I loved reading and watching Winnie the Pooh as a child.
A few weeks ago, I made this inspirational poster and put it on Facebook after seeing this quote on my friend Jen’s post at Jungle of Life. The response was tremendous… 72 shares! It made me realize how much wisdom there is in the writings of A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie the Pooh series.
Alan Alexander Milne was a London playwright who wrote these tales for his son, Christopher Robin Milne in 1926. Winnie the Pooh was based on a bear at the London Zoo. All the other characters, except for Owl and Rabbit, were named after Christopher Robin’s stuffed animals.
Children and adults love Winnie the Pooh and his friends. Each character has a wonderful message to send out to the world: Owl and the quest for knowledge, Eyeore and pessimism, Piglet and bravery, Tigger and believing in yourself and … Pooh and Taoism.
Yes, Taoism. Have you ever heard of the book, The Tao of Pooh? I’ve wanted to read it and just ordered it from Amazon.
I read up a little on Taoism and loved what I read:
Tao means “The path” in Chinese. Lao Tzu, was the founder and first teacher of Taoism about 640 BCE. The proper path in life, says Taoism, is one that works in harmony with reality, the essence of the natural universe. Taoists believe that life should be peaceful and filled with joy. We should recognize and trust our own Inner Nature, and not lose sight of it.
The author, Benjamin Hoft, of The Tao of Pooh wrote the book based on the principles of Taoism and the ‘uncarved block’.
“One of the basic principles of Taoism is P’U; the Uncarved Block. The essence of the Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed. Which brings us to Pooh, the very Epitome of the Uncarved Block. When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few other things that get in the way, sooner or later you will discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun. Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work, odd as that may appear to others at times.”***
Winnie the Pooh might be a bear with “very little brain” but what brains he has are full of wisdom. And now… these quotes from, not Lao Tzu, but the wise characters of Winnie the Pooh!
On living in the moment:
“What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”
On being zen-like:
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
On love:
“How do you spell ‘love’?” – Piglet
“You don’t spell it…you feel it.” – Pooh”
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”
On anticipation:
“ ‘Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best,’ and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called.”
On getting older and trying to remember:
“Think, think, think.”
On kindness:
“Just because an animal is large, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo.”
“Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.”
On understanding the meaning of life:
“Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.”
On listening skills:
“If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”
On friendship:
“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”
“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together. There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like “What about lunch?”
“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
On Mindfulness:
“Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
No wonder Winnie the Pooh appeals to children! A.A. Milne often said he didn’t write the Pooh-books just for children in the first place. He is still teaching me about life today!
I have decided to get two books of The Tao of Pooh and give one away. Please comment below if you’d like to get The Tao Of Pooh!
**If you like this, you may like a post I wrote called the Tao Of Charlotte A. Cavatica, based on the writings of E.B. White.
***pictures and the “uncarved block” paragraph from Just Pooh.com.
I’d love this, it’s on my list of must reads. I’ve seen a lot of Pooh quoted in FB pages and zen blogs like ours – and it is totally clear how the two fit, but you’ve really gone into it here and this was so interesting. Yes, AA Milne had SO many great quotes.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
So glad you enjoyed Sheila! I have, too, and decided it was time for me to read the Tao of Pooh, too. I’m sure I’ll do a follow up post with more quotes!
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This is wonderful! I’ve always loved Winnie the Pooh and I can totally see the essence of the Tao in him. I wish there were more such cartoons these days helping to instill emotional intelligence into the children.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Thanks so much Nea! There is some great TV out there but not like Pooh. I like the slowness of the show and the book that most cartoons lack today.
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I’d forgotten how much I love Pooh, Thanks for the reminder!
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
So glad you commented Pam! I felt the same way as I gathered the quotes and read about Taoism. I’d forgotten how wonderful the book and the movies truly are!
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Love this post! Winnie the Pooh has been showing up a lot lately for me, in various ways… so strange. I think it’s a sign to read this book. You never know how and why things show up as they do.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Thanks Lindsey! I totally agree that you never know why syncronicity shows up. Isn’t that a funny feeling when you see signs around you like that!
Thank you for your comment!
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Love the easy learning. I am also fond of Winnie the Pooh and have some of the books. And stickers on my cupboard. I remember reading these quotes the first time – and once again, realized how logical children are. As they say, out of the mouths of babes.
Great compilation, Betsy. Always beautiful to read.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
I agree… it’s great to think like a kid. It seems that we spend most of our lives trying to get back to that wonderful place in childhood. So glad you enjoyed Vidya!
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Wonderful, the essence of life is here!
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Thank you Jan! And thanks for stopping by and commenting!!
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loved the anaylsis… & have always loved pooh..
would love to read the book too
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Glad you have loved Winnie the Pooh, too! Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comment!
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Betsy, I loved this!
There is so much eternal wisdom in children’s literature.
In my childhood I used to be a vociferous reader of classic children’s books and I would like to believe that some of the inherent wisdom rubbed off on me:-).
I still can’t understand why with so many classical and great books out there why one would ever read any of the so called “trashy” novels.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Thank you so much, Arvind! I love the classics, too. We had a wonderful bookshelf filled with my grandparents books which I read all summer long. Louisa May Alcott was my favorite author! I got so much from those books!
Thanks for your comment!
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Dear Betsy, I started following your blog a few months ago as a friend mentioned it to me. There is so much wisdom en warmth in everything you write. I’m having a rather tough time emotionally for the moment and I find a lot of support in your blog. Several of the quotes from Pooh brought tears in my eyes but it were ‘good’ tears. Tears remembering the beauty of life, the small things that are in fact big things, about things one all too often takes for granted but should be cherished.
(as English is not my mother tongue, there might be some mistakes written in this comment, for which I appologize).
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Your comment brought tears to my eyes! Also good tears. I’m so happy that the blog is helping you through this difficult time. You are so right about the small things that we take for granted. We must appreciate life! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
Your English is wonderful by the way!
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Hey Betsy! The Tao of Pooh is a great book! I read it years ago and should re-read it! I love the quote you found: “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
It’s all in the way you look at it, isn’t it!?
Lori
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Wise old Pooh, as always! The simplicity and wisdom are always there.
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Hey Betsy, I read The “Tao of Pooh” several years ago and loved it. In fact, I had never actually read the old poems and stories of A.A. Milne (only seen what was on the Disney cartoons or movies). When my oldest daughter was born, we bought a book of A.A. Milne’s classic poems and stories and I loved reading them to her! And I actually thought about “The Tao of Pooh!”
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My mother-in-law bought several Pooh books for my children a few years ago and we read them together. It was my first time reading Pooh! I’m so glad we started with the sweet stories of Pooh before moving on to Junie B., Judy Moody, and the rest! I would never have thought to sit and think about the quotes as you have. Thanks for new insight and I’d love to read “Tao of Pooh”.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Hi Terry,
As my kids gets older I sometimes long for the simpler days and the sweeter books. It was a crazy time with three boys but I loved it. I think you would love the book and I’m so glad you enjoyed the quotes!
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Funny how many of these I have given away to friends, reading it each time before it leaves my hands. I have never bought it for me.
Last trip to England, I went to Ashdown Forest where Christopher Robin romped with his friends. All the places are there. I will send you a photo of us playing pooh sticks on the bridge. It is a wonderful place.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:27 pm
Amazing that you went to England and saw Ashdown Forest (the 100 Acre wood). I never knew that!! I’d love to see your picture!!
Thanks for the comment Krissy!
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I loved Pooh when my boys were little! Now teenagers, we could do with a little more Wisdom of Pooh – more so than even when they were little! I would love to read this book and share it with them and my husband!
Really enjoy your Blog – thank you for your insight!
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Deb,
I completely understand – everyone needs a little inspiration during those teenage years. Sounds perfect to share with them and your husband. My husband and I always try to share those little pearls of wisdom with each other and our boys. They’re listening at some level! Thanks for reading my blog and commenting!!
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Really enjoyed reading this blog. Loved all the quotes.
Had forgotten how much fun and wisdom the Winnie the Pooh stories were.
I’ll put my name in for the Tao book.
Love,
Ted
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
So glad you enjoyed the quotes and wisdom, Ted! I’d think you’d love the book!!
And thanks for commenting, too!
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I read The Tao of Pooh years ago. Reading the quotes you selected reminds me that I definitely need to read it again. The power of simplicity – it can change your day and your life.
Thanks for sharing these quotes! They’ve definitely made me slow down, take a deep breath and simply be (the concept of wu wei introduced in the book that I love).
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:31 pm
I would see the books in the college bookstore when it first came out. I thought it looked interesting. Now I’m at such a different stage in life – same person but ready for simplicity! So glad you enjoyed the quotes! I love the idea of wu wei and will have to read more about it!
Thanks Paige!
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I loved this when I read it back in college. It actually would make a great read for my son now. There is a great blessing for adults who get to read children’s books with a child too – it really takes you back and realize what formed you. Right before my child turned 6 I found “Now We Are Six” which was given to me as a 6th birthday present and inscribed by my mother – I inscribed it right below and gave it to my son.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:33 pm
I can’t agree more about reading a book with a child. My husband’s parents didn’t read to the child so each book was new to him. If you have read the book, you definitely see it through new eyes. What a wonderful thing to give you son the book your mother gave you! A priceless gift!!
Thanks for commenting Julie!
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Betsy..
I have never read the Tao of Pooh. But who doesn’t love Winnie The Pooh? So many wonderful quotes that you’ve shared but this is my favorite:
“Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”
Great post Betsy…a delicious combination of joy and wisdom. Thank you.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
So glad you enjoyed! And I love that quote, too! I would like to research A.A. Milne a little more and see what other things he did in his life. He was very wise!
Thanks Fran!
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One of the BEST I’ve come across yet…Read them all and yearn for more Tao from Winnie the Pooh
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Thanks Harleen! So glad you enjoyed. I’ll read and maybe do a follow up post!
I so appreciate your comment!
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Betsy,
I love this stuff and I read the book the year it was published. Simple wisdom, the best kind!
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Thanks, Tess! I saw the book when it first came out. I was in college and considered buying it several times. Looking forward to reading it and soaking in the simple wisdom!
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I am excited about this! I love Pooh and have some prints from the book! As a concerned parent regarding television, Pooh was the only animated show they could watch! I love simply profound messages from Pooh. The characters are true examples of family. Working through challenges and full of opportunity for learning and love. Thanks for the opportunity! I look forward to hearing from you.
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Thanks Karen,
So glad you enjoyed the post! It truly brings back wonderful memories for me of watching the show and watching it with my children. And I agree, the characters each have something to add and lessons to learn. Thanks so much for stopping by to comment!
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Betsy,
I’ve heard of this book…and always wanted to read it (and it keeps getting put off to buy “another day”…). Looking forward to hearing what you think of it…
I just really love the quote on understanding the meaning of life. Methinks it’s time to visit a small bridge and gaze down at the water…
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Betsy Reply:
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Hi Lance,
I’ve seen this book around since college days. I’m so glad I’m finally going to read it! I’ll have to do a follow up post!
There’s nothing better than gazing at the river from the bridge. Bring some sticks to throw off and watch float!!
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I love the Tao of Pooh. I first read it 20 years ago and still have the same copy where I highlighted my favorite passages
I didn’t read every comment so I don’t know if it’s been mentioned or not, but there are several accompaniments to this book, such as The Te of Piglet, Pooh and the Philosophers, and Winnie the Pooh on Problem Solving.
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Betsy Reply:
April 4th, 2012 at 6:11 am
So glad you have read the book and love it!! I noticed it when the book first came out but was a poor college student and only bought books for class. I did notice that Benjamin Hoff went on to write several other books. (His website is http://www.benjaminhoffauthor.com/ and it’s interesting) I’ll have to look for the other books I read the Tao of Pooh. I’d love hear about your favorite passages. Thanks for the comment!!
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Betsy! I absolutely loved this post. It’s so weird. The last 3 days Winnie the Pooh has been coming up everywhere. I read Lance’s post on the The Jungle of Life with the Pooh quote. Then, the next day I’m reading The Dream Manager, and it quotes Pooh saying, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”
And now today here I am, reading a particularly profound Blog post on the Tao of Pooh. When it rains it pours.
But I seriously enjoyed this post. What I have presently been working on is the idea of living in the moment, so I love how Piglet answers the question what day is it by saying today!
I actually just finished reading the book The Way of the Peaceful Warrior and one of my favorite ideas from it is, “Where are you? Here. What time is it? Now.”
Love your blog Betsy.
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Betsy Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:13 am
Thanks Chris!
Isn’t it amazing when something keeps coming up in your life. So glad you enjoyed the post. That Piglet quote is one of my favorites, too. I’d love to read The Way Of The Peaceful Warrior. It’s been recommended to me many times. Love the quote from that, too. Maybe I need to read that next!
Thanks for stopping by and I’ll head over and visit your blog as well!
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I did read the Tao of Pooh, but I was in high school which was a long time ago. I should read it again.
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Betsy Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:14 am
I saw the book out there when I was in college. I’d always pick it and think that maybe I’ll read it but never did. I wish I had. I think you’d probably have a different perspective now as a mother and adult! Thanks for commenting!
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I love the wisdom of Pooh – so simple and profound. I’ve been sharing your facebook quotes from Pooh, and some of the others…I look forward to seeing your posts each day, or on facebook, as they are always encouraging. Thanks…
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Betsy Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:15 am
Thanks so much Jimi Ann! And so glad you came over here from facebook. When I get a comment like yours it inspires me to keep on going and posting.
Thanks for commenting and I hope you keep coming to Zen Mama!
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GREAT POST! I absolutely love every single quote in the “On Friendship” category. Made me chuckle, made me smile, made me want to cry. So sweet and poignant. I’m glad I found your blog.
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Betsy Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:21 am
Hi Christie,
I’m so glad you enjoyed!! I, too, love the friendship quotes. I think I have more quotes in that category than any other! I had even more but stopped at four. They are sweet and poignant…Makes me think that we all kind of forget how much we loved Pooh as children.
Thanks for commenting and I hope you keep coming to Zen Mama! I’ll check out yours as well!
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Hi Betsy,
This was a lovely post and an excellent compilation of life lessons from Winnie the Pooh.
The greatest happiness I believe comes from simplicity. Simple things come without the seeds of emotional baggage, which can so often arise when we make life complex.
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Betsy Reply:
April 10th, 2012 at 6:21 am
Hiten,
So glad you enjoyed! I agree about simplicity. It’s just sometimes hard to get there, isn’t it? I plan to have more simplicity in my life as I get older!!
Thanks for coming by and commenting!
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I’m always sharing A. A. Milne quotes. They are beautiful and speak to the heart. Another great post here, Betsy. I think I’m caught up! I hope you are well.
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Betsy Reply:
April 10th, 2012 at 6:12 am
Thanks Julie! I can see you read everything in a day! Wow! Hope you enjoyed and hope you and your boys are doing well!!
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Thankyou Betsy..the kindness and thought you put into all your endeavors…am grateful to have had Zen Mama cross my fb path..leading me to your blog…namaste
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Betsy Reply:
April 10th, 2012 at 6:13 am
Patti,
So glad you came over here from facebook! That inspires me to keep going. Thanks for your kindness as well!
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I have not realized that there can be so much Tao in the stories of Winnie the Pooh. Thanks for highlighting it for me. I enjoyed your post and the quotes that you’ve shared very much.
Is the Tao of Pooh primarily a book for children? It will be great to have a copy whether for myself or my children
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Betsy Reply:
April 10th, 2012 at 6:15 am
I hadn’t either! I’m just starting the book myself. I would guess it’s one for older teens and adults. I’ll put you in the drawing for the free book though! So glad you enjoyed and came by to comment Evelyn!
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“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like “What about lunch?”
Just found you, I am glad
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Betsy Reply:
April 10th, 2012 at 6:18 am
So glad you came here, Nik! Hope you’ll keep coming by and commenting!
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hard to pick a favorite, they all bring a smile to your face
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Betsy Reply:
April 10th, 2012 at 6:18 am
So glad you enjoyed Louise! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!
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I love the Tao Of Pooh! I’ve read it several times over the years – I used to have a sweatshirt I loved to wear that said “Pooh just is”
Some how as life progresses, people tend to get complicate things and “try” to do rather than allow/be. I know that somehow I’ve journeyed far from just being and am working to go back to that place of being.
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Betsy Reply:
April 10th, 2012 at 6:20 am
Aileen,
It is amazing that as we get older we need that simplicity again. I can’t believe I never read the book but it just arrived and the mail. So I’m looking forward to finding out what you already know!
Thanks for coming by and commenting!
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Love these quotes! I’m a huge fan of the Tao of Pooh – thanks for sharing. In contrast to these wonderful Pooh philosophies, here’s a recent take on Pooh and friends had Facebook been around in the time of A.A. Milne:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/winnie-the-pooh-checks-in-what-happens-when-facebook-arrives-in-the-hundred-acre-wood-632537/
I’d rather stick with the Tao of Pooh!
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Betsy Reply:
May 4th, 2012 at 6:31 am
Hi Rebecca,
I read the article. Yikes! Kinda of depressing!! I believe facebook is what you make of it and the author of that article must have some issues!! I’d rather stick with the Tao of Pooh, too. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see your name here again soon!!
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