Living the Tao-A Spiritual Podcast

In this episode (1-17), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores one of the most challenging—and revealing—truths in spiritual development: we are only half real.

The other half is illusion.

Master Steenrod explains how the social mind came to dominate human life, why it has grown stronger over the last few centuries, and why breaking free now requires far more effort than it once did. He discusses the invisible forces that pull people back into unreality—comfort, fear, security, and habit—and how these attachments keep us from experiencing our full existence.

You’ll learn:

Why humans drift toward illusion and cling to the social mind

Why spiritual insight becomes harder as illusion grows stronger

The Taoist principle of concealment—and why you must “shut up” about your mystical experiences

How invocation works, and why asking the Tao for insight actually activates natural brain function

Why fairness is irrelevant to spiritual progress

How effort, belief, and detachment shape your ability to perceive deeper truth

What really happens when you intentionally request insight

Why mystical experiences often arrive during sleep or meditation

How attachments steal the mental resources needed for realization

Why severing attachments—even briefly—can produce waves of insight

Master Steenrod also addresses the difference between contemplation and genuine insight, the role of stillness and acceptance, and why powerful mystical experiences require both intention and discipline.

If you’ve ever wondered why spiritual progress feels difficult—or why moments of clarity seem to vanish as daily life returns—this episode offers the Taoist framework for understanding why, and what to do next.

The full episode guide and commentary can be found here: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com/ep-17-you-are-only-half-real/

Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com

In this bonus episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the true meaning of “not doing” — one of the most misunderstood ideas in Taoist practice. Far from being passive, “not doing” is the natural outgrowth of calm and meditative awareness. It means acting from the deep rhythm of the Tao rather than from habit or fear.

Master Steenrod breaks down the mystical and practical divisions of non-action, showing how the real power of Taoist action begins when you stop forcing outcomes. By learning to listen before you act, you begin to align your movement with the world instead of struggling against it.

Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com

Spiritual progress doesn’t have to be slow. In this powerful bonus episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod breaks down the hidden mechanics behind rapid spiritual growth—and why most people never take advantage of them.

Drawing on classical Taoist principles and the deep pattern work found in the I Ching, Master Steenrod explains how your spiritual development hinges on nine key relationships—including leading vs. following, connection vs. isolation, and creation vs. destruction. These simple but profound factors shape every plan you make, every obstacle you encounter, and every breakthrough you achieve.

You’ll learn:

Why habit—not insight—determines whether you lead, follow, or freeze

How misreading “connection” vs. “isolation” can sabotage progress

Why spiritual development is 100% dependent on choice

How cycles of creation and destruction affect your life and goals

Why stable states never last—and how to stop expecting them to

How small, consistent action outperforms perfection every time

Why discomfort is often the doorway to rapid transformation

Master Steenrod also reveals a core Taoist truth: spirituality can move far faster than most people imagine—if you learn how to work with the patterns of the universe rather than against them.

This is one of the most foundational talks ever given on the show, offering a clear roadmap for navigating the chaos, cycles, and opportunities of real spiritual practice.

Perfect for listeners seeking:

The full guide and commentary to this episode can be found here: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com/bonus-ep-1-spirituality-fast-track/

Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com

Time is limited—but that’s not a curse. It’s the key.

In this newly updated edition of Episode 10, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores how the acknowledgment of death and the finite nature of time can sharpen your purpose, guide your decisions, and deepen your spiritual practice.

➡️ Learn how Taoists view linear and nonlinear time

Includes a newly formatted transcript and a study guide to support personal or group reflection.

🎧 Stream now and return to one of the most powerful episodes of the series—with fresh insight.

Episode Guide and Commentary available here: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com/ep-10-poison-of-immortality/

Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com

Most people try meditation, struggle with it, and then wonder if they’re doing it wrong. In this episode, Master Mikel Steenrod explains why meditation works from a Taoist perspective—and why those early difficulties aren’t mistakes, but the first signs that the mind is beginning to reorganize itself.

You’ll learn:

• Why attention drifts and what that tells you about your internal state

Master Steenrod also discusses how to work with your limits, how to avoid common self-judgments that derail practice, and how to tell when meditation is genuinely transforming you.

A clear, practical teaching for anyone building a meditation habit—or returning to one after frustration.

-Weekly episode Sign Up Page at living-the-tao.supercast.com .

Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com

In this episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod reveals that you are already the thing that you are pursuing, and the Four spheres of power:  Social, martial, Qi, and Tao.  Plus tips on the powerful practice of invocation.

-Sign Up Page at living-the-tao.supercast.com .

Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com

In this episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the transformative power of acceptance and spiritual hygiene. Discover how letting go of “wouldas,” “shuddahs,” and “kudas” can free you from the past, and learn why managing your sensory and mental inputs is essential for cultivating calm, stillness, and enlightenment. Whether you’re seeking clarity in a chaotic world or looking to align with the Tao, this episode offers practical wisdom and timeless insights to help you grow.-Weekly Episode Sign Up Page at living-the-tao.supercast.com

Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com

Ever feel like you’re drowning in ideas, realizations, or life-changing “aha” moments? That’s not a problem—it’s progress.

In the inaugural Episode (1-1) of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod dives into what insight really is, how it functions in Taoist practice, and why true enlightenment means returning to your natural state. You’ll learn about the distinction between social mind and tao mind, how to work with your “ness,” and why Taoist methods were designed to make enlightenment not only possible—but practical.

Explore:

Why insights are not rare

The difference between temple, mystery, and hermit traditions

The real definition of enlightenment in the Four Ascendant School

Why you might be having too many insights (and that’s okay)

Study Guide and full, formated transcript can be found here: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com/episode-1-enlightenment-is-the-natural-state-of-humans/

Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: incompetech.com