The following is an excerpt from Dr. Ted Cibik's classes on Formless Taoism which are held the third Saturday of every month here at Inner Strength in Leechburg PA. Previouse topics have included Fear, The Warrior and the Priest, and Being in Center. Some of these are recorded and can be found at www.inner-strength.org

One of the special features of true Taoism is that issupport the value of simplicity. As we become more technologically advanced with nanobots and Richard Branson (founder of Virgin records) speaking of building a team to inhabite Mars (yes, the planet), there is a tendincy to move away from simple appreciation - to all that is complicated and modern.

Do not get me wrong, I love science, my computer and all the things technology can do. However, I still marvel at the rain. Did you ever notice that no two rainstorms are ever the same? Each rainstorm has different qualities, timing of the raindrops as well as different sizes of drops and direction. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. In Taoism, we understand that one could never do justice to describing the beauty of a rainstorm – so perhaps just go out and watch, and appreciate the fact that raindrops are what supports all life on this planet.

I also love to watch birds here at Inner Strength. The Chinese believe that birds are very spiritual creatures and can communicate with heaven. I love to watch their eyes as they feed at my bird feeder.  The eyes of all creatures reveal so much about their very nature and the soul that inhabits them. No two eyes are ever the same either – not in humans, nor in animals. Each speaks something different to me and can change within the same creature quite quickly. Needless to say, it never is boring and the learning curve is immense.

My point is that there is so much around us that we do not know about – so much to explore and learn – or just watch and relish in the pleasure of their being. Joy can be found in the simple things right around us- if we care to look for it. Joy is around us all the time -  mostly in nooks and crannies hiddenfrom the casuual observer – just waiting to be explored. My teaching or coaching, is to illuminate the way so that people can see  and feel all that they are missing in their lives – which is usually right next to them.

This brings to mind of two lovely, but lonely people who recently discovered each other over the Internet in a chat room.  As we know, the Interent allows communication to people all over the world. As they began to talk more frequently and more privately, they were amazed at the fact that they lived across the street from each other in the same housing plan. I am sure there are several lessons here.

In Taoism, we try to become a good observer by practicing awareness and mindfullness meaning that there can be more Joy and happiness in your life. I believe that we are all born with everything that we need to succeed and be happy – we just have to find it within.

Trials and tribulations are simular to hiking in the wilderness. The boulders and jagged rocks are your trials, but by their sheer presence it clearly illuminates the clear and  navigable path lying beside the boulders. We all have our crosses to bear, so to speak, but we have immeasurable blessings and gifts as well. Sometimes the thing we curse the most (the rocky path), can illuminatethe way for us like a guide – if we care to be aware.

All of this takes training and the willingness to look within ourselves with truth (awareness). Truth, as Gandhi says, is God. Blame, resentment, and hostility of what afflicts you will not move you closer to God, nor endear you to other people. See the boulders in your life as perhaps trailmarkers and an opportunity to see that which others do not see.

If you need some assistance finding your true destiny, answering questions on why it is you have become ill, or why life has lost its sparkle and excitement, contact us here at Inner Strength to start on the journey of a joy-filled, self-actualizd life.