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The world is unraveling. Or at least, that’s what the headlines, the social media feeds, and your neighbor’s apocalyptic rants at the mailbox would have you believe.
Politicians are lying, corporations are looting, people are screaming, and your barista is out of oat milk. It’s all going to hell, right?
Not quite.
The problem isn’t the madness of the world. Rather, it’s that we’re letting it infect us like a deadly virus.
We see the chaos, we feel it, and then we unconsciously let it hijack our nervous systems, our thoughts, and our actions. We react instead of respond.
We fume instead of transform. We let the swirling winds of politics, culture wars, and economic instability knock us over like flimsy paper dolls instead of standing solid in our own presence.
This is where Taoist alchemy comes in…..
Unlike the political shouting matches masquerading as discourse or the doom-scrolling that leaves you hollow and exhausted, Taoist alchemy isn’t about fighting external forces. It’s about transmuting the raw energy of the world—rage, fear, division—into something refined, useful, and powerful.
My friends, it’s about going deep while the world is going wide.
Here’s how it works.
The Furnace and the Cauldron: Build Your Inner Stability
In Taoist alchemy, the body is the furnace, and the mind is the cauldron. If your furnace is weak, external chaos burns you out. If your cauldron is cracked, your thoughts spill all over the place.
So the first step on your alchemist journey is reinforcing your foundation. This means grounding practices—qigong, meditation, breathwork, movement. Strengthen your center so the storms don’t knock you over.
When you feel the fire of anger rising, don’t spill it onto the world. Breathe into it, hold it, and let it distill into something potent. Alchemy isn’t suppression—it’s transformation. Instead of being consumed by rage, ask: How can I channel this energy into something meaningful?
Because if you don’t direct your energy, someone else will.
The Medicinal Ingredients: Choose Your Inputs Wisely
Every alchemical process requires ingredients. The question is, “what are you putting into your cauldron?”
If you consume a daily cocktail of outrage, tribalism, and despair, don’t be surprised when that’s what you exude. The law of energy is simple: what you absorb is what you become. This isn’t new-age wishful thinking; it’s basic physics.
So, instead of feasting on negativity, choose differently. Nourish yourself with wisdom—ancient texts, deep conversations, art, nature, movement. Choose inputs that expand rather than contract.
Remember that while rage makes you small, wisdom makes you vast. The difference is what you choose to ingest.
Temperature and Timing: Directing Energy with Precision
Alchemy is not about rushing. You don’t throw gold in a fire and expect it to transform instantly. There’s a rhythm, a natural unfolding, and an attunement to timing.
The same applies to your energy. Instead of reacting impulsively, cultivate patience. Instead of burning up in frustration, let things simmer until the moment of action is ripe.
Taoism teaches wu wei, effortless action—not inaction, but action in alignment with the natural flow of things.
Political insanity?
My brothas and sistas, just let it swirl without being pulled into its vortex.
Economic uncertainty? Observe it, but don’t let fear rule you.
The key is to master your own timing—to know when to move and when to be still. This is alchemical wisdom in motion.
Alchemy in an Crazy Year: A Taoist Approach to Sanity
We’re heading into another nutty period (a Rumpian Rumble In The Jungle), which means the collective blood pressure is about to spike.
Politicians and the power elite will posture, media outlets will fan the flames, and social media will serve as a 24/7 outrage buffet. The temptation to dive into the madness will be strong.
But here’s the Taoist move — Don’t take the bait my good brothas and sistas.
Raging at the world doesn’t change the world—it just depletes you. Instead of getting sucked into the drama, focus on where your energy actually matters.
Strengthen your body. Sharpen your mind. Build real relationships. Engage with your community in tangible, meaningful ways.
Because here’s the truth: If you master your own energy, no external chaos can unseat you.
Alchemy Over Outrage
You can fight the world, or you can transmute it. You can scream at the storm, or you can become the stillness within it. The choice is yours.
So, while the world goes wide in its craziness, go deep in your stillness. Refine your energy, master your inner alchemy, and turn the lead of chaos into the gold of wisdom.
Because in a world that thrives on agitation, the real revolution is stillness.
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Much Love,
Diamond- Michael Scott — aka The Chocolate Taoist
Your words are timely and sage advice.
Thanks for this sound advice, Diamond-Michael. We can all be little spots of sanity. I try to do this, and when I meet others who do as well I point it out and thank them.
"Unlike the political shouting matches masquerading as discourse or the doom-scrolling that leaves you hollow and exhausted, Taoist alchemy isn’t about fighting external forces. It’s about transmuting the raw energy of the world—rage, fear, division—into something refined, useful, and powerful."