I've counted myself a Taoist adept for several years now. There a lot more to Taoism than the Tao Te Ching and the Chuang-Zu. Those who regularly quote from those two specifically, talk about the "philosophy" and "flow like water through life" are practicing what academic scholars refer to now as "American Taoism" -- which basically focuses on a tiny portion of the canon and strips out all the dogma. It is to original Taoism what the Protestant reformation did to Christianity. I don't mean to say that's good or bad (because there's no such thing as absolute duality), but there's a very distinct difference.
Taoism is about identifying the Tao in everything through observation of nature and its cycles, and recognizing and nurturing the energies within your own body. Using ritual, meditation (moving or breathing-only), observation, self-moderation, conscious action (or conscious in-action where necessary) and diligent practice of whatever you value, etc., you learn to experience the mountains and abysses of life for what they really are, live without attachment, assist others where needed and at the same time meld into the background noise without a care. You connect and receive the Tao (the original creative source) regularly and give back that much and more. It's a beautiful, yet very personal, experience. (When do or don't you act? Memorize the "I Ching" to discover the nature of change itself, then apply that to life. You'll begin to see things very differently.)
Taoism places just as much emphasis (if not more) on the body as Buddhism places on the mind. As human beings, we are bound by this body and we cannot return or receive the Tao without it being strong and healthy. We cannot service others without first taking care of ourselves. Hence the thousands of years of alchemy and dietetics "research". Eastern alchemy focused on ways of transforming energies in the body. Many of the ancient dietetics practices are regularly turning up as "new discoveries!" in America.
One thing I love about the Taoist canon is its practical application. Its authors wrote very succinctly, almost to the point of providing instruction manuals; however, you must understand the original meanings behind the terminology to use it correctly. Obviously you require a master once you get to a certain point. We can talk about the wonderful philosophy of Taoism and the paradoxes in the mainstream works until we're blue in the face, but you must begin to practice that philosophy consciously and apply the "exercises" to your daily schedule. Wu-Wei is just as much about non-action as it is diligent long-term practice that makes something "appear" effortless to the layman.
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