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Lao Tzu is considered the founder of Taoism and 
the author of the Tao Te Ching, a philosophical  

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text that lays out the principles of Taoist 
thought and spirituality. According to Lao Tzu,  

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calmness is a state of inner peace and 
tranquility, free from the distractions  

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and disturbances of the outside world. 
In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu writes,  

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"A true leader is best when people barely know he 
exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,  

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they will say: we did it ourselves.” This 
quote highlights the idea that true leaders  

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are those who lead with quiet and calm strength, 
rather than with loud and aggressive force.

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Living in a state of calmness allows individuals 
to be more aware of their surroundings and  

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the world around them, which can lead to a 
greater sense of connection and understanding.  

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By being calm, individuals can respond to life's 
challenges and difficulties with clarity, wisdom,  

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and compassion, rather than with fear and anger.  

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Lao Tzu believed that calmness can be 
achieved by living in harmony with the Tao,  

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the natural flow of the universe which is why 
in this video, we will explore how to stay  

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calm even during challenging and difficult 
times, drawing from the wisdom of Lao Tzu.

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Embrace simplicity 

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Lao Tzu says "When you realize there is nothing 
lacking, the whole world belongs to you”.

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Lao Tzu emphasized the importance of 
simplicity in life. He believed that  

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simplicity was key to finding peace, 
happiness, and harmony with the Tao.  

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In Taoism, simplicity refers to the idea 
of living a life free from excess and  

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focusing on what is essential. It involves 
reducing desires, material possessions,  

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and external distractions in order to achieve 
calmness, inner peace and harmony with the Tao.

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However, our modern day world promotes a very 
fast-paced, materialistic, and status-driven  

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lifestyle, which can make it difficult for people 
to embrace simplicity and seek a more balanced  

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way of life. We generally believe that success 
and status are measured by the things we have,  

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such as wealth, possessions, and power and as 
a result we accumulate as much as possible.  

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There is also a pressure to conform to societal 
expectations and to keep up with the lifestyles  

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and possessions of those around us and as one 
tries to keep up with societal expectations, the  

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constant pursuit of material possessions, success, 
and status can lead to stress and anxiety.

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For instance, someone may purchase a luxury car 
and feel proud of it, but soon realize that there  

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are even more luxurious cars owned by others. 
This realization may cause stress and anxiety,  

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leading the individual to feel like they 
need to upgrade to a more expensive car,  

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and so the cycle continues. The focus shifts 
from what brings happiness and contentment to  

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what others have, leading to a constant pursuit 
of more and more and more, without ever finding  

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true peace and fulfillment. In this sense, 
societal conventions and expectations can create  

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a constant cycle of wanting more and feeling 
stressed about acquiring and maintaining that.

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Taoism on the other hand advises us 
to let go of societal conventions and  

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expectations. In doing so, by embracing 
simplicity and reducing desires,  

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individuals can break free from this cycle 
and find peace and contentment in life.  

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Simplicity is all about knowing 
exactly what you want, and critically,  

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what you don’t want. One of the best ways to 
embrace simplicity is by living in moderation.

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Living in moderation means finding 
a middle path, one that avoids  

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extremes and instead seeks balance and 
harmony. To adopt a moderate lifestyle,  

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it's crucial to be mindful, evaluate 
and manage our expenses and consumption,  

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so that we can find ways to be more frugal. This 
can involve simple changes, such as being mindful  

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not to waste food, or to donate or recycle 
unused items instead of throwing them away.  

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In terms of eating and drinking, moderation 
means avoiding overeating and heavy drinking,  

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as this can lead to physical and emotional 
imbalances. Living in moderation can also mean  

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taking simple steps to conserve resources, such 
as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth,  

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or washing our cars with a bucket of soap and 
water instead of using a drive-thru car wash.

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People who live in moderation typically focus 
on using fewer resources for themselves,  

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but they are also happy to spend more on others. 
They balance their personal needs with their  

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desire to be of service to others, creating a 
sense of contentment and fulfillment. By adopting  

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this approach, individuals can live a life of 
simplicity, balance, and harmony, in line with  

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the principles of Taoism. When we recognize our 
needs are few, we can stay calm and be present.

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Practice mindfulness

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In the words of Lao Tzu "If you are depressed, 
you are living in the past. If you are anxious,  

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you are living in the future. If you are 
at peace, you are living in the present".

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In Taoism, mindfulness is defined as a state of 
awareness and attentiveness to the present moment,  

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characterized by stillness and peace of mind. 
It is considered a crucial aspect of spiritual  

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practice, as it allows individuals to connect 
with the Tao, the natural flow of the universe,  

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and to live in harmony with it. Mindfulness 
involves observing one's thoughts, feelings,  

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and physical sensations without judgment 
or attachment, and cultivating a sense of  

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detachment and non-interference. It encourages 
individuals to let go of worries, distractions,  

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and desires, and to find peace and 
contentment in the present moment.

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Practicing mindfulness is highly recommended in 
our modern day world because of the increasing  

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levels of stress and anxiety, caused by the 
fast pace and constant stimulation of our lives.  

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Our modern world is full of distractions, from 
technology to work and social obligations, which  

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can make it difficult to focus on the present 
moment. Practicing mindfulness helps individuals  

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cultivate awareness of their thoughts, feelings, 
and bodily sensations in the present moment,  

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which can lead to reduced stress and improved 
well-being. It also helps individuals develop  

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better focus and concentration, increased empathy 
and compassion, and enhanced relationships. 

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Imagine you are taking a walk in nature. You 
are surrounded by beautiful scenery, with the  

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sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling 
in the wind. Instead of being caught up in your  

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thoughts or worries, you focus your attention on 
the present moment and your physical sensations.  

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You take deep breaths and feel the cool air 
entering and leaving your body. You become  

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aware of the sensations of your feet touching 
the ground, the feeling of the sun on your skin,  

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and the fragrance of the flowers. In 
this scenario, you are practicing Taoist  

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mindfulness by being fully present in the 
moment, observing your thoughts and feelings  

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without judgment or attachment, and cultivating 
a sense of peace and stillness. By doing so,  

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you are connecting with the Tao and experiencing 
life in a more harmonious and mindful way.

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This example illustrates how Taoist mindfulness 
can be applied to daily life and how it can  

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help individuals achieve inner balance and 
tranquility, reducing stress and anxiety,  

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and gaining a deeper understanding of the Tao. By 
developing mindfulness, individuals can cultivate  

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a calm, harmonious and fulfilling life, free 
from the chaos and distractions of the world.

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Practice non-action 

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Lao Tzu tells us “He who 
rushes ahead doesn’t go far”.

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In Taoist philosophy, non-action, also known as 
"wu-wei", is a crucial principle that highlights  

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the importance of living in harmony with the 
Tao, or the natural flow of the universe. It  

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involves the idea of letting things happen without 
attempting to control or influence outcomes. The  

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objective of non-action is to attain a state of 
effortless action, where one acts in accordance  

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with the natural flow of the universe, instead of 
forcing results. Water is often used as a metaphor  

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for the concept of wu-wei. In Taoism, water is 
viewed as an embodiment of the Tao as it m oves  

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effortlessly and adapts to its environment 
without resistance. Similarly, the ideal of  

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wu-wei is to embody the characteristics of water 
and navigate life in a relaxed, effortless manner.

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The water metaphor highlights the belief that by 
embracing wu-wei, individuals can achieve a state  

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of effortless action, where they move through life 
in harmony with the natural flow of the universe.  

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Water is also seen as a symbol of flexibility 
and adaptability, qualities that are emphasized  

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in the practice of wu-wei. By adopting a more 
flexible and adaptable perspective on life,  

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individuals can free themselves 
from the constraints of ego, desire,  

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and outcomes, and experience 
increased peace and balance.

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In our fast-paced and competitive world, 
we are often taught to strive for success  

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and control over every aspect of our 
lives. We are encouraged to work hard,  

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create opportunities, and be faster 
and more productive than others.  

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However, this approach can lead to 
burnout, exhaustion, and disappointment.  

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The more we try to control and force our 
circumstances, the more powerless we can feel.

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This is where the concept of 
non-forcing, or "wu-wei" comes in.  

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Instead of trying to control or manipulate 
outcomes, non-forcing involves embracing a  

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more relaxed and accepting approach to life and 
letting things happen naturally. This approach  

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can help to reduce stress and increase 
inner peace, as it allows individuals to  

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focus on the present moment and cultivate 
a greater sense of balance and resilience.

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Wu-wei can be applied to all aspects of life. 
At work, practicing wu-wei can mean embracing  

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a more relaxed and focused approach to tasks, 
without becoming attached to specific results.  

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This can include letting go of perfectionism, 
focusing on the present moment, and allowing  

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work to unfold naturally. In the workplace, it 
also involves embracing a collaborative approach  

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and valuing the contributions of others, promoting 
a harmonious work environment. In relationships,  

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practicing wu-wei involves releasing control 
and allowing others to be themselves,  

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rather than trying to change or manipulate them, 
leading to greater understanding and harmony.
 

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The aim of wu-wei is to let go of ego and 
attachment to specific outcomes, and adopt  

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a more accepting and peaceful attitude towards 
life. Incorporating this mindset into daily life  

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can lead to greater inner peace and well-being, 
lower stress and anxiety, and increased resilience  

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in the face of life's challenges. Wu-wei also 
encourages mindfulness and focus on the present  

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moment, leading to clearer thought and a more 
centered state of mind. By practicing wu-wei,  

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individuals can cultivate a sense of calm 
and balance in all areas of their lives.

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4. Connect with nature 

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According to Lao Tzu "Nature does not 
hurry, yet everything is accomplished”.

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Taoists believe that nature embodies the 
principles of the Tao, which is the ultimate  

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reality and source of all things. Taoists 
see nature as operating with a sense of  

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balance and wisdom, and that it does not 
need to rush or force things in order to  

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achieve its goals. By connecting with nature, 
one can learn from its balance, simplicity,  

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and wisdom and apply these principles to their 
own lives. The ecosystem of a forest, for example,  

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demonstrates balance as different species of 
plants and animals interact with each other in  

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a way that sustains the overall health of the 
system. Lao Tzu's message is that by observing  

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and learning from nature, we can cultivate a 
sense of balance and peace in our own lives,  

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and that this can help us accomplish our goals 
in a more effective and harmonious way. Thus,  

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connecting with nature is essential 
for spiritual growth and development.

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Our modern day busy schedules often do not 
allow us to connect with nature as much as  

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we would like. With demanding work schedules, 
long commutes, and an increasing reliance on  

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technology, many people find that they spend very 
little time outside or in natural environments. 

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This disconnection from nature can have 
negative effects on our well-being such  

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as increased stress and anxiety, vitamin 
D deficiency, lack of physical exercise  

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etc. Studies have also shown that 
not spending time in nature can  

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decrease attention span, memory 
and overall cognitive function.

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On the other hand, spending time in nature has 
been shown to lower stress levels, improve mood,  

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boost cognitive function, and 
increase overall happiness.  

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It's important to make an effort to 
incorporate nature into our daily lives,  

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even if it's just for a few minutes at a time. 
Simple activities like taking a walk in a park,  

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gardening, or simply sitting outside can help 
us connect with nature and reap its benefits.  

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Even if you have a busy schedule, every now and 
then, you can go for a walk in a nearby park or  

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green space during your lunch break to enjoy the 
fresh air and connect with nature. You can also  

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take a weekend hike in a nearby nature trail or 
park to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty  

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of nature or bring a touch of nature inside by 
adding plants to your home or office. The key  

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thing is to make time for it, even if it's just a 
few minutes, to give yourself the chance to reap  

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the many benefits that come from being surrounded 
by nature. Making time for nature can help us find  

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balance and peace in our busy lives, and can be 
a source of inspiration, calmness and renewal.

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5. Embrace change
In our final quote from Lao Tzu for this  

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video, he says “Life is a series of natural and 
spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only  

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creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things 
flow naturally forward in whatever way they like”.

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In Taoism, change is a constant aspect and as an 
inherent part of the natural cycle of life and the  

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universe, it should be embraced and accepted, 
rather than resisted. By embracing the natural  

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flow of the universe and adapting to change, one 
can experience greater calmness and happiness.

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There are different types of change including:
Natural Change, which refers to the changes  

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that occur in nature, such as the cycles of the 
seasons, the growth and decay of living things,  

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and the flow of rivers and streams.
Personal Change, which refers to the  

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changes that occur within an individual, 
such as growth, aging, and the development  

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of personal beliefs and values. And;
Social Change, which refers to changes  

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that occur in society and culture, 
such as shifts in political systems.

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Taoism urges us to see changes in life as 
a natural part of the flow of the universe.  

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These changes are seen as inevitable 
and necessary for growth, evolution,  

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and the maintenance of balance in the 
world. To let nature take its course,  

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Taoism teaches that individuals should 
not interfere with the natural flow of  

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events and should allow things to 
change and evolve as they will.

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However, most of us fight change for 
several reasons. Many of us fear the  

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uncertainty aspects of the change, and fear what 
the future will bring. We fight change because  

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we are emotionally attached to certain things, 
such as relationships, careers, or possessions.

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Let's take not being able to move on 
after a break-up as an example in which  

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an individual continues to hold onto feelings of 
attachment, hurt, or anger, after the breakup,  

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towards their former partner. They may dwell on 
past memories and experiences, and struggle to  

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accept the fact that the relationship has ended. 
When individuals resist change, they cling to the  

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past and resist the natural flow of life. This 
attachment can lead to feelings of anxiety,  

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stress, and frustration, as individuals struggle 
to maintain control over their environment.  

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Since change is an inevitable part of life, 
resistance to it will only create more suffering.  

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By clinging to the past and trying to 
maintain control, individuals limit  

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their ability to adapt and grow, which can 
lead to stagnation and a lack of progress.

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Taoism recognizes change can bring both positive 
and negative experiences and advises us to see  

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change as an opportunity for growth and 
transformation. Using the same example,  

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in order to move forward, it may be helpful 
for this individual to focus on self-care,  

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engage in activities that bring them joy, 
and seek support from friends and family and  

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be hopeful for a new relationship. By embracing 
change, individuals can develop a greater sense  

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of resilience and the ability to adapt to new 
situations. This can help them to bounce back  

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more quickly from challenges and setbacks. 
Embracing change instead of resisting it can  

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help reduce anxiety and stress associated with 
the unknown. When individuals approach change  

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with an open mind, they are less likely to feel 
overwhelmed and more capable of adapting to new  

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circumstances. In conclusion, embracing 
change can be beneficial for maintaining  

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calm and reducing stress. By approaching change 
with an open mind and a willingness to adapt,  

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individuals can develop greater resilience, 
creativity, and overall well-being.

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