I Was Unhoused For Nearly 8 Months

What That Experience Is Teaching Me About the 2024 Election

In 2019, I found myself living without a permanent home for nearly eight months. It was a period of my life, sanitized with the term "unhoused," that reshaped my mindset in many profound ways. 

Fast forward to 2024 and I find this to be particularly true as it relates to the ongoing political spectacle of this year's U.S. presidential election between Biden and Trump. The chaos of the pandemic in 2020 might have shattered many lives, but for me, it felt like a mere extension of my recent past. 

As my Taoist teacher succinctly put it, “you’ve already had your pandemic. You are built for the times ahead. You’ve got this.” 

His profound statement back in 2019  has deeply influenced how I perceive not only the 2024 election but also my inner response to the broader societal currents swirling around it.

The experience of being without a consistent roof over my head was a profound journey into the depths of my soul. It stripped away the superficial layers of my existence, forcing me to confront life’s raw and unfiltered realities. 

Taoist Street Lessons

During this time, I learned to let go of material attachments and societal expectations, embracing a way of life that resonated with Taoist principles. This experience taught me the art of staying present, living in the Golden Mean, and avoiding knee-jerk, extreme attempts at solutions. Surprisingly, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, I found an unexpected peace.

Taoism teaches us to accept the natural flow of life and release our attachments, including fear. Fear often stems from our judgments and resistance to change. By letting go of these judgments and embracing the impermanence of all things, we can reduce fear and live more healthily and freely. 

Zhuangzi, a key Taoist philosopher, advocated for cultivating a state of mental freedom he called "xiaoyao you" or "free and easy wandering." This involves letting go of fixed ideas, social conventions, and fears that constrain us. By aligning with the Tao, the natural way of things, we can transcend fear and live spontaneously.

As I navigated life without a home, I realized the power of these teachings. Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, but it can be paralyzing if we let it dominate our lives. Taoism offers practical approaches to overcoming fear:

Cultivating Thoughtfulness: Rather than relying on fear as a guide, cultivate a deep awareness of your surroundings and inner state. This mindset will allow you to respond to situations with clarity and calm.

Living Proactively: Focus on positive outcomes rather than negative potentials. By envisioning the best possible scenarios, you can navigate challenges with hope and determination.

Accepting Change: Life is a series of cycles and changes. Accepting these cycles instead of resisting them reduces the friction and anxiety that come with transitions.

Recognizing Interconnectedness: We are all part of a larger whole. Recognizing our interconnectedness with nature and others fosters a sense of unity and support.

Practicing Mindfulness: Mindfulness and inner quietude allow you to face fears directly, observing them without attachment or aversion.

Living without a home forced me into a state of constant adaptability. There was no room for fear-driven decisions. Rather, survival demanded presence and clear-mindedness. 

This experience starkly contrasts with the fear-based rhetoric I see in the current political climate. Both sides of the political spectrum lashing out and browbeating voters, hoping to secure their candidate's victory through fear and division. This fear-mongering is a stark reminder of the pitfalls of making decisions out of fear.

When we make decisions based on fear, we often react impulsively, seeking immediate relief from our anxieties. This can lead to extreme solutions that may offer temporary solace but ultimately exacerbate the problem. Fear-based decisions are seldom rooted in wisdom or clarity. Instead they are survival mechanisms that often bypass rational thought.

Approaching life from a place of calm, as I did when I was unhoused, allows for more measured and thoughtful responses. This state of calm is akin to the Taoist principle of "wu wei," or effortless action. It is about aligning with the natural flow of events and making decisions from a place of inner stillness rather than external pressure.

During my time without a home, I discovered a profound sense of peace in my predicament. This peace did not come from external stability but from an internal shift in perspective. I learned to embrace the uncertainty of my situation, finding comfort in the present moment rather than worrying about an uncertain future. This mindset is invaluable as I consider the 2024 election and the broader political landscape.

The incessant fear-mongering from both sides of the political aisle is a stark reminder of the importance of staying centered and grounded. Fear is a powerful tool used to manipulate and control, but it also blinds us to the possibilities that lie beyond our immediate anxieties. By cultivating a Taoist approach to life, we can navigate the political turmoil with greater equanimity and clarity.

Taoism emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony, principles that are often lost in the heated rhetoric of election campaigns. The Golden Mean, a concept that advocates for moderation and avoiding extremes, is a valuable guide in these times. It reminds us that the best solutions often lie in the middle ground, where reason and empathy can coexist.

Is It Possible To Live Free In An Unfree World? 

Harry Browne's "How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World" offers a similarly provocative perspective on personal liberty. Browne argues that true freedom comes from within, not from external circumstances or societal or political changes. 

He encourages readers to reject societal norms and unquestioned assumptions that restrict their freedom. This philosophy aligns with Taoist teachings, emphasizing personal responsibility and direct action over collective efforts to change others.

In the context of the current political climate, Browne's emphasis on accepting people as they are and focusing on changing oneself is particularly relevant. The intense social and political division we face today often stems from a desire to change others' views, leading to frustration and conflict. By prioritizing personal freedom and happiness, we can navigate these challenges more harmoniously.

However, critics might argue that Browne's individualistic approach neglects the importance of collective action and social responsibility. In a world facing global challenges like climate change and economic inequality, his philosophy may seem too self-centered. Yet, it offers a valuable counterpoint to the fear-based, divisive tactics employed in political discourse.

Ultimately, my experience of being unhoused taught me the value of inner freedom and resilience. It showed me that peace and stability are not dependent on external circumstances but on our ability to remain present and centered in the face of adversity. As we approach the 2024 U.S. presidential election, these lessons are more relevant than ever.

By embracing the Taoist principles of acceptance, balance, and inner calm, we can navigate the political turmoil with greater wisdom and grace. Fear may be a natural response to uncertainty, but it does not have to dictate our actions. By cultivating a state of "free and easy wandering," as Zhuangzi suggested, we can transcend fear and live more spontaneously and authentically.

In the end, the most profound lesson I learned from my time without a home is that true security comes from within. It is not only about having a roof over your head or a stable job, but finding peace in the present moment and trusting in the natural flow of life. 

This mindset is a powerful antidote to the fear and division that characterize our current political climate. By embracing Taoist principles, we can navigate these turbulent times with greater clarity, compassion, and courage.

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