Learn the importance of self-appreciation, breaking negative cycles, and interpreting life's setbacks as opportunities for growth. This episode is a powerful guide to transforming your mind and embracing a fulfilled and balanced life through Taoist teachings.Gerard shares his journey and his unique approach that helps individuals lead a life free from unnecessary complications and filled with simplicity and happiness. Gerard's two-day workshops are attended by many who seek to heal from mental afflictions by embracing the Taoist way, which emphasizes bending with life's winds and understanding cosmic laws to achieve a fulfilling life.The conversation delves into the intricacies of Taoism, breaking down preconceived notions of it as a religion and clarifying its foundation as a philosophy grounded in nature's laws. Emphasizing unlearning fear and overthinking, Gerard unveils methods to help listeners take control of their lives and make better choices that facilitate a smooth life flow. By adopting Taoism's principles, one gains the capability to decode life's setbacks and transform them into opportunities that enhance happiness and success. Through examples and metaphoric explanations, Gerard captivates listeners with insights into how embracing emptiness can lead to creativity and fulfillment.Key Takeaways:Taoist philosophy is not a religion but a life-grounding philosophy that teaches living in harmony with nature's laws.Overcoming fear is crucial; as Gerard states, "Danger is a reality, but fear is a choice," emphasizing personal control over life's experiences.Simplifying life by relinquishing overthinking can lead to awareness, allowing individuals to enjoy their surroundings more profoundly.Embracing setbacks as lessons aids in realigning life paths more suitably for personal growth and happiness.Resources:Book: "How to Make Life Simple, Happy, and Successful" by Gerard Wouters – available on AmazonTo advertise on our podcast, visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TransformyourMindor email kriti@youngandprofiting.com See this video on The Transform Your Mind YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MyhelpsUs/videosTo see a transcripts of this audio as well as links to all the advertisers on the show page https://myhelps.us/Follow Transform Your Mind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/myrnamyoung/Follow Transform Your mind on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738390977Please leave a rating and review on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-your-mind/id1144973094 https://podcast.feedspot.com/personal_development_podcasts/

If you want to raise your testosterone naturally—and keep it high for life—you have to rebuild your Jing, your core physical essence. This isn't about popping pills or chasing short-term fixes. It's about changing how you think, how you use your energy, and how you live.In this video, I break down the real foundation of male vitality from a Taoist and biological perspective:• What Jing actually is and how it fuels testosterone• How modern habits drain your sexual energy and hormones• The connection between overthinking, emotional reactivity, and low T• Simple, powerful ways to rebuild your Jing and reignite your masculine driveForget “biohacks.” This is about rebuilding your body's engine—the source of your power, confidence, and presence.Get my FREE Ebook - 3 Techniques for Legendary Ejaculation Control:

The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers – Tim McGirkThe novel tells the story of archaeologist Ned Sheehan's discovery of two ancient Chinese tombs at a Maya site in southern Mexico. One tomb belongs to Xu Fu, a famous Taoist priest who vanished on a quest for the elixir of immortality at the behest of China's First Emperor. The other houses the emperor's own mother, scandalously revealed to have been Xu Fu's lover.Tim and John talk about what is known about Xu Fu, a historical person, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang's obsession with immortality. They speculate on what happened to Xu Fu's large expedition – could he have reached the Americas? Or Japan (where he is known as Jofuku)? John recommends John Dougill's Green Shinto website, which has several pieces regarding Xu Fu in Japan.The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers is published by Plum Rain Press (which John runs), and is available as a paperback and ebook on Amazon stores.Tim McGirk's Book recommendations:The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom (2008) by Simon WinchesterThe Grand Historian (also Records of the Grand Historian) by Sima Qian (there was various translations – the original was published circa 91 BC.)The China Voyage: A Pacific Quest by Bamboo Raft (1994) by Tim SeverinVisit Tim McGirk's website The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Puzsér Róbert és Farkas Attila Márton beszélgetése az Ingában.

Puzsér Róbert és Farkas Attila Márton beszélgetése az Ingában.

Experience deep subconscious healing and release old beliefs keeping you stuck in scarcity. This powerful guided meditation helps you attract wealth, flow, and emotional freedom—with Taoist monk and teacher David James Lees.Reprogramme your money story from the inside out with this Inner Child healing meditation for abundance. Your financial blocks aren't about money—they're rooted in childhood patterns of scarcity, safety, and self-worth. Through gentle guidance, you'll release old fears, open your heart, and align with the natural energy of prosperity and ease. Let your inner child lead you back to peace, abundance, and financial freedom…⚠️ 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 our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy:Master Your Mindset For Wealth https://youtu.be/BuVV7PXewsA?si=NZ2MlXno-hS2tMLR LAW OF ATTRACTION PLAYLIST  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIDtpsyrlO2TNeBoKwUDlQOI&si=Z6dGUJSDR36XKHjq GUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubIs 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

In this episode, Gene and David begin their exploration of “The Thunder, Perfect Mind,” one of the most enigmatic and paradoxical texts from the Nag Hammadi library. This mysterious Gnostic revelation presents the divine feminine Voice (Barbelo) speaking in riddles and contradictions that deliberately shake the foundations of dualistic thinking. "I am the first and the last. I am the honored one and the scorned one. I am the whore and the holy one" - these riddles are not quite they seem. They are actually sophisticated teachings designed to awaken the listener to a deeper truth about consciousness itself.The hosts reveal how this text is from the perspective of the Trimorphic Protennoia in her second form as the unarticulated Voice - the Thunder that shook the seven Archons' thrones by introducing cognitive dissonance into the mind's rigid structures. Through her paradoxes, the Voice demonstrates that she is the consciousness present in all experiences, both the observer and the observed, the lover and beloved, the slave and ruler.Gene and David guide listeners through the text's profound psychological dimensions, showing how these apparent contradictions point toward the recognition of oneself as the witnessing consciousness that encompasses all opposites - love and hate, wealth and poverty, power and weakness, life and death.The episode explores how different spiritual traditions from Maat in Egypt to the Taoist principle of fluidity all point toward this same underlying Unity. The Voice challenges listeners to stop identifying with particular states or emotions and instead recognize themselves as the constant awareness experiencing all of life's polarities. "The Thunder, Perfect Mind" is a text designed to expand consciousness by holding opposites simultaneously, ultimately revealing that all experiences are movements of the One consciousness knowing itself from infinite perspectives. This teaching method culminates in recognizing that the Voice speaking in the text is not external but our own deepest Self.

Red lantern path, tea ceremony, ancestral blessings and martial arts performances.. Let me bring you to an outdoor wedding in the middle of the forest, in the mystical Wudang valley. The ceremony was filled with symbolism and ancient rituals, one of those authentic and intimate immersions in rural China that I'm very happy to share with y'all.. The more I travel around the world the more similarities I see that we all share across cultures.. The need for love, the importance of community, and the sacredness of reunion. But also how annoying our drunk uncles can be, and how universal it is for a wife to scream at her husband for blocking the car in the ravine. Because yes, even for Tai Chi masters, no family gathering is ever truly peaceful.. lmao

What if your morning walk could awaken the energy of the universe within you? In this episode, I share my first 氣功 (Qi Gong) class with my martial arts teacher, Master Gu. A morning by the lake that transformed how I perceive the subtle life force that flows through all things..We explore his Taoist morning routine: walking in nature at dawn, standing meditation to absorb universal Qi, and gentle meridian exercises rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. I reflect on how these ancient practices release what's stuck in the body, calm the mind, restore inner balance and and reconnect us with nature's healing rhythm.One step at a time, I begin to understand how Taoism isn't just a philosophy, but a way of living in harmony with the cosmos. “Nature is the best hospital, and you are the best doctor.” - that day I had a huge realization that will later lead me to seeking healing through medicinal plants in Peru..

September 2024. After years of studying Chinese language and reading taoist Classics, I finally make it to the Wudang mountains.. sacred mountain range that gave birth to 太極拳 (Tai Chi) and 武當功夫 (Wudang kung fu) ! The Wudang spirituality emphasizes inner cultivation, internal energy movement, and inner alchemy, over brute strength and spectacular figures. Many practitioners visit the mountains for retreats & training, or pilgrimage.In this short episode I share my first impressions as I arrived there: meeting with my teacher Gu, attending a local birthday party, and reflecting on how much I need to transform my life from fatigue and imbalance to health and vitality… After months of a draining lifestyle and emotional turmoil, I feel depleted. This journey is about finding inspiration through ancient Chinese wisdom and practices, to learn how to rebuild my strength and become a healthier person.

Send Us a Message!Imagine opening a conversation about sex that begins with safety, truth, and reverence. We invited our community into a live, guided experience of sacred space and the three keys of Tantra—breath, sound, and movement—to show how everyday intimacy can become a powerful energy practice. No jargon, no shock value, just clear tools you can try right away to feel more alive, connected, and grounded.In this episode, we explore:Redefining tantra as experiential energy workWhy sacred space creates feelings of securityThe sacred bubble ritual and heart salutationDesires, fears, boundaries and consent languageTaoist breath loop for grounding and releaseAdding sound to free expression and move energyAdding movement to integrate root-to-crown flowNoticing states, regulating intensity, and integrationMasterclass format, access, and expectationsWe start by reframing Tantra as experiential: a path of expanding aliveness by integrating two inner qualities—steady presence and dynamic flow. From there, we build a sacred container. You'll hear the language we use for desires, fears, and boundaries and how a simple “sacred bubble” ritual shifts the room from casual to consecrated. Then we move into practice. First, a Taoist breath loop that inhales up the back and exhales down the front to rinse the system and settle the mind. Next, we add sound to liberate expression and clear the throat center. Finally, we invite movement—spirals, undulations, subtle sways—to bridge sexual root and spiritual crown.Throughout, we share what to notice: tingling hands, jaw tension, a wave of grief, or a bright, quiet calm. The aim isn't to force fireworks; it's to build capacity. With breath, sound, and movement working together, energy moves, emotions integrate, and intimacy feels safer and more honest. We also outline our five-week Intro to Tantra masterclass: one week each for sacred space, breath, sound, and movement, plus a full Q&A. It's fully clothed, consent-forward, and designed for solo or partnered practice.If you're curious about turning connection into a spiritual practice without leaving your values at the door, this conversation is your on-ramp. Listen, follow the guided segments, and notice what shifts. If it resonates, subscribe, share with someone you trust, and leave a review telling us which key—breath, sound, or movement—opened the most for you.Learn about our

Discover how to release scarcity thinking and attract abundance in your life.Have you ever wondered why money seems to slip through your fingers, no matter how hard you work or how carefully you plan? This Life Lesson goes to the root of your emotional and spiritual relationship with money. You might be surprised to learn that your abundance struggles aren't about money. They often stem from the Inner Child—the part of you shaped by early experiences, beliefs, and fears around safety, worth, and scarcity. When you release the grip of scarcity, and when you trust the natural rhythm of life, abundance stops being something you chase—and becomes something you live…With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees (mindset and business coach).Discover our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:LAW OF ATTRACTION VIDEO PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIDtpsyrlO2TNeBoKwUDlQOIINNER CHILD PLAYLIST  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqGOLDEN 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 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 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.

How do we manage the craziness of life? What choices do we have in handling our survival? How tough do we have to be?   The Tao has answers to all this, and it's about living with the flow as much as possible. Of course, the flow has many different personalities, so there are Taoist skills to obtain.   Dr. Kathy Casey is a licensed acupuncturist and has learned that being successful is bringing her patients back into their natural rhythms.   She's very familiar with Taoist philosophy and has wonderful wisdom to share with us.

"I reclaimed my Power to create. ... There's no amount of suffering that is beyond what can't be healed." Dr. Angela Le Dr. Angela Le specializes in women's reproductive and hormonal health through acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, and Somatic Experiencing. In 2014, Angela was going through a Dark Night of the Soul. She was desperate. She then remembered hearing about the Hoffman Process twenty years earlier. Feeling great relief to finally ask for help, she registered and then arrived for her Process three weeks later. In hindsight, Angela shares she "would have had a miserable life" if she hadn't done the Process. But she wanted something more. Angela as a baby “There was just this fortitude in me that wanted more and actually knew I could have more, but I was just in this cycle and this pattern that needed major disruption, and that's really what Hoffman was, for me. It just disrupted patterns in a way that allowed for tremendous change and transformation." On the other side of the Process, Angela found that one of the gifts of doing the Process was that it “opened up the permission field to have a different experience." She learned that she had the power within her to change her own experience. These many years later, Angela has come to embrace the mystery of life. Letting go of the need to control, to be good, to be "all the things," has ushered in a new way to live. The change she found through the Process brought a reclamation of her power to create. At its root, the work Angela does supports and heals the deepest of creativity - that of women's reproduction. Angela, a healer, experienced healing through her Process, and she, in turn, deepened her ability to heal others through her love's everyday radius. More about Dr. Angela Le: Dr. Angela Le is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, biohacking and longevity coach, specializing in women's reproductive and hormonal health. With over two decades of clinical experience, she has supported thousands of women through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause. She trained in Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy under Master Ni and his sons, esteemed healers with a lineage dating back to the Han Dynasty. This foundation in ancient wisdom shapes her approach to medicine, human potential, and consciousness. Dr. Le has long been drawn to spiritual exploration and self-inquiry, an interest that began in her childhood. A committed meditation practitioner for decades, she has studied across Eastern, indigenous, and contemplative traditions. In 2014, she completed the Hoffman Process, which she describes as a profound milestone in her lifelong journey of healing and self-discovery. Based in New York City, learn more about Angela at www.fafwellness.com. Follow Angela on Instagram. Listen on Apple Podcasts As mentioned in this episode: Hoffman Graduate Groups •   New York Hoffman Grad Group Dark Night of the Soul Vipassana Meditation Parentification or Parentified Child Hero/Victim Dynamic - The Karpman drama triangle Spiritual Bypass Liza Ingrasci, Hoffman Institute Foundation CEO and President The Shadow Share the Process with someone What is fertility? Perimenopause Mystic Crone Years: •   " The Crone represents the ability to see, more than just with one's eyes alone, but to see with the heart's eyes, with the soul's eyes, through the eyes of the creative force and the animating force of the psyche." Clarissa Pinkola Estés •   Crone years are typically from 50 on.

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

Discover how to move from fear and control into effortless alignment through the Taoist teaching of wu wei.Ever wonder why even positive change can feel unsettling?In this Tao Dialogue episode, we explore:Why red-light emotions (fear, anxiety, frustration) are not enemies but messengers.The Golden Thread Process — tracing emotions back to their root beliefs.How to guide your Inner Child back to balance through Shen, your inner truth.The Taoist art of non-doing — how to act with presence, not pressure.Learn to let go of control, trust life's rhythm, and transform uncertainty into liberation. Because we are not here to control the wind — we are here to learn how to move with it.Read the blog post that inspired this episode: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/p/living-effortlessly-in-a-world-ofOur 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/Discover David's online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comOther related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:Everything Will Be OK – Guided Meditation on Trusting https://youtu.be/SaJOyIsA21o?si=ZkK4WuaiwqymjgOdTAO DIALOGUES PLAYLIST  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICamFP2zMyey3KGTnfm2aUq&si=AW_ZOUeldKv3nHhFINNER 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  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

If you died away from home but wanted to be buried there, don’t worry – Taoist priests had you covered. They’d just have your animated corpse walk itself back home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10/15/2025   Today, we are excited to kick off a three-week series of stories, entitled “Religion to Relationship" with Jesus Christ.   Linda Friedman, from our Raleigh, North Carolina community, shares her powerful journey of growing up in Taiwan with a Taoist and Buddhist foundation, how her upbringing led her to search for community and happiness within the Mormon church, and ultimately how Jesus opened her eyes to the truths of Who He is. This is a story of God‘s pursuing love and His desire for every child to discover the rest and freedom found only in Him. _______________________________________________________________________________   VERSE OF THE WEEK: Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32   CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK: Jesus didn't call you to perform. He called you to rest in Him. How can you experience His rest this week?   Links:   Listen to this song by Lauren Daigle by Losing My Religion    Listen to a similar story: Ep. 268- Sajeda Wilson:  “My Journey to Jesus:: From Islam to Christianity”   Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!  (click the link and hold down on the photo to save to your phone)   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Linda and all of our past storytellers!!   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Continue the Conversation with the podcast hosts discussing this first episode in the “Religion to Relationship” series.   Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered online on October 29th, 9:30-12:30 CST   Join us live on Thursday, November 6th, at 7:00 PM at Samford University Wright Center for a night of worship and fellowship with Ellie Holcomb, presented by Portraits of Hope!  Register here and use promo code ELLIE10 for 10% off at checkout!!!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series   Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Jade egg work has a reputation — and most of it's wrong.In this episode, Jannine demystifies one of the most misunderstood sacred sex tools and reveals how jade egg practice can help you strengthen your pelvic floor, release tension, and awaken deeper sensitivity and pleasure.She shares her own journey from skeptic to devotee, clears up the biggest myths (like infections, Kegels, and “tightening”), and explains how this ancient Taoist practice can become a nourishing, spiritual, and embodied ritual for real women.If you've been curious but hesitant, this episode will show you how to explore jade egg work safely, intentionally, and with self-trust.✨ You'll learn:What jade egg practice really is (and what it's not)How to practice safely — even if you've been nervous to tryThe truth about “tightening” and why relaxation matters just as much as strengthHow to use your sexual energy as nourishment, not just arousalWhat makes Jannine's trauma-informed, pleasure-based approach unique

Why do we freeze when we should act? Why do organizations wait for the crisis to end before changing? In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Brian Colburn unpack the psychological trap of normalcy bias and its close cousin, complacency — the silent killers that erode readiness long before disaster strikes.Drawing from behavioral science, real-world emergency management experience, and leadership philosophy, they explore how our brains resist change, why “business as usual” is so seductive, and how leaders can build cultures that recognize danger without panic and adapt without hesitation.From the OODA and POP-DOC loops to the quiet moments before chaos hits, Todd and Dan challenge emergency managers to confront the most dangerous phrase in the field: “It's fine — we've always done it this way.”Show Notes:Hosts: Todd T. DeVoe & Brian ColburnProduced by: The Emergency Management NetworkEpisode Length: ~45 minutesKey Themes Covered:* Understanding Normalcy Bias: Why our minds reject disruptive information and how that plays out in disasters.* Complacency as Organizational Decay: How routine and comfort create blind spots that make us brittle, not resilient.* Lessons from the Field: Real-world examples where complacency cost time, trust, and sometimes lives.* Cognitive Loops for Leaders: How frameworks like OODA and POP-DOC help break the freeze-response and restore situational awareness.* The Moral Imperative of Readiness: Why awareness isn't paranoia — it's professionalism.* Cultural Antidotes: Creating workplaces where curiosity and adaptation are rewarded more than compliance and comfort.Referenced Concepts & Thinkers: John Boyd's OODA Loop, Eric McNulty and the NPLI POP-DOC model, Daniel Kahneman's cognitive biases, and Stoic and Taoist perspectives on awareness and control. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

A powerful Inner Child guided meditation to help you replace emotional overwhelm with inner peace - with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees.So many of us live spinning—mentally, emotionally—tied to old cycles of reaction. Round and round we go: anger, shame, fear, self-doubt. It may be familiar, but familiarity is not truth. That's the voice of our Inner Child, clinging to certainty. But now, we can choose something different. We can choose to understand and accept that we no longer need to ride this emotional carousel — we can choose calm, stillness and clarity...⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILE DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERYLearn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy:How to Stop Emotional Overwhelm https://youtu.be/RC3k1lCrNPY?si=tnzXugrnMUZHd0PjHow to Understand Your Emotions – Heal Your Emotions https://youtu.be/9XuoL9pQSR8?si=MKXb8KJbC3Gu2NmVGUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubIs 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

Discover how to step off the cycle of emotional pain, fear, and self-doubt and enjoy emotional freedom and inner peace.Have you ever felt stuck in an emotional loop where pain, fear, or self-doubt keep circling back, no matter what you try? In this episode, you'll learn how to gently step off that ‘Carousel of Despair'. We explore how reconnecting with our Inner Child, working with our emotions instead of against them, and embracing the concept of wu wei (effortless effort) can lead us to emotional freedom and inner peace.With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees (mindset and business coach).Discover our online consultations, events and shop:  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_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qqGOLDEN THREAD PROCESS PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIAsS_wgdRN7QGBKIk54sbyDThe Childhood Vow – The Impact of Emotional Neglect In Childhood https://youtu.be/62EeCbHV4_0?si=czVKiS-RMIQ9l6cpAchieve Inner Peace: Stop Comparing, Criticising & Being Judgmental https://youtu.be/Lu_6Rq0Cqmc?si=i5sSdKUql8l3AZSTIs 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 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.