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Jackson Houser's avatar

Every morning I arise, and stretch, and turn my head to right and left, then fold my bedsheets, while I take delight in knowing that I did not have to do so, but I did. And if I have performed this rite-ly to begin my daily journey, am I following the Way of Kung? or Lao? or both? Or neither?

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Ann's avatar

What a wonderful explanation! I tried to write off Confucianism, but it exists for a reason. I need structure in my life. I also need to just watch and flow. Works for me.

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Diamond-Michael Scott's avatar

🙌 I felt similarly about Confucianism for a while.

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Diana van Eyk's avatar

I don't know much about Confucianism, but love the concept of right relationship, and try to live by that concept, in my flow-y Taoist kind of way.

Should one be a cherry picker of cool concepts? I don't know, but that seems to be what I do.

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Kim's avatar

"Confucianism feels like the HR manual of life—filled with rules, decorum, and a sense of responsibility toward society.

Taoism, on the other hand, is the employee who glides through the office barefoot, handing out organic tea and encouraging everyone to “just breathe." - Loved this analogy to help me visualize your concepts.

I definitely vacillate between "following procedures" and eschewing rigid rules in my personal and professional life.

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Yolanda Valdés's avatar

Best for me is to flow with what feels good, and that is the Taoist way. 🙏🏽

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Mary Braun Bates, MD's avatar

Knowing very little, I venture forth.

Confucianism might say there is a proper time for Confucianism and a proper time for Taoism.

Taoism might say ebbing and flowing between the two will give you the result you desire.

All you need is discernment to tell which philosophy to apply when. This is left as an exercise for the reader.

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