Basil

Lifeforce, I'm an early morning person as well. I tend to experience clarity of thinking in the early hours. The urgency you've described I've noticed happens to me in the evenings. Knowing the rhythm of my inner self, I have to pay attention when making decisions to ensure balance. As in all things, knowing yourself is key.

I think some would and others wouldn't. Do believe being a Daoist implies both?

Just picked up Awakening to the Tao (Liu I-Ming, Cleary trans). I just recently finished Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. As for the nightstand, I don't actually have one, but the regulars that are always at my finger tips are TTC and P'u Ming's Oxherding Pictures and Verses (Red Pine, trans). I also keep 365 Tao in my desk at work.

I Ching series is wonderful

I recieved my first serious introduction to Daoism while in seminary from a friend who was studying religious anthropology. He introduced me to the I Ching and the road into Daoism was started back around 2007/8. I have some familiarity with Zen Buddhism, but have never engaged in serious study. Is Daoism better? I don't know, but it's been a nice walk for me so far.

Greetings fellow Bums! I have a thoroughly Western training; I studied philosophy in college and then studied for the priesthood (dropped out in year 3, not ordained). My life with the Dao was gradual and it was only in the past couple of years I even started to think of myself as a Daoist. My interests and experiences are mostly philosophical/intellectual (I Ching, Tao Te Ching) but has started transitioning to practice. I still consider myself a novice and look forward to (un)learning with you all.

Thanks!