On the Tao Te Ching as guide through recovery, allowing our process, and the generative medicine of stillness.

• (0:00) – Introduction
• (3:32) – Miguel's Journey and Inspiration
• (6:50) – Day 11: The Use of Emptiness
• (11:44) – Day 19: Empty Your Mind
• (15:16) – Day 25: That Which Cannot Be Named
• (21:00) – Day 60: Handle Life Gently
• (24:46) – Group Facilitation and Personal Reflections
• (26:55) – Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Miguel Rios is an educator, writer, and recovery advocate.

By day, he teaches 8th-grade English, helping young people find their voice through literature. By night—and often early morning—he writes poetry, reflections, and spiritual texts grounded in Taoist philosophy, sobriety, and presence.

The Way Within Without was born from Miguel’s personal journey through recovery. It’s the book he wished he had in the beginning: something honest, non-dogmatic, and deeply gentle. Miguel believes healing happens quietly. In stillness, not striving. In simplicity, not performance. His work blends ancient wisdom with modern clarity, inviting readers to return to the calm already within them. He lives in New York and spends his free time walking, reading, and sipping coffee.

https://www.thewaywithinwithout.com

On the power of letting go of numbing habit energies, aligning with our intrinsic wisdom, and living a clear life. 

• 0:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview
• 1:55 – Discussion on the First Awareness: My Life is Better Clear
• 4:24 – Experimenting with Alcohol and Personal Growth
• 8:37 – The Concept of “Clear” and Personal Agency
• 10:33 – Connection Between Alcohol and Health Issues
• 19:03 – The Fourth Awareness: My Trauma is Not My Identity
• 21:02 – The Fifth Awareness: Forgiveness and Letting Go
• 29:58 – The Sixth Awareness: I Do Not Judge or Impose My Orientations Upon Others
• 34:01 – The Seventh Awareness: Our Most Precious Currency is Time
• 39:07 – The Eighth Awareness: I Seek Ways to Support Others

Cecily is a mother, author, investor, and founder, the voice behind the ClearLife Movement, the ClearLife Reset, and host of the Undimmed podcast. A former attorney and Silicon Valley executive turned author and investor, she's also the co-founder of Wisdom Ventures. Cecily helps people create undimmed lives of presence and intention, free from the stigma of addiction and the patterns of avoidance that keep us from living fully.

Her new book, released January 2026. Undimmed, The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom from Unwanted Habits - https://www.cecilymak.com/book-coming-soon

Podcast, Undimmed; conversations with people on an undimming path: https://www.cecilymak.com/podcast

ClearLife Reset Supplement (feel amazing as you take a break from drinking): https://www.clearlifereset.com/

Our annual session includes readings from Hold Nothing, emphasizing practice, respect, and structures of encouragement. Join me to sit briefly, address potent prompts intended to create intentionality and spaces of grace for you and yours as you proceed into this year. 

• (0:00) – Annual Planning Session Introduction
• (1:54) – Practice and Respect in Conscious Evolution
• (4:45) – Zen Meditation and the Practice of Zazen
• (7:20) – Aging and Letting Go of Caring About Others' Opinions
• (10:16) – Note of Gratitude from the Body
• (35:42) – Sitting Practice and Reflection on Encouragement
• (39:29) – Engaging in Relationships with Encouragement
• (47:58) – Final Reflections and Q&A

Resources
Planning Guidebook
Feelings and Needs List

Substacks
Elena Brower – Hold Nothing
Sierra Campbell – Choose Nurture | choosenurture.com
Laurel Hayne-Miller – The Flowering Path

Books

• Bookshop
• Everyday Zen — Charlotte Joko Beck
• Returning to Silence — Kōshō Uchiyama
• Silent Illumination — Guo Gu
• The Truth of This Life — Katherine Thanas
• Mountains and Rivers Sutra — Norman Fischer
• Better Apart — Gabrielle Hartley and Elena Brower
• What We Say Matters — Judith Lasater