Understand the impact of childhood rejection in adulthood and discover transformative techniques to help you heal and thrive. Childhood rejection and neglect often leave a lasting imprint on our emotional and mental wellbeing and shape how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world as adults. Those who experienced childhood rejection might engage in people-pleasing, perfectionism, or rescuing behaviours in relationships. They may also struggle with trust and self-identity, feeling disconn...
Mar 07, 2025•28 min
Welcome to our new Tao Dialogues – powerful yet gentle teachings from David James Lees about authenticity, spirituality and finding emotional balance and flow in everyday life. These special spoken-word episodes draw from David's practice as a Taoist monk and teacher and expand upon popular posts in David’s Journal , his Substack blog. You can subscribe to David’s Journal here: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/ We hope to publish a new Tao Dialogue every third Saturday. This first Tao Di...
Feb 28, 2025•27 min
A powerful guided meditation to help you calm your mind, enjoy the present moment and navigate life's challenges with greater peace and clarity – with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY This meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com Subscribe to David’s Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/ O...
Feb 21, 2025•25 min
Learn how to live in the now, enjoy the present moment's richness and navigate life's challenges with greater peace and clarity. Do you often find your mind racing ahead to the future or stuck in the past? You're not alone. Many of us struggle to stay rooted in the present moment, letting our Inner Child draw us away with worries and regrets. But what if we could learn to live in the now, appreciating the only thing we truly have control over? In this episode, we explore how embra...
Feb 14, 2025•30 min
A powerful guided inner child meditation to help you find and dissolve the blocks to happiness that are holding you back – with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY This meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com Subscribe to David’s Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/ Other teachings and guided me...
Feb 08, 2025•35 min
Do you believe you don't deserve happiness? Many of us carry guilt, shame, or unworthiness that blocks our joy and inner peace. In this episode, you’ll discover how these feelings arise from deeper beliefs such as "I'm a bad person" or "I'm not good enough." These beliefs stem from experiences where we felt unloved or unworthy. You’ll learn how these complex beliefs were formed in childhood and are now rooted in your Inner Child — a part of your mind that holds...
Jan 31, 2025•27 min
A powerful guided meditation to help you balance the innocence of your Inner Child and the wisdom of your authentic self (Shen) – with Taoist monk and teacher David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY This meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com Subscribe to David’s Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/ Other teachings and gui...
Jan 24, 2025•38 min
Learn how to balance childlike innocence and wonder whilst avoiding naivety, especially in relationships, setting boundaries, and pursuing dreams. The Inner Child is a part of our psyche that embodies innocence, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. It helps us engage with the world openly and optimistically. However, it's crucial to differentiate between this healthy openness and wishful thinking, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and emotional turmoil. This episode explores why naive...
Jan 17, 2025•20 min
A powerful guided meditation to help you calm your mind, release tension and find inner peace – with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com Subscribe to David’s Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/ Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy: Guided Meditation playlist ➜ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9...
Jan 10, 2025•32 min
Learn how to calm your busy mind, avoid emotional overwhelm, and find deep peace. Is your mind constantly racing with distractions and demands? Many of us live in a state of mental busyness, overwhelmed by information overload in our daily lives. But finding a calm mind is possible, and it offers enormous emotional, physical, and spiritual benefits. In this episode, we explain how! With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees...
Jan 03, 2025•29 min
A powerful guided meditation to help you release anxiety and embrace uncertainty and unpredictability in life – with Taoist monk and teacher David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY This meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com Subscribe to David’s Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/ Other teachings and guided meditations yo...
Dec 27, 2024•32 min
Learn how to release anxiety and embrace uncertainty and unpredictability in life. Do uncontrollable or unknown situations create fear and discomfort in you? Many people seek control and stability, which can make uncertainty feel unsettling. But what if embracing the unknown could bring a sense of peace and growth instead? In this episode, you’ll discover why embracing the unknown is not about being reckless or overly positive but about finding balance, being open to life's possibilities, a...
Dec 20, 2024•17 min
Learn how to overcome a victim mindset and feel safe and empowered. A victim mindset often starts with negative self-talk, such as "I'm not good enough," "I can't cope," or "I'm unlovable." This mindset can lead to seeing the world as an aggressive place set up for you to fail. In this episode, we explore overcoming the victim mindset and aligning with your true self. This alignment brings emotional wellbeing and a sense of security in your capabiliti...
Dec 13, 2024•29 min
Learn how to let go of perfectionism, fault-finding and self-criticism and be more at peace with yourself and your life. Do you ever find yourself caught in the endless cycle of striving for perfection? Whether it's in your appearance, relationships, or career, the pressure to be perfect can feel overwhelming. But what if you could let go of this need for perfection and embrace who you truly are? In this episode, we explore how to find that sense of trust and safety within yourself by under...
Dec 06, 2024•24 min
This is part 4 in our 5-part teaching series about THE MOST VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS you must teach your Inner Child to help reparent, love and nurture them. Your Inner Child craves control and predictability. It wants everything to be perfect and is uncomfortable with uncertainty. This desire for control leads to emotional turmoil when reality doesn't match these expectations. In this episode, you’ll discover how living in flow (‘wu wei’) is a powerful way to find peace amidst life's unc...
Nov 29, 2024•17 min
This is part 3 in our 5-part teaching series about THE MOST VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS you must teach your Inner Child to help reparent, love and nurture them. In this episode, we focus on how to help your Inner Child recognize its inherent value. Many people grapple with the concept of self-worth, believing it needs to be earned through the approval of others. You might feel disconnected from your true self if you've spent years seeking external validation. We explore ways to reconnect through ...
Nov 22, 2024•25 min
This is part 2 in our 5-part teaching series about THE MOST VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS you must teach your Inner Child to help reparent, love and nurture them. You are the creator of your emotions, not the victim. This concept can be challenging for the Inner Child to accept, as it often sees itself as a victim of emotions. Teaching the Inner Child to move from emotional overwhelm to empowerment involves recognizing emotions as signals for self-discovery. When you feel discomfort, it's an opport...
Nov 15, 2024•26 min
This is part 1 in our new 5-part teaching series about THE MOST VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS you must teach your Inner Child to help reparent, love and nurture them. In this episode, we explore why the Inner Child part of your psyche often feels fearful and insecure. It's that inner voice that worries about what might happen or dwells on unhappy past events, imagining they will repeat. This part of your mind is often rooted in confusing or traumatic childhood experiences. Understanding that this I...
Nov 08, 2024•30 min
Enjoy a calming meditation journey to help you release anger – with Taoist monk and teacher David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY This meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy: Guided Meditation playlist ➜ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&s...
Nov 01, 2024•26 min
Anger, resentment and the desire for revenge are powerful emotions that can often lead to a cycle of negativity and distress, but you can overcome them! Understanding the roots of anger, resentment, and the need for revenge and retribution is essential for personal growth and healing. By recognizing that we are the creators of our emotions, we can take responsibility for our reactions and emotional triggers. It is crucial to understand the origins of our anger and the beliefs that fuel it. Traci...
Oct 25, 2024•29 min
Inherited beliefs play a significant role in shaping our perceptions and decisions. These beliefs, often formed in childhood through observation and interaction with family, culture, and society, influence how we view ourselves and the world. Understanding their origin and impact can empower us to live more authentically. In this episode, we explore how these beliefs are formed and how you can identify and transform them to align with your true self. With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained T...
Oct 18, 2024•33 min
Understand attention seeking: its causes, impacts, and solutions. For many, attention seeking begins with a constant need for approval and validation from others. Individuals often seek reassurance from peers, family, or authority figures, craving recognition and approval that they feel is missing from within. Such behavior can manifest in various ways. Some people may overtly seek attention through their looks, status, or achievements, while others might engage in more subtle forms, such as peo...
Oct 11, 2024•28 min
Discover the essence of your intuition and how to connect with this powerful inner guide. Intuition is often described as an inner knowing, a gut feeling, or a quiet voice within. It's that unspoken truth that everyone possesses, yet not everyone listens to it. This inner wisdom is what Taoists refer to as 'Shen', your spirituality. It's a calm, wise, and grounded voice compared to the louder, more demanding voice of the Inner Child or ego. Many people believe intuition is a ...
Oct 04, 2024•31 min
Enjoy a deeply relaxing guided meditation to help you overcome anxiety – with Taoist monk and teacher David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY This soothing and calming meditation will help you overcome anxiety and fear and understand the role your Inner Child plays in creating feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. This meditation is part five of our 5-part anxiety series: Part 1 https://youtu.be/r5r8C9inXfg?si=aopClqYIEHg3PB0I Part 2 https:...
Sep 27, 2024•27 min
Discover how to overcome self-criticism and perfectionism and the anxiety they create. This is part four of our five-part series on managing anxiety using Wu Wei Wisdom techniques. Self-criticism and perfectionism are intertwined phenomena that create feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Overcoming self-criticism and perfectionism requires patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to change. In this episode you’ll learn how to break the cycle of self criticism. You can cultivate a more authent...
Sep 20, 2024•33 min
Discover how to resolve past trauma and traumatic memories so you can heal from your past. This is part three of our five-part series on managing anxiety using Wu Wei Wisdom techniques. We explore anxiety caused by traumatic memories and how you can overcome this. Traumatic memories can be deeply impactful, but with the right approach, you can move forward. Traumatic memories are not just about the events that happened; they are about the long-term beliefs, patterns of thinking and emotional fee...
Sep 13, 2024•28 min
Learn the root cause of your anxiety from fear of the future and obsessing about worst-case scenarios and how to overcome this anxiety using Wu Wei Wisdom techniques. This is part two of our new five-part series on managing anxiety using Wu Wei Wisdom techniques. This episode unpacks fear of the future and obsessive anxiety, which is a common issue among many individuals. It manifests in various forms, affecting different aspects of life such as career, finances, health, and family. This fear of...
Sep 06, 2024•32 min
Discover the root causes of your anxiety and how to overcome it using our Wu Wei Wisdom techniques. This is part one of our new five-part series on managing anxiety using Wu Wei Wisdom techniques. Living with anxiety can significantly impact your health, happiness, and potential. Through deep self-inquiry and Inner Child work, you can address the root causes of your anxiety and begin the healing process. This episode explores how childhood experiences shape anxiety and how empowering techniques ...
Aug 30, 2024•34 min
Enjoy a beautiful meditation journey with your Inner Child – led by Taoist monk and teacher David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY This episode is the fifth and final part of our Inner Child Work Essentials series. WATCH Part 1: https://youtu.be/28-F9eGINf8 Part 2: https://youtu.be/vMr8QMAnPpY Part 3: https://youtu.be/jLbw7LVBYn0 Part 4: https://youtu.be/G-cInLYcd14?si=c698A6RMYQLohCdE This soothing meditation will recap our Inner Child...
Aug 23, 2024•25 min
Learn the fourth vital step in Inner Child work and Inner Child reparenting: nurturing exercises and activities that harness your Inner Child's energy and enthusiasm. This episode is part four of our five-part Inner Child Work Essentials series. Many clients do the hard work of building a relationship with their Inner Child but fail to change their mindset about it: your Inner Child is not your enemy or out to mess up your life. If you keep treating your Inner Child negatively, it will cont...
Aug 16, 2024•18 min
