This Is What Happens When You Ask a Teacher for Advice
George Thompson to the Rescue
George Thompson to the Rescue
The Problem
I recently posted an article describing the situation of my publication. Essentially, most of our views come from outside Medium’s walled garden and don’t count for payment. Here is the article if you’d like to read more.
Medium’s External Views Dilemma: How Much Are You Losing
Probably A Lotmedium.com
I use the name “The Taoist Online” and post articles regarding the belief system and philosophy, I’ve gained a small following of fellow Taoists. One particular follower, on Mastodon, called me out for complaining about money and used that article as a weapon against me. He tried to say I wasn’t upholding Taoist principles by writing for money. As evidence, he quoted chapter 56 of Tao Te Ching:
Those who speak don’t know and those who know don’t speak.
It’s been my experience that everyone who tries to gatekeep Taoism uses this line in an attempt to end the conversation. It’s like a child saying, “Well you can’t debate me back because we’re told not to speak, so there!”
A little hurt and not wanting to overstep, I reached out to George Thompson through his Patreon which I’m a member of. I asked what he thought about my situation and if he could offer any advice.
Who is George anyway?
I’ve been watching George’s videos on Taoism for years on YouTube and his online classes are excellent! I was lucky he was holding a Zoom call today, so I jumped on. Noticing I joined the call, he asked me to turn my mic on and explain the situation. I briefly redescribed the comment I received and, always the wiser man, George simply asked what I thought.
Several dozen people had now joined the call, some of whom I’m sure are much smarter than I am. Nervous, I spoke from the heart.
“I’ve always been a gifted speaker and writer and sharing my journey and stories makes me feel happy and joyful. I’ve even had comments from readers thanking me for sharing and stating how much they enjoy my writing. So, if that flows out of me naturally, and Taoism is about finding your true self and being in balance with your nature, then I don’t think what I’m doing is wrong.”
The Answer
Geroge smiled and said, “Hmm” as he bobbed his head in a yes motion. “I agree,” he said in his amazing British accent. “While Taoists generally become hermits and believe that to truly be in balance with nature is to cut themselves off from everything, we do have to balance that with the world we live in. If more of us shared what have learned, then perhaps our world wouldn’t be in the place it’s in today.”
It’s truly amazing how by speaking out loud, you can find answers to the questions that trouble you. Sometimes you just need to hear yourself speak. There’s something about hearing your own words that help you realize whether you were on the right path or not.
Thank you, George, for everything!
