Ordinary Mind Zen School The Tao of Dealing with Conflict
Feb 15, 2026
A clear look at Taoist metaphors for handling conflict, using water and mountain images. Short lessons on when to yield and when to stand firm. Guidance on sensing authentic bodily signals for boundaries. Practical links between sitting practice and staying steady amid disturbance. Exploration of yin and yang balance in responses.
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Flow Like Water To Harmonise With Life
- Taoism's water-course metaphor encourages harmonising and yielding to life as it is.
- Geoff Dawson links this river-like approach to adapting around circumstances in relationships and organisations.
Sit Like A Mountain To Stand Your Ground
- The mountain metaphor complements the river: sometimes you must stand your ground rather than yield.
- Geoff Dawson says sitting like a mountain is non-reactive stability, not volcanic anger or sulking.
Refuse Calmly And Return To Centre
- Do express your refusal calmly and authentically when your body tells you not to go along with something.
- Geoff Dawson advises returning to a centred, steady state rather than reacting explosively or sulking.