<p>Welcome to <em>Living the Tao</em> with Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod. In Episode 1-117, we journey into one of the most meaningful yet often misunderstood aspects of life: <strong>friendship</strong>. 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Expect insights on:</p><ul><li>The natural phases of connection and disconnection</li><li>Why forcing closeness disrupts harmony</li><li>How real friendship supports, rather than hinders, your connection to the Tao</li><li>Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you</li></ul><p>Whether you&#39;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.</p><p><br></p><p>Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>). Source: incompetech.com</p>