I try to live my life grounded in the teachings of Taoism and Zen Buddhism, seeking balance, simplicity, and a deep connection to the present moment. These philosophies shape my approach to the world, helping me navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and mindfulness.

One of the central teachings of Taoism that I try to embody is “wu wei,” which means “non-doing” or “effortless action.” This doesn’t mean passivity, but rather allowing things to happen naturally without forcing or resisting them – or as I like to say “going with the flow”.  Lao Tzu wrote in the Tao Te Ching, “The wise man is one who knows what he does not know”. This encourages humility and acceptance, which help me understand that I cannot control everything. For example, when faced with difficult situations—whether it’s a work-related challenge or a personal issue—I remind myself not to overthink or act in haste. By allowing things to unfold and responding with calm, I find that solutions often present themselves more clearly than if I had rushed in with anxiety.

Zen Buddhism, too, plays a crucial role in how I live. One of its core principles is mindfulness, or being fully present in each moment. This has become a daily practice for me, whether I am meditating, walking, or even doing mundane tasks like washing dishes. Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “When you wash the dishes, wash the dishes,” meaning that in every activity, there’s an opportunity to be mindful. This philosophy encourages me to engage with whatever I am doing, without distraction or impatience. By doing so, I am able to experience even the smallest moments with clarity and peace, rather than letting my mind drift toward the past or future.

Another key lesson from Zen is the idea of “beginner’s mind“. As Shunryu Suzuki explained, “In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind, there are few.” I approach life with curiosity and openness, shedding preconceived notions or rigid expectations. For instance, when starting a new project or learning a new skill, I remind myself not to cling to past experiences or compare myself to others. This mindset helps me see each moment as fresh, filled with new opportunities and potential, rather than clouded by fear of failure or attachment to specific outcomes.

These teachings also extend to how I maintain relationships. Taoism teaches harmony with nature and others, while Zen promotes compassion. I strive to let go of judgments—whether of myself or those around me—and instead respond with understanding. As Lao Tzu said, “He who is contented is rich.” By cultivating contentment within, I don’t feel the need to compete with or compare myself to others. I practice empathy, knowing that everyone is walking their own path.

When challenges arise, these philosophies help me embrace change rather than resist it. Both Taoism and Zen emphasize the impermanence of life; everything is in constant flux. This understanding allows me to accept difficult times as part of a larger cycle, trusting that they too will pass.

In living my life through the lens of Taoism and Zen, I find balance, peace, and clarity. By accepting the flow of life and being present in each moment, I cultivate a deeper connection with myself and the world around me. Through simplicity and mindful action, I move through life with a sense of ease and fulfillment.

“The Master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labour and his leisure, his mind and his body, his education and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence in whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he is always doing both.” – Zen Buddhist Text