the tao of a smooth end-of-the-year landing — 2023

For me, this year of immense challenges has led me to feel like I’m bringing my plane in for an emergency landing. 

Imagine being a pilot navigating through a tempestuous sky, clouds roiling and thunder clapping, your hands steady on the controls, every muscle tense with concentration. As the year wanes, we, too, are pilots of our lives, guiding ourselves through the turbulence of our experiences, both good and bad.

In these moments, the philosophy of Taoism offers a profound perspective. It offers us the principle of 'Wu Wei,' which means 'non-action' or 'effortless action.' This is not about inactivity but about finding the natural rhythm in our human flow, akin to a pilot using the wind's force to aid a smooth landing. 

As we close a tumultuous year, Taoism encourages us to not force our way against life's natural course but to ride its currents. It's about finding balance and harmony within the chaos, understanding that life is a series of ebbs and flows, much like the turbulent and calm air currents a pilot navigates.

Mark Epstein, a renowned Buddhist psychotherapist and author who has had a profound impact on my life, offers another insightful lens. In his works, he merges Buddhist philosophy with psychotherapy, emphasizing the concept of 'attachment.' 

He asserts that the end of a difficult year can be riddled with attachments – to our pain, our losses, and our struggles. Epstein advises us to acknowledge these feelings while not clinging to them. It’s here where he encourages embracing 'the middle way,' a path of moderation that avoids the extremes of denial and indulgence. 

In the context of our metaphorical emergency landing, this means acknowledging the storm and our fears but not letting them consume us. It's about finding a mental and emotional balance as we guide our plane – our life – back to the ground.

From this eastern philosophical lens, we learn the importance of harmony, balance, and acceptance in navigating life's storms. As we bring our plane in for a landing, marking the end of a challenging year, these philosophies remind us to embrace the journey, learn from our experiences, and prepare for a smoother flight ahead.

Join us today as a paid member supporter. Or feel free to tip me some coffeehouse love here if you feel so inclined.

Your contributions are appreciated!

Every bit counts as I strive to deliver high quality feature articles into your inbox on a daily basis. Never any paywalls, just my raw thoughts which are open to everyone on what it means to be human.

Much Love,

Diamond Michael Scott — aka The Chocolate Taoist