This poem and reflection hit deep. It’s that classic paradox—seeking something that can’t be sought, grasping at something that disappears the moment you try to hold it. Feels very Zen koan meets Taoist wisdom.
That line—“You aren’t drifting on the waves. You are the waves.”—is the kind of thing that lingers. It’s like trying to explain the nature of existence with words that inherently fail but somehow point to it anyway.
Also, the mix of philosophy and real-life struggle (walking to Portugal, carrying a heavy pack, dealing with pain) makes it feel grounded, not just abstract theory. The Way isn’t just some mystical concept—it’s in the blistered feet, the cold plunge, the exhaustion, and the letting go.
What do you think—do we ever actually “get there,” or is the point to just keep walking?
Thanks a lot for reading and the comment! Zen meets Taoism is definitely where my head was when I wrote it.
I really don’t think the way is an abstract concept, we just don’t always see how present it is in our daily life. Busyness or distraction always gets in the way.
There is no doubt that there is a “there” to get to (With the caveat that “there” is always right “here” and you need to stop searching outside for it). Many many mystics and enlightened people have gotten there over the ages.
On a retreat last year I could finally understand that “freedom” or “total liberation” is possible for basically anyone/everyone. That’s why I decided to quit my job and pursue it. Folks should be aware that we don’t actually have to suffer. Freedom is our birthright. It’s our nature.
Once you know you are walking in the right direction you just have to keep going.
This poem and reflection hit deep. It’s that classic paradox—seeking something that can’t be sought, grasping at something that disappears the moment you try to hold it. Feels very Zen koan meets Taoist wisdom.
That line—“You aren’t drifting on the waves. You are the waves.”—is the kind of thing that lingers. It’s like trying to explain the nature of existence with words that inherently fail but somehow point to it anyway.
Also, the mix of philosophy and real-life struggle (walking to Portugal, carrying a heavy pack, dealing with pain) makes it feel grounded, not just abstract theory. The Way isn’t just some mystical concept—it’s in the blistered feet, the cold plunge, the exhaustion, and the letting go.
What do you think—do we ever actually “get there,” or is the point to just keep walking?
Thanks a lot for reading and the comment! Zen meets Taoism is definitely where my head was when I wrote it.
I really don’t think the way is an abstract concept, we just don’t always see how present it is in our daily life. Busyness or distraction always gets in the way.
There is no doubt that there is a “there” to get to (With the caveat that “there” is always right “here” and you need to stop searching outside for it). Many many mystics and enlightened people have gotten there over the ages.
On a retreat last year I could finally understand that “freedom” or “total liberation” is possible for basically anyone/everyone. That’s why I decided to quit my job and pursue it. Folks should be aware that we don’t actually have to suffer. Freedom is our birthright. It’s our nature.
Once you know you are walking in the right direction you just have to keep going.