by Cheng Tong | Jan 22, 2026 | Stillness
There are moments when profound philosophical insights emerge not from strenuous study or deep contemplation, but as clear, unsolicited notions. The insight that “There is nothing you can do to improve yourself. So stop trying,” is one such moment—a spontaneous... 
by Cheng Tong | Jan 7, 2026 | Stillness
I ended my last essay with the line: “Presence is the practice.” If you missed it, you’ll find it here. I wish to expand on that in this essay. In many of my previous discussions, I established two foundational truths for a life lived according to the Dao: first,...