Meijin Posted March 31, 2016 I've been reading this forum since yesterday, and found a great deal of useful information amidst the arguments and recriminations! My own background isn't very Taoist, though I've done some tai-chi. My practice has mostly been mantra, mindfulness and breathing meditation. I've made some progress in a non-spectacular fashion. I find I have waves of, not uncaused happiness, but happiness that requires very little to cause which is a big change from how miserable I was a couple years ago. The metaphysics I've worked with most are of the "we're all God", "I am awareness", style. Some Vedanta, some Shaivism from a specific teacher. I have a specific question about relaxing to the point of non-doing; putting awareness nowhere. I've been able to do it a few times, but not replicate it or sustain it, especially when the heat hits points of prior injury, which flares into pain. (I'm not bothered by the pain, but I do pay attention to it and that stops the state). I also feel like my problem progressing may be related to insufficient energy and weak health (far improved from what it was before I started serious practice, but still weak) and Daoists seem like the best people to learn about increasing and balancing energy from. In any case, I've already learned quite a bit reading the posts here. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute a little bit that is helpful to others, though it's clear to me that many posters here are more advanced in their practice than I am. All the best. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted March 31, 2016 Hello Meijin, and welcome. Your membership is approved and we're happy you found your way to us. We look forward to accompanying you on some of the way that you still have to go. Please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of this Welcome page and take a look at the forum terms and rules. This covers all you need to know when getting started. For the first week you will be restricted to ten posts per day but after that you can post as much as you like. Also, until you’ve posted fifteen times in the forums, you’ll be a “Junior Bum” with somewhat restricted access and will be allowed only two private messages per day. Good luck in your pursuits and best wishes to you, Marblehead and the TDB team Hi Meijin, Sounds like you are making an honest effort to get yourself in a condition that you are comfortable with. Yes, non-doing (wu wei) and awareness are important Taoist concepts. You will find many discussions regarding these concepts. If you can't find what you are looking for just ask, I'm sure others will respond. You are welcome to jump right in ongoing discussions, revive an older thread, start a new thread of your own, or start a discussion in the "Newcomer Corner" sub-forms to expand on your introduction or ask general questions to help you get started. May you enjoy your time here. Marblehead 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelerner Posted April 1, 2016 (edited) Welcome. I've always considered the bums more eclectic then daoist. More bum then dao anyway . It'd be good to have someone start a new thread on strength and vitality. A west vs est view. Edited April 1, 2016 by thelerner 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
