ellioswa

joined 1 year ago
[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I just got her translation! I'm excited to read it because it seems she takes a more freeform and poetic approach to the text.

[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 1 points 1 year ago

Amazing! I have the 365 Tao book too and I'm planning on reading it after I finish the actual Tao Te Ching. I definitely look up to fictional characters like Yoda and Master Oogway because they can be wise and gentle, yet super powerful!

[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 2 points 1 year ago

It's so cool how many people have come from Star Wars! I never knew "The Force" was based off Taoism until I saw a post about it on Reddit.

 

Hello, everyone! I'd like to introduce myself and also ask how you all started your Taoist journey.

I'm a college student studying Communication, so I have a natural curiosity as a student and a young person to learn about new languages, religions, and philosophies! I found out about Taoism because I wanted to create a new online community based on my favorite dreamy, psychedelic music. I came up with a theme of a dojo where musicians and fans could come and grow their skills. When researching about dojos, I came across resources about Taoism and Zen, and it really resonated with me!

All my life, I've felt so connected to nature and the universe, so the concept of the Tao, duality, and meditating instantly made sense to me. Now, I'm halfway through reading the Tao Te Ching!

How did you discover Taoism? Let me know!

[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)
[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 1 points 1 year ago

Ahh now I realize I was trying to find the Tao with my senses today. When searching didn't work, I tried being the Tao. Humbling myself as just another tree being pushed around by the wind.

 

I suffer Great Calamity From Honor and Rank Because I have a Self -- Chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching

The text has helped me realize that letting go of Self helps vanish feelings of shame, embarrassment, or offense when I encounter conflict. When I get too caught up in my head during a stressful situation, I keep my cool by stepping outside of Self and allowing my True Self to observe the situation from afar.

For example, the media is so polarizing these days and it’s easy to react emotionally. Sometimes I get offended, but I realize it’s only my superficial emotions being manipulated. My True Self doesn’t care at all.

Of course, there are many methods to ground myself mentally, but internalizing these two states gives me unique control. This ability is often overlooked. I know many people who aren't great at being level-headed. If I practice this skill, I can improve at switching off my outer Self at will.

When I practice No-Self, I also remember that I have complete control over how other people see me. When people judge me, all I need to do is separate from my outward Self, and I am invincible! They can only offend the image of me that I created for them in their head.

[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 2 points 1 year ago

Same here! I also have a nosy mom, but she’s not too great at computers. I’m lucky she’s older and barely knows how to copy and paste. Still, I’ve learned to lock every door, close every window, and make sure I’m not connected to the TV!

[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 1 points 1 year ago

I feel so proud seeing thise billboards as I drive by! Represent! ✊

[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 1 points 1 year ago

Yeah, doxing scared me. I run a large gaming community on Discord and back then, I got paranoid about my personal info getting out. I made a whole persona based off a movie character with his own Instagram profile, address, and separate timezone I had to play by. It was a fun project, but it worked.

[–] ellioswa@pawb.social 2 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Yeah, Techlore was huge for me too. His site helped me find a lot of privacy-respecting alternatives. Mr. Robot was also a great show to watch at the time!

 

My privacy journey started with a YouTube video by SomeOrdinaryGamers about the Club Penguin Online doxing situation in 2020. Then, through Techlore and other YouTubers, I learned about private browsers, VPNs, password managers, Linux, FOSS, and more. What made you start?