Week Two: The Path of Wonder: An Introduction to Daoism and Mysticism
- Glen Jensen
- Jan 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 24
The Wonder of Childhood

When you were a child, you didn’t need a roadmap to decide what to do next. You knew. The magic of play and exploration wasn’t planned—it simply happened. As adults, we often lose that sense of wonder, trading it for rigid structures or chaotic rebellions.
But what if there’s another way? A path that balances structure and freedom, guiding us to live with intention yet without force? Enter Daoism and the mysticism of the uncarved block.
Daoism: The Art of Effortless Living

At its core, Daoism (or Taoism) is about aligning with the flow of life—the Dao or “Way.” It’s not about rigid rules or an absence of them, but about moving through life with the grace of a river carving its way through rock.
Key Ideas in Daoism
Wu Wei (Effortless Action): Stop forcing, start flowing. This doesn’t mean doing nothing but rather doing what feels natural and right in the moment.
The Uncarved Block: Like a block of wood untouched by tools, there is purity in simplicity and potential in the unformed. Returning to this state is about shedding layers of conditioning.
Harmony with Nature: Life thrives in balance—not in extremes.
While Daoism offers this framework of ease and flow, mysticism builds on it, guiding us to reconnect with the awe and wonder of simply being.
Mysticism: Awe, Wonder, and Connection

Mysticism is not magic; it is the ability to step back from your thoughts—even if just for a brief moment—and see that you are a part of the infinite rhythm of life. Sometimes, in those moments, you see something that has been there all along: the real you.
Mysticism Across Major Religions
Every major religion has a branch of mysticism—a natural evolution of seeking deeper connection and understanding:
Christianity: Mystics like Meister Eckhart and Teresa of Ávila sought direct experiences of divine love and unity with God.
Islam: Sufism emphasizes love, poetry, and a personal connection with the divine, as seen in the works of Rumi.
Judaism: Kabbalah explores the hidden, mystical dimensions of the Torah.
Hinduism: Vedanta and yoga practices focus on realizing the unity of the self (Atman) with the universal soul (Brahman).
Buddhism: Zen and Tibetan traditions guide practitioners toward enlightenment through meditation and mindfulness.
Daoism: Inner alchemy and meditation aim to refine harmony with the Tao.
Mystics often strip away the rigid outer layers of tradition to embrace the childlike awe at the heart of existence. This journey often mirrors life itself: after reaching for extremes, we return to where we started—with a newfound appreciation for simplicity and wonder.
When Mysticism Happens

Think about those moments when everything clicks:
When you make your first jump and your heart races.
When you step up and it just feels right.
When, after years of practice, everything comes together in a singular, magical moment.
That is the essence of mysticism—seeing the infinite in the finite.
Why This Matters: Beyond Fundamentalism and Anarchy

In a world dominated by extremes—rigid rules (fundamentalism) or chaotic freedom (anarchy)—Daoism and mysticism offer a middle path:
Fundamentalism: Traps you in the prison of absolutes, shutting out curiosity and wonder.
Anarchy: Drowns you in the noise of chaos, making it hard to find true peace.
Daoism says: Flow, don’t force. Trust, don’t grasp. Mysticism whispers: Be open. Let it happen.
Like a circle, this journey often leads us back to where we started—a childlike state of awe and trust, but with the wisdom of experience to appreciate its beauty.
Real-Life Example: Practicing Wu Wei

I once struggled to meet a writing deadline, forcing ideas that just wouldn’t come. Frustrated, I finally stepped away, went for a walk, and let the problem breathe. By the time I returned, the words flowed effortlessly. That’s the power of Wu Wei—effortless action in alignment with the moment.
Steps to Embrace the Way

Here’s how you can invite the wisdom of Daoism and mysticism into your life this week:
Rediscover the Uncarved Block:
Take a moment to sit quietly and ask yourself: What would I do if I let go of expectations? Write down what comes to mind without judgment.
Practice Wu Wei:
Choose one task and do it without rushing or forcing. It might be washing dishes, taking a walk, or even having a conversation. Notice how much easier things feel when you stop overthinking.
Find Wonder in the Ordinary:
Spend five minutes observing something simple—a flower, the clouds, or even your own breath. Ask: What does this moment teach me if I let it?
Reflection Prompts

🖋 Take Five Minutes to Reflect
What areas of your life feel forced or chaotic?
How can you let go of control and trust the flow of life in those areas?
When was the last time you felt awe or wonder? How can you invite it back?
Inspiration Corner

Poetry:The Child’s Compass by RWG
Once, you wandered without a map,
Heart aligned to the pulse of the earth.
What changed? Only the questions you ask.
The compass is still there, waiting for you to trust.
Philosophy:
From Laozi’s Tao Te Ching:
"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name."
Stop: Read this again, and sit with it for a moment…
Translation: Stop over-defining life. Let the mystery unfold.
Closing Section: The Yin and Yang of Intention and Presence

The Way and the first agreement—Be Impeccable with Your Word—are like yin and yang. Setting a clear intention aligns your compass, and being present allows you to act effortlessly when that intention manifests. Together, they form a powerful combination for living a balanced, fulfilling life.
This is what it’s all about: getting your compass back online, trusting your instincts, and stepping into the flow of life with confidence and clarity.
Can-Do Summary
Here’s how you can start using these ideas in daily life:
At Work: Before a meeting or task, set a clear intention and trust yourself to handle it without overthinking.
In Relationships: Practice being present in conversations by listening fully instead of planning your next response.
In Self-Care: Dedicate five minutes daily to observing something simple—a candle, your breath, or the sky—and allow yourself to just be.
By integrating these small shifts, you’ll start to feel more aligned with your natural rhythm, rediscovering the awe and wonder that have always been within you.
Next Steps

📚 Explore the Path Further
The Tao of Pooh: A delightful introduction to Daoism through the perspective of everyone’s favorite bear, Pooh.
Tao Te Ching by Laozi, translated by Ursula K. Le Guin: A beautifully poetic and insightful translation of this timeless classic.
🖋 Your Homework:
Reflect on how you can rediscover simplicity in your life this week. Choose one task or moment to practice Wu Wei—effortless action.
Journal your observations about flow and wonder.
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