3 Core Beliefs of Taoism That Will Change Your Perspective on Life

The Way of the Tao: Living in Harmony with Nature

When you think of Taoism, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a peaceful, balanced lifestyle, right? But what does that really mean? At the heart of Taoism is the belief in the Tao, often translated as "the Way." It's this indescribable force that flows through everything in the universe. Imagine trying to describe air. You can't really see it, but you can feel it, right? That’s the Tao.

I remember a conversation I had with a friend recently about how Taoism teaches us that we should live in harmony with nature, not against it. We were talking about how many people try to control their lives to an extreme, and Taoism says, "Let it flow." It's not about forcing your way into things, but aligning with what naturally comes. That’s powerful. And honestly, it’s something that’s really hard to do in today’s fast-paced world.

Wu Wei: The Power of Effortless Action

Now, let’s dive into Wu Wei. This is probably one of the most mind-blowing concepts in Taoism. It’s often translated as “non-action,” but that’s not entirely accurate. It’s more like “effortless action.” Imagine being able to go with the flow of life so smoothly that it feels almost like you’re not doing anything at all. This doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means doing what feels right without forcing anything.

I had a moment last year when I was struggling with work deadlines, feeling that intense pressure to push and push. A colleague reminded me about Wu Wei, saying, “Just step back, let it happen.” It felt a little strange at first, but when I relaxed, things started to fall into place. I can’t explain it, but it worked. Wu Wei isn’t just a belief; it’s a way of rethinking how you approach challenges.

Yin and Yang: Embracing Balance in All Things

Taoism is all about balance, and one of its core beliefs is the concept of Yin and Yang. You’ve probably seen the symbol – the black and white swirling shapes. It’s not just about opposites; it’s about finding the harmony between them. Yin (the dark side) represents things like passivity, femininity, and night. Yang (the light side) represents action, masculinity, and day.

I used to think Yin and Yang were separate forces, but my understanding of Taoism has taught me that they are inseparable. The world is a constant interplay between opposites, and each one needs the other to exist. Without light, there is no dark; without action, there is no rest. A friend of mine once joked about how her life was all work and no play. She was basically all Yang. And after some Taoist-inspired advice, she found that her life started to feel more in tune when she balanced her energy between work and relaxation.

Taoism’s Influence on Everyday Life

So, how do these beliefs really impact us? The beauty of Taoism is that its beliefs are not just philosophical ideas – they’re practical ways to live your life. Whether it's approaching your daily struggles with Wu Wei or embracing balance through Yin and Yang, Taoism encourages you to live in a way that feels natural and unforced.

To be honest, I still struggle with these principles sometimes. It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to control every aspect of life, especially when things seem chaotic. But taking a step back, remembering that sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all – that’s what Taoism teaches. And I think it's something we could all use more of in our lives.

Conclusion: Embrace the Tao, Embrace Life

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Taoism, it’s this: life isn’t about fighting against the current, it’s about understanding how to float with it. By embracing the core beliefs of Taoism – living in harmony with the Tao, practicing Wu Wei, and finding balance with Yin and Yang – you can find a peaceful, more fulfilled way of living. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth exploring. And hey, if it doesn’t work, at least you gave it a shot, right?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.