Taoism for me is the art of becoming authentically who you are meant to be. A synchronicity between both divine and natural order that speaks for and to the spirit of all things found in nature. 
I really like the story below about Lieh Tzu’s way of describing how he sees his role and activities meaning something beyond personal comfort or benefit. The idea of staying free from rigid principles and embracing the spontaneity each moment brings, culminating in today’s lesson, is crucial in shaping how we respond to events. The idea of responding with spontaneity with our innate traits in tow is meaningful and significant in how we treat others. But what does spontaneity really mean?
This idea of staying free of principle flies in the face of what we think we want to take for granted. It’s when we believe certain things are settled and align with our pre-determined ideas that the opposite often comes into play. Whose purpose is to ask us – what did you really mean? Did you think that through?
I find that writing takes my thoughts to places I haven’t been or need to revisit, that further clarifies my ultimate direction. At this point after more than thirty years, and over three hundred thousand words almost all self-reflective, it no longer is a matter of questioning what standing by principle means. It’s when looking first to underlying contradictions that define what’s best for all that questioning principle and status quo should become the norm.
For me, it means acting and speaking intuitively, following what feels right within the scope of our endeavors. We tend to overcomplicate things, but it’s really not that complicated.
Thinking back to the word “endeavor” we mentioned earlier and how virtue represents the foundation of our daily activities. Over time, spontaneity transforms into something more deliberate.
Leih Tzu uses it to describe an action or event as spontaneous; it means it happened naturally, without having been planned. To act spontaneously, means it was done out of a natural impulse, without having been thought about beforehand.
A lot of big words here, but it’s important to define these meanings back to us and what makes us authentic. To be so sure of who we are that we can act and speak naturally without having to think about it before hand. Acting wholly from within us. For me, Taoism feels like a way to express how we view the world in connection to our identity. Leaders sought out Lieh Tzu, as described below, because they recognized his actions as something worth emulating. His innate traits aligning seamlessly with nature and his surroundings, allowing everything to harmonize with the natural order.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Eight – Explaining Conjunctions
130. At home with Lieh Tzu
What is the sage to do but remain adaptable to the situation living springs forth to greet him? As experience has taught us in our travels, the Way is an individual venture designed with the purpose of freeing us to find our ultimate destination.
As Lieh Tzu tells us to stay free of principle, looking to the spontaneity each moment brings forward culminating in today’s lesson. Lieh Tzu was satisfied to live a simple out of the way existence. Away from others, looking only to his own path, he knew he must follow.
This meager existence led to much concern from his wife. Who had, at Lieh Tzu’s side, come to know many who had become important philosophers of the day and could look to a life lived by others in comfort and happiness.
However, this was not the life Lieh Tzu had chosen. He knew the transformation of his spirit was in staying within the singleness of mind of the life that the reclusive sage must follow. He knew that his writings and thoughts were best when there was no contention present. Simply remaining one with nature. Remaining free to travel with the wind as it blows overhead and off the water. To retreat into the woods to become simply at peace and one with his surroundings just at any given moment. To be present as nature provides the spontaneity his spirit craved, finding eternal peace. This was something Lieh Tzu’s wife found difficult to live with and understand. 
As Lieh Tzu came to be known as a follower of the Tao, many searched him out to share their own thoughts and reflections. In so doing many became concerned for Lieh Tzu’s family as he chose to live such a meager existence. One such visitor later reported Lieh Tzu’s situation to Tzu‑yang, the Chief Minister of Chang, of the province where Lieh Tzu resided. Telling him as follows:
“Lieh Tzu is known as a man who possesses the Way. If he is in need while living in your state, it may be thought that you are not a generous patron.”
After discussing this with his courtiers, Tzu‑yang immediately ordered that grain and other accouterments be sent to Lieh Tzu and his family as soon as possible. Upon its arrival Lieh thanked the messenger, bowed twice, and refused the gift. After the messenger left, Lieh Tzu’s wife glared at him saying:
“I have heard that the wives and children of men who possess the Way all live comfortably and happily. But now that starvation shows on our faces and the duke hears of you and sends you food, you refuse the gift. We must be destined to misery!”
Lieh Tzu responded to his wife:
“The duke did not send us food because he knows me personally. He sent the grain because another man said I was in need. If he should someday decide to condemn me because of something that I have written, that too will be because of the word of other men.”
Lieh Tzu continued:
“While we may be hungry and in need, by accepting the gifts of Tzu‑yang, we become tied to him. It is known that Tzu‑yang is not an able administrator and may someday be removed from office. If we are seen to be in his favor, his downfall may lead to our own.”
Lieh Tzu told his wife that while he was sorry for the life, he had chosen had not led to the comforts that she had hoped for, she must learn to live within the constraints living with him meant. Or, while it would be followed by great sadness, move on to a life she might enjoy more fully.
Within a short time of this encounter, Tzu‑yang’s troubles magnified so much that the people made trouble and Tzu‑yang was killed. That Lieh Tzu continued to live in great poverty in pursuing the Way, was well known. That he refused the grain of Tzu‑yang was widely known as well. This action raised his status among those who knew him. Unfazed, Lieh Tzu simply continued his way. 8/6/95
Number one hundred thirty of one hundred fifty-nine entries.
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