The harder you chase joy, the further it slips away - here's why...

In this episode of Tao Dialogues, we explore a powerful Taoist truth: joy isn’t something you achieve — it’s something you allow.

Most of us are conditioned to believe “I’ll be happy when…” — but that chase is exactly what keeps joy out of reach. This teaching reveals how the Inner Child creates urgency, comparison, and pressure, while Shen — your deeper authentic nature — guides you back to calm, presence, and enoughness.

Discover how practising wu wei (effortless effort) shifts you from striving to flowing — and why true joy appears the moment you stop chasing and start aligning with what already is. Because nothing is missing — and joy has been here all along.

Read the blog post that inspired this episode:https://davidjameslees.substack.com/p/middle-light [second blog on this page]

Our Tao Dialogues are powerful yet gentle teachings about authenticity, spirituality and finding emotional balance and flow in everyday life. These spoken-word episodes draw from David James Lees’ practice as a Taoist monk and teacher, and expand upon popular posts on ‘David’s Journal’, his Substack blog.

You can subscribe to David’s Journal here: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/

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Other related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:

• TAO DIALOGUES PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICamFP2zMyey3KGTnfm2aUq&si=AW_ZOUeldKv3nHhF
• SHEN (THE SPIRITUAL SELF) PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIBmp50wYcmU7jCBLp1Qvl-j
• INNER CHILD PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qq

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Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.

Music by Earth Tree Healing