January Reflections
As I once again find myself in January I feel the pull for a slower pace of living, the pull towards deep reflections and long walks, recovery after a busy Christmas maybe…. or the natural rhythm of life?
January is the perfect time for me to revisit The Tao Te Ching. It’s a short read with only 81 chapters, but each one is packed with so much depth. The version I have is commented on by a modern author who helps put the ancient text in a more relatable context for today, it is a much loved dog eared book that I seem to come back to every year as a way of realligning to the rhythm of my own natural state.
If you haven’t heard of it, The Tao Te Ching is a classic spiritual text by the Chinese sage Lao Tzu. Even though it was written more than 2,500 years ago, its wisdom still resonates with anyone looking to find balance, simplicity, and harmony in their life.
So, What Exactly Is the Tao Te Ching?
The Tao Te Ching (which roughly translates to “The Classic of the Way and Its Power”) is one of the foundational texts of Taoism. Taoism is all about following the flow of life, or the Tao—which is often described as “the Way.” It's this natural, mysterious force that guides everything, but it can’t really be explained or fully understood. It’s something you experience rather than define.
What makes The Tao Te Ching so special is that it’s not a rulebook. It doesn’t tell you exactly what to do—it just asks you to pause and reflect. The book is full of themes like humility, simplicity, and living in harmony with the world around us. It’s more like a spiritual invitation to stop, look inward, and find balance.
What Are the Core Teachings?
I’ve found that The Tao Te Ching is the kind of book I turn to when I’m feeling lost or overwhelmed and has influenced my approach to life greatly; It feels like coming home and finding peace in the middle of a storm. The writing is so poetic, and Lao Tzu’s simple words have a way of calming my mind and soul.
Here are some of the big ideas:
The Tao is beyond understanding. It’s formless, eternal, and something we can experience but not fully grasp with our minds.
Wu wei (non-action). This is one of the most important teachings. It’s often translated as “effortless action” or “non-action,” but it really means not forcing things. When we stop pushing and trying to control everything, life flows more easily.
Simplicity. Lao Tzu talks a lot about returning to simplicity—simplifying our thoughts, actions, and even material possessions. He says, “Returning to silence is to return to peace; returning to peace, the world reharmonizes itself.”
Humility and leadership. Lao Tzu believes that the best leaders lead with humility. He says, “The best leaders are those whose presence is barely known. When their work is done, the people say, ‘We did it ourselves.’” True strength comes from serving others, not from ego or control.
Living in harmony with nature. Lao Tzu often uses nature as a model for how to live. Like water, we should be flexible and gentle, adapting to the flow of life instead of resisting it.
Why Read the Tao Te Ching?
What I love about the Tao Te Ching is how timeless it is. Even though it comes from ancient Chinese philosophy, its teachings are universal and ageless. No matter who you are or where you come from, there’s something in this book that speaks to you.
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and stress of daily life, but the Tao Te Ching reminds us to slow down, let go of the need to control, and trust the flow of life. It’s a great counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of modern living.
How to Approach the Tao Te Ching
The Tao Te Ching is one of those books that you can read over and over again. Each time, you’ll get something new out of it. Here are a few tips if you want to dive in:
Read slowly. The chapters are short, but they’re packed with meaning. Take your time and really think about what each one is saying, take time between each verse to reflect, hours, days or weeks, let the words filter through slowly.
Keep a journal. Write down your thoughts and interpretations as you go. The book is all about personal reflection, so your understanding will grow and change over time.
Try different translations. There are a lot of translations out there, each with its own flavor. Some are more poetic, while others stick closely to the original text. Exploring different versions can help you see things from different angles, I would encourage you to make note of ones you find that speak to you. I read a version in the library a few years ago that was just wonderful but forgot to take a note of the translator, and havn’t been able to find it since.
Apply the lessons to your life. This book isn’t just philosophical—it’s practical. Think about how its teachings on simplicity, humility, and harmony might play out in your own day-to-day life.
Final Thoughts
Verse 11 of the Tao Te Ching is such a powerful reminder of the importance of what’s not immediately visible or tangible. That line—“We chisel doors and windows to construct a room, yet it’s the inner space that makes it livable”—really speaks to how much we often overlook the value of emptiness or the "space between."
It’s easy to get caught up in accumulating things, whether it's possessions, experiences, or even busy schedules, but this verse highlights that the empty space is just as essential, if not more so. Without the empty space, a room wouldn’t function; In the same way, our lives need that space—room for reflection, rest, and the things that truly matter. It’s the quiet moments, the pauses, that allow us to be fully present and to appreciate everything else we have.
In a world that constantly pushes us to fill our lives with more—more stuff, more noise, more action—this verse is a gentle reminder that true functionality and peace come from what’s not there. The balance between having and not having is key. It’s a space to breathe, to recharge, and to reconnect with ourselves, perfect wisdom for January Reflections.
Have you read The Tao Te Ching? How has it influenced your perspective on life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections in the comments below!
