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Nothing to do. Nowhere to go (Paperback)
Nothing to do. Nowhere to go (Paperback)
*Price includes book + online course + extra materials
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A visual retelling of the classic Book of the Way - The Tao Te Ching. Told though the eyes of a contemporary Tai Chi wanderer, carrying muddy boots, a warm flask, and the quiet knowing that nothing lasts.
Hi, I’m Paul Read — aka the teapotmonk - teacher, author, and long-time Tai Chi tinkerer.After decades teaching around the world, I’ve distilled what actually works into one simple, adaptable toolkit for beginners.

No jargon. No judgement. Just breath, stillness, and the gentle art of letting go.
***** "This version is grounded, clear, and refreshingly modern. The language flows like Tai Chi—simple, balanced, and unforced. It doesn’t try to impress, just to be. If you practice Tai Chi or lean toward the Taoist path, this version feels like it was made for you."
A book that applies the Tao: Reading and doing are different skills. So the pages draw on Tai Chi—where philosophy moves, roots, balances, and breathes.
Nothing to Do, Nowhere to Go is a quiet celebration of living lightly, listening deeply, and standing still—especially when everyone else is shouting.
Less a guidebook, more a refuge. A 21st-century reimagining of the Tao Te Ching, drawn in soft lines and vanishing steps.
***** I’ve been waiting with bated breath. Ever since Paul announced this I have been waiting patiently. I am not disappointed.
BONUS CONTENT
- Audio recording of book, chapter by chapter released monthly.
AVAILABILITY:
If ordering from USA and certain other countries you will need to order direct from publisher below
- Try direct from publishers own website here
- Or check out the ebook version.
- Scottish Highlands delivery costs can be high when ordering direct from printers - contact me first for alternative delivery.
BOOK DETAILS
- Pages: 267
- 81 illustrations
- Weight 518g
EMAIL LINKS
Please let me know if the automated mail to notify you of additional training material does not reach you within 24 hours - then I will manually forward this to you.
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I wish that I still had my dog-eared old first edition of Gia-Fu's and Jane English's Tao Te Ching for this picture, but it never came back the last time I loaned it out. I was introduced to Tai Chi by a student of Gia-Fu's and then by Gia-Fu himself briefly in Manitou Springs and once in the Wet Mountains. I can't say that i knew him at all from those brief encounters and I have no right to say this, but I believe that he would approve. These go well together.
I'm humbled by your associations Jerry. I am fortunate that I still have my dog-eared copy of the Gia-Fu and Jane English edition. And it has only deepend my interest in the tao over time. Thanks for your comments 🙏
It’s obvious from the text that Paul is no mystic genius, just an ordinary bloke. But what could be better? In his hands the Tao takes on something of that ordinariness, and becomes more approachable. 5 stars.
Darryl - thank you for your comment, one that encompasses the simplicity of the tao itself. 🙏
What a wonderful interpretation of the Tao Te Ching by a longtime practitioner of Tai Chi! Read's writing has always steered away from rigidity and toeing the line of tradition; a "Free-Range Taoist" as he is know to some. This book is no different. Plus, it has a nice, clean, easy-to-read layout with lovely illustrations.
Practitioners of Tai Chi will appreciate the allusions to the practice as each chapter ties in Taoist thought with Tai Chi practice.
I've had to force myself to approach the book a short chapter at a time so as to absorb the message in each, so I haven't completely read it.
I'm a fan of the TTC interpretations by Ursula LeGuin, Ron Hogan, and William Martin. Paul Read's Nothing To Do. Nowhere to Go will take it's place along side those for regular reading.
As I am looking to imminent retirement in a few days, the title seems especially apropos 🙂.
Thank you Rick for your kind words and for all your reccomendations for reading over the years that have contributed to my understanding of the book. Wishing you well on the next stage in your journey.
Interesting book for all Tai Chi students
I have multiple versions of the Tao Te Ching and this is by far my favourite.