A Taoist lens on uncertainty - Navigating paradox, presence, and healing.

In this 152nd episode, I speak with Prashanthi Amarnath about how Taoist principles can help reshape our relationship to uncertainty, fear, decision‑making, and our emotional life.

We discuss how uncertainty affects physiology and the nervous system. The conversation explores why the mind resists paradox and how cultivating perceptual flexibility — the “non‑fixed mind” Lao Tzu describes — expands relational attunement and emotional plasticity.

We discuss the concept of "wu wei" as an inner posture of effortless responsiveness rather than passivity, and discuss how embracing paradox can free decision‑making.

We discuss these things and much more! Tune in for a lovely conversation.

Love & Taoism

In this episode, John speaks with Prashanthi Amarnath about her book Embracing Paradox, which pulls from Taoist wisdom. We discuss the Taoist concept Wu Wei, or effortless action, love, parenting, identity, and the paradox between science and mysticism, among other subjects.

Embracing paradox with Prashanthi Amarnath

Guest: Prashanthi Amarnath — author of Embracing Paradox

What we explore:

* Paradox as the doorway to intuition

* Certainty vs. curiosity (and why curiosity is more universal)

* Wu wei (effortless action) as “clarity without force,” not passivity

* Goals, achievement, and releasing attachment to outcomes without giving up effort

* Parenting inside a system built on grades, metrics, and performance

* Why Prashanthi speaks of “Mother Tao” and the yin/yang balance within us

* Fear, visibility, and allowing yourself to be misunderstood without self-betrayal

* Transition as a spiritual practice: the pause where clarity rises on its own

* Why Taoism may become more relevant in an AI-saturated world

* The Tao Te Ching as invitation, not instruction—and why ambiguity is its gift

Embracing Paradox and the Tao Te Ching

In this episode of The Bottom Turtle Podcast, Dr. Ray speaks with Prashanthi Amarnath.  Prashanthi is an information technology engineer and the author of "Embracing Paradox: Dive into a mystical advanture with the Tao Te Ching Through 81 enchanting micro lessons!".  Prashanthi's approach to the Tao is practical and personal.  It's not meant to be a scholarly exposition explaining the Tao.  Instead, it's meant to put the reader in relationship with the aspect of the Tao that invites openness without the need for resolve tensions.  In doing so, letting the reader know there is comfort in what's perceived as the negative traits of life as well as the positive.  

We also speak about the paradox of evil.  The relationship between paradox and faith.  Paradox as a logical singularity.  Paradox in relation to the feminine and masculine and more. So join us if you're interested in the nature of paradox and how embracing it is exactly what you need.  And don't forget to check out Prashanthi's book.  Link to purchase it on Amazon is given below. 

Living the both/and: Embracing Paradox

In this episode of The Ancient Road Home, I’m joined by debut author Prashanthi Amarnath for a rich and expansive conversation on the power of paradox.

Drawing from the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching and her book Embracing Paradox, Prashanthi invites us to release the need to choose between opposites and instead learn how to hold both at once — effort and surrender, clarity and uncertainty, structure and flow. We explore how true freedom doesn’t come from fixing or controlling life, but from accepting the moment as it is and allowing life to move through us.

Together, we unpack how embracing paradox softens our grip on fixed outcomes, brings greater clarity to modern life, and opens the door to a deeper sense of ease, trust, and presence. This conversation is a reminder that life isn’t meant to be solved — it’s meant to be lived, fully and honestly, in all of its contradictions.