A Susurrus of Inner Wisdom

How I’m Resetting My Table Amid Dark Times

With our world hurtling into a new epoch fraught with social, economic, political and climatic upheaval, it’s hard not to feel the ground beneath us quaking with uncertainty.

We are facing a time where the cacophony of external forces—the relentless news cycles, economic volatility, and polarizing rhetoric—threatens to drown out the subtle but vital whispers of inner truth.

These whispers, what I affectionately refer to as the “Susurrus of the Soul,” call us back to our center. For me, this voice is most clearly heard through the ancient wisdom of the I Ching, whose sage advice resonates like an antidote to the times: be still, recalibrate, and harmonize with the Tao.

Listening to the Susurrus

In Taoist thought, there is profound value in acknowledging the inner voice that speaks not in shouts but in murmurs. The susurrus within me has grown louder in recent months, whispering truths I can no longer ignore.

It tells me to embrace stillness amid chaos, to trust the natural unfolding of life even as the world scrambles for control. This inner guidance aligns with one of I Ching’s most poignant lessons….

…..Hexagram 40, Deliverance. It teaches that liberation comes not from external circumstances changing, but from releasing the chains of our inner turmoil.

The susurrus also reminds me that this is no time for shallow fixes or surface-level appeasement. The times demand a deeper reckoning—a Mithridatism of the spirit.

Just as Mithridates VI ingested small doses of poison to build immunity, I endeavor to cultivate resilience against the toxins of a power-hungry world by embracing my authentic self, free from the need for approval.

Resetting the Inner Dining Room Table

The metaphor of the inner dining room table has become a powerful symbol for how I approach this season of darkness. Just as a dining room table is where we nourish ourselves and connect with others, my inner table is where I gather my intentions, values, and purpose.

Resetting this table means clearing it of clutter: the expectations of others, the fear of being disliked, and the distractions that keep me from meaningful work.

Instead of succumbing to the frenetic energy of our time, I am setting this table with simplicity and intention. The I Ching counsels patience, perseverance, and humility—qualities that guide me as I prepare for the unknown.

By embracing these virtues, I am learning to create a space within myself that is calm, abundant, and self-sustaining, no matter how tumultuous the external world becomes.

Deep Work as an Antidote

In a society obsessed with productivity, there is a paradoxical need to slow down in order to do the kind of deep work that truly matters. This is not merely about economic sustainability, though that remains a goal, but about making an impact that resonates far beyond myself. Deep work requires solitude, focus, and the courage to be misunderstood or even disliked.

Here, Eastern philosophy offers a poignant insight: To be in harmony with the Tao, one must not cling to the approval of others.

As Zhuangzi teaches, the sage does not concern themselves with whether they are praised or condemned. Instead, they act in accordance with their nature.

This lesson has been transformative for me. I have come to see that being disliked—not in a contrarian sense, but in the sense of remaining true to oneself despite opposition—is essential for living a life of integrity and abundance.

The Wealth of Authenticity

True wealth, I am discovering, is not measured by external markers of success but by the freedom to live authentically. This freedom comes from within, nourished by practices that align my inner world with the flow of the Tao.

Meditation, qigong, and regular consultations with the I Ching have become my daily rituals. These practices help me listen to the susurrus of my soul, even as the world outside demands conformity and submission.

In listening, I am reminded that the Tao does not strive, yet everything is accomplished. This principle encourages me to resist the temptation to fight against the current or chase after validation. Instead, I focus on aligning my actions with my deeper purpose, trusting that the flow of life will carry me where I need to go.

Mithridatism for the Spirit

The world’s current trajectory may feel poisoned by greed, fear, and division, but I am working to build immunity by embracing the susurrus of inner wisdom.

This slow, deliberate process of self-alignment is not a retreat from the world but a preparation to engage with it more fully. By resetting my inner dining room table, I am creating a foundation from which I can do meaningful work, sustain myself economically, and offer something of value to others.

This is not an easy path. It requires letting go of old narratives, societal expectations, and the need to be liked. But in doing so, I am finding a deeper sense of peace and abundance.

The susurrus within reminds me that even in dark times, there is light to be found—not in the noise of the world, but in the quiet whispers of the soul.

In the end, the greatest act of resistance is to live authentically and in harmony with the Tao, trusting that this alignment will not only sustain me but also contribute to the greater good.

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Diamond Michael Scott — aka The Chocolate Taoist