While the Tao may exist in and influence everything I am and do, it still takes an active decision to act and do things that are in line with it, that flow in harmony.  After all, humans by there very nature are resistant to flow and change.  There are many times when the desire for stability forces us to stay in situations that are detrimental to realizing our true potential.   Staying in the same place, the same job, even the same stagnant relationship can offer an illusion of security and stability.  However, when the situation that we face changes before our eyes, and the thing we have been holding onto disintegrates from our grasp, it is easy to see that the only permanence that obtained is within the flow and ebb of change, and life itself.

So through all the ups and downs, all the chaos that exists, when everything, and everyone has fallen away, all that is left is the moment, the presence, the Tao.   That is not to say that I do not enjoy myself or love the life I lead, or the people who have graciously shared it with me so far.   I do.  Some of them I would give my breath for without hesitation.

But in truth, I know that without my practice, I would be a shell of who I am; I was before I started walking the way that I do now.  It is not that I am on a particular path, for with every step, every glance, every touch I create a new one, full of possibilities.  Rather, with each moment, I am learning, and re-learning to truly experience the world, the people, and the spirits around me.  It truly is an exhilarating experience.

And it all begins each day with that first step.

Perhaps, for my first real post on this blog I should introduce myself.  My name is Aleris, and it is probably much easier to tell you what I am not before I tell you what I am.

I am not a self-proclaimed mage

I am not a priestess from some sect created on the internet or some dark mistress of sorcery complete with black nail polish and fake fangs.

I am not a guru who has only a bunch of names that no one recognizes to back up their tales of excellence

In other words, I am simply me, and what I am can be summed up in three simple words:

Practitioner.  Taoism.  Shamanism.

Now you can take those words in any order you want, and assign any connotation that you wish.  The simple fact is the three principles presented in those words are how I live my life and how my magic is created.

So now we come to the purpose of this blog.  While I could certainly wax poetic about various subjects, instead I’m going to use this blog as a record of my workings.  You see, magic, and life isn’t only about what you think – It is also about what you do.

So take these postings for what you will – use the information as you understand and as you see fit.

Many blessings!

Aleris