Anyone interested in Daoism?

[Gaolbird]

Just that.

As someone who predominantly tries to 'do the right things (and other reasons!), it seems I may be following 'the Way'. Am at the beginning of my foray into knowledge of this, but would like company on the way from others who are also curious, if possible.
Have been through and rejected Christianity for various reasons (mostly of tolerance), and have felt some affinity with Paganism in the past. I think I'm getting closer to my religious philosophy, finally!

Sorry, should possibly have mentioned being a 'westerner' interested in Daoism.

The Eastern religions have always made more sense to me. I think most religions have the essence of the truth in them.
I think joining a religion is good for community and support but IMHO not necessarily needed to find the truth.

I agree vitalogy, thx for your reply. I mostly feel I need to organize my thoughts on religion to counter dh, who cannot accept what I think (as it is vastly different to his religion) without structured and written evidence that it's a real thing, as opposed to something I've just made up

Well Taoism as I understand is more a philosophy than a religion and has a much nicer tone than the Abrahamic ones.

I would start with anything written by Alan Watts.

One of the best aspects of Taoism is its rejection of the western model of antagonism where opposites are in conflict with each other (male against female, strength against weakness, etc) and one is seen to triumph.

Taoism sees these things are harmonious and codependent. A much nicer way of doing things.

dh, who cannot accept what I think (as it is vastly different to his religion) without structured and written evidence that it's a real thing, as opposed to something I've just made up hmm

There’s lots of evidence regarding the existence and history of Taoism and it doesn’t make the same outlandish claims as religions like Christianity or Islam, so unless your DH is an atheist I don’t think he’s got a leg to stand on.

Taoism has been around a lot longer than Christianity and the Bible / Quran (sorry I’m assuming your husband’s religion) isn’t evidence of the supernatural claims upon which those religions rest.

Taoism doesn’t encourage self-sacrifice in this world to guarantee entry into the after life. It is about focusing on this world and this life.

You would be assuming correctly with one of those guesses!
Funny you should mention the lack of antagonism, maybe that's why he doesn't understand

Oops, forgot thx for the reference!

Regarding your husbands comments, just be true to yourself OP, use yourself as the measure. Your husband may be feeling insecure/questioning his own religion if he feels he has to put down your knowing.
I agree with Moreno, Alan Watts is fantastic.

I remember reading 'The Dao of Pooh' years ago! It made a lot of sense to me.

Sorry - that should be Tao of Pooh!

I am very fond of Taoism, my main path is Buddhism, but Taoism has some similarities to it (and Buddhism from China/Japan is heavily influenced by it). I have multiple copies of the Tao Te Ching, I can recommend trying a couple of different translations to see which resonates with you. There is a more "religious" form of Taoism, but it is not found very much outside of China, and personally, I have no time for it. I would recommend Tai Chi/Chi Kung as ways of exploring the Tao.