The Uselessness of the Journey

Ultimately, there isn't a path that we can travel that achieves the "true" way.  Any efforts we make might be a reflection of it, but even discussing the dao nullifies the possible truth of its manifestation. The true name cannot be named.  This picture represents the paradoxical nature of the way.  As we learn more about avoiding wisdom, we grow wise.  We might draw close, but our very attempt to draw close keeps us from obtaining absolute perfection.

Excessive Order

This is my family's pantry cabinet.  Everything is very ordered and it is placed in such a way that it is aesthetically pleasing.  However, it can be tricky to determine whether ordering this cabinet is in line with the dao.  It all comes down to whether this action was effortless or required direct willpower/evaluation.  Though balance is virtuous, spontaneity is an essential element of the dao.

Preserving Balance

After winter, vines begin growing on our fence.  As summer arrives, we cut back the vines to preserve our pool area.  Harmony is important here: the "untamed" backdrop of the woods is still desirable, but we don't allow it to dominate our view/space.  We remove excess, while allowing opposites to reside together.

A Time Before Things

There’s a prevalent theme of returning to a past ideal state.  This signifies a return to “natural spontaneity” when we acted on instinct rather than thought out evaluation.  I took this picture because I felt like it.

Appearance Doesn't Determine Perfection

Keeping with the theme of effortless action, or even nonaction, perfection doesn't always appear like perfection.  Packing to go home, which is pictured above, might look chaotic but it was ordered.  The process was effortless--second nature. 

Simplicity

The dao is simple.  It doesn't require specific shape to be useful.  Similar to this picture of the sky, its beauty lies in its plain nature.

Effortless Beauty

 

This tree doesn't strive to be beautiful and so it is beautiful.  Its flowers come in spring, and leave in winter.  It isn't active.  It is fleeting.