What fills your cup—and what coats it in dust?
In this free monthly episode of Living the Tao, Master Steenrod dives into two essential metaphors from Daoist thought: the vessel and the red dust. You'll hear how the "filled cup" reflects our capacity to give, learn, and grow—and why sometimes, we must empty ourselves before receiving anything new.
But the episode doesn't stop there. As the walk continues, we step into the deeper terrain of the “red dust”—an ancient metaphor for the social forces that cling to us simply by existing in society. What is the social mind? Can we resist it? And what does true liberation mean in the modern age?
Whether you're new to Daoism or walking the path already, this is a conversation about self-care, choice, and awakening in a world that doesn’t stop trying to fill your cup for you.
BONUS Episode 6 – The Call to Wu Wei
Why do some of us feel an unexplainable pull toward something deeper—toward the flow?
In this bonus episode, we go beyond pop-philosophy and into the lived, raw terrain of Wu Wei, one of Daoism’s most iconic yet misunderstood concepts. While modern culture likes to equate Wu Wei with “flow state,” the truth is far more layered. We peel back the linguistic drift, social media buzzwords, and surface-level interpretations to return to the source: the old-school Daoist practices rooted in physical discipline, internal alchemy, and spiritual transformation.
Together, we ask:
Whether you’ve glimpsed the Dao before or are just starting your journey, this episode invites you to examine your motivations, recognize the illusions of control, and maybe—just maybe—begin the long walk toward true alignment.
✨ “You don’t get the magical flow without being highly accurate. And accuracy starts with asking real questions.” ✨
Taoist resources: https://linktr.ee/taoismforthemodernworld
Welcome to Living the Tao with Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod. In Episode 1-117, we journey into one of the most meaningful yet often misunderstood aspects of life: friendship. Through the gentle but incisive lens of Taoist philosophy, Master Steenrod invites us to explore how friendships arise, how they evolve, and how they affect the path of inner stillness and natural living.
Friendship, in the Taoist view, is not merely about emotional attachment or shared history. It is a dynamic interplay of resonance, presence, and release. In this episode, you’ll discover how Taoism encourages a view of friendship that’s rooted in flow rather than expectation, sincerity rather than performance, and alignment rather than obligation.
Expect insights on:
Whether you're seeking clarity in your personal relationships or simply wish to deepen your understanding of Taoist living, this episode offers guidance, presence, and gentle wisdom.
❓ Are you truly living in balance, or just following an illusion of it? 🤯
In this episode of Living the Tao, we challenge everything you think you know about balance, clarity, and the path to effortless living. Discover how Wu Wei, self-honesty, and questioning your perceptions can lead to true alignment with the Dao. 🌊
✅ The hidden truth about Wu Wei and effortless action
✅ How Taoism teaches us to see beyond social illusions
✅ The importance of self-honesty in spiritual growth
✅ Why questioning—not answering—is the key to true wisdom
✅ How observing nature can reveal deeper truths about life
📌 Whether you’re seeking inner peace, mindfulness, or personal growth, this episode will guide you toward a more authentic and aligned way of living.
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💬 Join the Conversation: What does balance mean to you? Drop a 🌿 and let’s discuss!
What if everything you’ve heard about karma is only half the story? In this episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the lesser-known Taoist perspective on karma, revealing how it diverges from its Hindu and Buddhist origins. Discover how Taoism challenges common misconceptions and offers a fresh, practical approach to balancing intention, action, and harmony in your daily life. Packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else, this episode sheds light on karma as a tool for living fully in the present moment—not a cosmic scoreboard. Whether you’re new to Taoism or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered.
Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod describes the 4 conditions that must exist for a Happy life.
Fulfilling Your True Nature. Good Health. Choices With Power. Basic Needs Met.
Master Steenrod provides practical tips on how to deal with shortcomings and build a happy, resilient life.
Listen to this episode to explore happiness with Master Steenrod.
Visit www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com for more resources.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod defines Spiritual Power as alignment with Divine Law. Is that part of your Taoist Guiding Vision toward enlightenment?
In this special bonus episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod takes us deep into the transformative world of Taoism. We often see Taoist ideas woven into pop culture, but what does it truly mean to walk the path of Tao? Master Mikel demystifies the practice, explaining how Taoism is more than just philosophy—it's a guide to living authentically and harmoniously.
Join us as we discuss:
Whether you’re new to Taoism or deepening your spiritual journey, this episode is filled with insights that make Taoist principles accessible and relevant for today’s world. Tune in to explore the guiding vision of Taoism and unlock a path to inner peace, wisdom, and self-discovery.
Taoist resources can be found at: www.thetaoismforthemodernworld.com
Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod describes how mastering the Taoist Guiding Vision and the human power of change can lead you to happiness. Plus tips to simplify dealing with worry and difficult people.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod reminds us that engaging with the universe is the best way to learn how reality really works. Take action. Take risks. Show the universe that you are involved. He also reminds us why most people can’t stand Taoism.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod reviews some of the powerful tools you need to learn how to use to reach Enlightenment such as intention, Qi, Karma, choice, perception, and insight.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod asks you to examine your spiritual goals; do you have a clear idea of what you are pursuing? You must give yourself permission to be enlightened because spiritually advanced people do not live in a special box.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the importance and some of the surprises you may face as you practice Taoist Positive Power. This is a deep cut episode normally only available to paid subscribers.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explains that Taoism is concerned with improving life and immortality, not death and what happens after death, but it does offer some perspective on the endgame.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod details the trials and dangers of the Mind of Clarity. He also tells us what a real demon is and how to find one.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life. In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explains how the hybrid mind balances your being and propels you toward enlightenment.
Additional Taoist info on https://the-taoism-for-modern-world.com
Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod describes how to make the tough choices to become enlightened and the difference between Good, Neutral, and Evil for Taoists. Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod discusses how recognizing the right time and place in your life can reveal great truths, mitigate suffering, and keep you spiritually clean.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod tells us what we can expect to get from practicing Taoism and how you are already built to receive it.
The free online course mentioned is "Introduction to the Taoist Life," and is available on the website: thetaoismforthemodernworld.com . Visit and simply click online course in the menu.
Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod describes how the ancient I Ching can answer the three questions you should be asking the Tao every day and proposes that we exist mainly because we are afraid of our own non-existence.
Welcome to Living the Tao, a Spiritual Podcast that explores how ancient wisdom, a practical perspective, and deep truth can empower you to live your best life.
