Taoist tips to appreciate life and the little things

Taoism is a Chinese doctrine based on the idea that we already have everything we need. Its ideas inspire and teach you to appreciate life and enjoy the little things. Here are the basic principles of Taoism that are worth learning about for the sake of peace of mind and well-being.

10 Taoist tips to appreciate life and the little things

1. Accept simplicity

Taoism teaches the beauty of simplicity. It suggests that the joy of life comes from ordinary things and not from the complex and endless desires we experience. Surely, you remember that as a child, you enjoyed little things, for example, a beautiful tree leaf found on the street or an unusual cloud similar to an animal figure.

Taoism encourages this approach to living and observing what is happening around you. The more we see beauty in what is around us, the more we feel happy. Another critical element of Taoism is reducing disorder in the surrounding space and the mind.

Focusing on the main things, such as cleaning the house or simplifying habits, creates a space for peace and genuine satisfaction. The next time you feel depressed or sad, try to take a step back and remind yourself of the simple pleasures that can be found by taking a closer look at what surrounds you. Perhaps they are the secret of your happiness.

2. Go with the flow

Going with the flow is just another crucial life lesson drawn from Taoism. Especially in the face of misfortune, we frequently try to exert total control. Seeking to put things back on track, we struggle, worry, and resist. There is another method, though.

Just as water flows around obstacles, making its way, we can also easily navigate life when we learn not to hinder sudden changes but to adapt to them and allow things to develop naturally. V I S I T A F R I N I K . C O M. Accepting troubles, failures, and sudden confluences of circumstances make you worry less and make decisions easier. Perhaps this is a skill worth learning to be calmer and happier.

3. Appreciate the present

It’s easy to get carried away with what will happen in the future. But true happiness is not always beyond the horizon — it can be found here in the present. Instead of constantly looking ahead and hoping it will improve, you must learn to pause and appreciate what is there now.

Whether it’s a favorite meal, a conversation with a friend, or a quiet moment alone with yourself — all these little things can be a source of joy if you pay attention to them. Find time to disconnect from thoughts about the future and immerse yourself in the present to feel happier.

4. Find strength in gentleness

At first, this idea may seem strange and contradictory. But softness and flexibility are indeed a form of strength that we often overlook. Think about it: A tall tree looks powerful and impressive, but during a thunderstorm, it can break. Meanwhile, the flexible grass bends under the influence of strong wind but remains intact.

Constantly being “strong” and tough and going ahead is very tiring. But if you can adapt and stay open-minded, you can solve any problem. So, when faced with difficulties, consider whether there is a more flexible approach to solving them. Sometimes, it can be more effective than trying to stand up no matter what.

5. Learn from nature

Many of the principles of Taoism are based on observations of nature. This teaching points to it as a mirror of human life. Just as a tree doesn’t worry about shedding its leaves in the fall, we must learn to let go of some things from our lives. And just as spring always follows winter, better times always come after difficulties. By spending more time in nature and observing its patterns, you can learn how to apply these natural rhythms.

6. Empty the bowl

There is a remarkable paradox in life: sometimes, we must let go of what we have to get more. Taoism uses the metaphor of an empty bowl to illustrate this concept. Imagine a mug in front of you with tea brewed a few days ago. He won’t let you pour a new one, fragrant and refreshing.

But if you empty the mug by pouring the old tea into the sink, you can enjoy the taste of fresh tea. Holding old beliefs that don’t work and dwelling on past mistakes is “old tea” that prevents you from improving your life. By letting go of the beliefs and baggage of the past, you make room for new opportunities and joys.

7. Enjoy the silence

It may seem counterproductive to take a break amid difficult life events. However, according to Taoism, it is in peace that one can find strength and wisdom. Minutes of silence away from the noise help to gain clarity and understanding, which cannot be achieved while spinning in the stream of bustle like a squirrel in a wheel.

The path to happiness is not about constant movement, action, and achievement. This is an alternation of activity with slowing down and superficial existence. So it’s worth taking breaks to get your mind in order and staying alone with yourself from time to time to find more pleasure.

8. Try to achieve a balance in everything

Taoism often refers to the concept of Yin and Yang — opposite forces that complement each other. Instead of going to extremes, you must balance everything from relationships to work. I work hard, but I also relax and seek knowledge. I admit that it is impossible to be savvy in everything.

9. Accept the flaws

Striving for perfection can become an obstacle to reaching the goal. Taoism teaches the beauty of “wabi-sabi”—the recognition of life’s imperfection. Pursuing an ideal that cannot be achieved fills life with disappointments. It is often the imperfect moments of life that bring the most joy.

Accepting and even noting your flaws and mistakes, you become happier than when you are ashamed or try your best to hide them. Therefore, the next time life gets out of control, or you notice imperfections in yourself and others, consider it a unique feature, not a reason for frustration.

10. Finds more in less

Taoism changes the scenario in a society obsessed with wanting more, saying that sometimes, having less is the key to wealth. Without overloading ourselves with things or desires, we create a space that allows true happiness to flourish. We feel lighter, simpler, and more accessible. The essence of life lies not in accumulation but in emotions and experiences. It can be said that Taoism is a doctrine that reflects the spirit of minimalism in all its glory. So think about it: what can you give up today to make room for absolute joy?