♥ Wednesday Favorites: Books; "The Tao of Pooh" & "The Te of Piglet" ♥

Almost a year ago I picked up the book "The Tao of Pooh" after having heard about the book a few times before deciding to finally pick it up (I was sold on the fact it's printed on recycled paper ^_^).  It was a simple and fun little book and an easy and fun read. 

The author, Benjamin Hoff, is incredibly inspiring and points out the basic principles of Taoism through A.A. Milne's long-loved characters of the Hundred Acre Wood. Throughout the inspiring read, we are joined by Pooh Bear, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo at various points as they interact with Hoff as he writes his book. To expand upon his points, Hoff also uses quotes and excerpts from Milne's beloved books Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner, as well as various prominent Taoist texts, from authors such as Laozi and Zhuangzi. 

It was also surprising to see how actually complex and diverse the characters of Winnie-the-Pooh actually are and just how much they have to teach us. For example, Eeeyore is the eternal pessimist who complains and frets and is unable to just be. Owl and Rabbit over-complicate problems by over-thinking and over-analyzing. Tigger thinks he can do anything. Meanwhile, Pooh Bear best just Is. Hoof regards Pooh's simpleminded nature and instinctive problem-solving methods as perfect representations of the Taoist philosophical foundation. 

It is humorous, delightful, and leaves you with a smile on your face. Not only is it fun and silly, but it is incredibly helpful as well. It introduces the basic principles of Taoism and teaches them with a western approach. I didn't know much about Taoism but found the principles make more sense to me than anything I've read before. And yet the ideologies are so simple and basic that you almost feel silly for not having just realized these things for yourself. It will inspire you to live your life simply, beautifully, with appreciation and love, and to follow "The Way." 

"The Te of Piglet" is the companion book to "The Tao of Pooh" and is another wonderful read. This books expands upon the concept of  'Virtue — of the small' presenting us with Piglet whom possesses great power, not only because he is small, but because he has a great heart. It also dives in deeper and gets more complex on the issues and problems of humanity and how they tend to get in the way of living in harmony with the Tao (or "Way"). It was written back in 1992 and yet reading it I felt like it should have been written yesterday. From our materialism, destruction of nature, economy over environment, war, political agendas, and society's ideologies, this book  is incredibly relevant, eye-opening, and informative. It is a slap in the face that rings truer today than ever before. 

And we are still joined, of course, by the quirky characters of the Hundred Acre Wood, for both entertainment and valuable tools to teach us about Taoism, in this endearing book about life, love, happiness, and Being. It is another easy read and even more insightful than the first book. 

I cannot say enough good things about both of these books. Simply put, they are Incredible! And they are Must-reads!  Benjamin Hoff is brilliant in his story-telling, his information, and, of course, his writing. But enough about my praise towards these two books, go pick up a copy and read for yourself! 

Peace & Love

xo

~Bianca 

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