Woman conquers "The Way" one book at a time The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

 

Source: library ( It was recommended by google to learn about Taoism)

Publication date: 1982

Title: The Tao of Pooh

Author: Benjamin Hoff

I discovered this book through some research I was doing on Daoism. This is part of a curious quest I've been on re: how people (of various cultures) view God and if they believe in God (s) whether or not they think God is personal. 

I know very little about eastern religions/philosophies. I have assumptions and ideas I have absorbed in a general sense but that's about it. 

I see why the author chose to take a well known and well loved western figure in children's literature and point out his characteristics that align with Taoism. From the author's forward: "That was when I began to get an idea; to write a book that explained the principles of Taoism through Winnie-the-Pooh.." 

The author explains that Taoism is infused with lightness and humor so I can see how this idea formulated. The author integrates core principles of Taoism with celebrated Pooh stories. (I kind of skimmed over the stories - and just focused on the applications) As I sped read through this and made some bullet point notes on my phone. I thought how very "western" of me, trying to extract the main points as quickly as possible so I can go on to to cramming my body home or brain with the next item that I "need" to purchase, eat, or learn. (that's not entirely true but sort of .)

Nonetheless. What a great reminder of some unhelpful things I've been aware of trying to shed for some time and some touchpoints on how to embrace a different way of being. *It's extremely difficult to unlearn principles and patterns that have been handed down through generations and perhaps genetically honed into my DNA. I won't ask that of myself too much because that wouldn't be "the way." Yet, much to ponder...

"Daoism" - "Taoism" - synonyms? AI SAYS 

"Tao" and "Dao" are the same word and concept, representing the fundamental "Way" or path in Chinese philosophy/religion (道). The difference is merely in the romanization system used: "Tao" is from the older Wade-Giles system, while "Dao" is from the modern Pinyin system. Both refer to the nameless, eternal source of all existence. 

 "the Way." I love that. Bear with my notes; ("bear" - ha no pun intended.)

• He does a cool section in the beginning where he breaks down three main eastern perspectives/ religions/philosophies?: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism which is very helpful for a beginner.

• work with the harmony and balance and "laws" that exist in the universe, nature, and within yourself. (shout out to Parker Palmer)

• Don't strive or force (this was my MO see Zona early adult life)

• process not destination only

• humor and lightness and ease ( I love it when my youtube yoga teacher reminds us "with ease" - it makes me aware of random tension that I'm holding in trying to force a pose.
• Believe in your inner power (wow!)

• He has this little rant that I totally relate to about cultures that are into "forcing" and "imposing" not to name names but cough "puritans" and "pioneers." It's in a section about "Bisy Backson - I think a reference to a Pooh story? Anypooh, I like this little satire he does of Americans (westerners?) It's a caricature of someone who is always in a hurry, exercising with a capital E, and then he has this little bit "For a Reward perhaps Our Bisy Backson religions, sciences, and business ethics have tried their hardest to convince us there is a Great Reward waiting for us somewhere, and that what we have to do is spend our lives working like lunatics to catch up with it." and "After two or three centuries of pushing, pushing, and pushing the once fertile earth, and a few years of depleting its energy still further with synthetic stimulants, we have apples that taste like cardboard, oranges that taste like tennis balls, and pears that taste like sweetened styrofoam, all products of soil that is not allowed to relax. "

• He kind of does little playful jabs at Confucianism I noticed that bro! Ever once in a while he throws in the word confuse but with a capital C. I can't help but think he's alluding to something...

• cultivate wisdom, happiness, and courage - happiness has been kind of a dirty word amongst modern psychologists because the pursuit of happiness often leaves people unhappy. But I think I get where he's coming from here. It's kind of like stop choosing to focus on pain and striving and allow happiness in (With ease.)

• enjoy sensual experiences instead of trying to catalog them or capture them for the future. (uses the example of birdsong "What bird is that?" etc. It's amazing how difficult it is to just experience something lovely with presence and simplicity) Like for example how while I was reading this book I was thinking and taking notes the whole time and intruding on my husband's quiet time by reading him excerpts. 

I feel like the author is a kindred spirit. Kind of a quirky sensitive soul?