I remember sophomore year in high school, trying to decide which class to take for junior year. I looked at all the choices I had, and was like “hmmm….eastern religions eh?”
Taking that class was one of the best choices I ever made in my life because it exposed me to all sorts of new thinking.
One of the books we read was “The Tao Of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff.
A basic message of Taoism is The Way cannot be described, but its natural laws could be understood. The people who lived simply and happily understood it best. One of them was Winnie The Pooh.
There are many different ways how Pooh is the perfect example of a Taoist.
life is fun
One of the characteristics of a Taoist personality is happy serenity. We’re meant to enjoy life as much as we can. When people learn to accept things, there is less struggle and more fun. From laughing to doing what we love to spending time with our friends, happiness is the natural result of this way of living. Pooh spent most of his time looking for honey and helping out his friends. And although some people might say he’s too simpleminded, Pooh was content with how everything was.
the uncarved block
Things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power. Think of a blank piece of paper or an empty cup. A state of pure potential where anything can happen. In this state, only pure experience exists. Pooh’s simplemindedness allows him to really see the situation and allow what needs to happen to happen.
wu wei – do without doing
Too many people try to control their circumstances and thus, make things harder than they have to be. With Taoism, you put the round peg in the round hole and the square peg in the square hole. You go with the natural flow of things and lessen unnecessary struggle. Everything works out for Pooh because he just goes with what is going on.
The Tao Of Pooh taught me that simplicity is always the way to go.What we have to do, we already know. Whenever you go with the flow, free from judgement, things always work out. Most of all, Pooh taught me that life is meant to be fun.
When is one time you really went with the flow and everything worked out perfectly?
4 Comments
I love this post Rocky!
I find it often hard to stay open-minded and flexible to go with the flow, partly because it can be scary allowing yourself to be swept along by life, and partly because the close-mindedness of other people can often prevent life flowing in the correct way for you. Obviously, we need to be proactive to achieve what we want in life, but it is also important to allow ourselves to enjoy life and to not stress about the things that we cannot control.
Love the ideas behind Taoism – haven’t read much in depth on it though. Been meaning to get this book for ages you’ve reminded (and convinced) me to finally get it
Christopher´s last blog ..Let Battle Commence!
what up Chris ! haha thanks !
Yea taoism has always been a way of thinking that Ive always found really helpful and profound. The ideas of everything is ok as it is and going with the flow just really make sense to me.
i agree. one of the best books i ever read. benjamin hoff doesnt write anymore. its a shame.
@Eric yea maybe one day he’ll start writing again !