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Don't Just Sit There, DO NOTHING: Healing, Chilling, and Living with the Tao Te Ching
“Stressed-out readers will find her advice a salve in an overly hurried and critical world.” —Publisher’s Weekly "Jessie Asya Kanzer is like a Taoist Anne Lamott, and she's written a practical and actionable guide." —Joel Fotinos, author of The Prosperity PrinciplesHere are 47 inspirational pieces that are smart, hip, accessible, and rich with insight; Jessie Asya Kanzer’s bite-sized stories of struggle, triumph, and contemplation provide a quick burst of mindfulness. Each chapter begins with a verse from the Tao, followed by sharp observations and anecdotes from her own life that give the teachings of Lao Tzu applicability to contemporary life. And each chapter concludes with a “Do Your Tao” section that offers an actionable step, leaving the reader with a sense of grounding and fluidity. Chapters “Success Sucks (Sometimes),” “F*ck This, I'm Water,” “I Love You, I Not Love You,” “The Tao of Babushka,” and “Mystics Wear Leggings”.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
38 people are currently reading
1945 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Asya Kanzer
2 books36 followersJESSIE ASYA KANZER is the award-winning author of "Don’t Just Sit There, DO NOTHING” and the forthcoming “Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky.” She was born in the Soviet Union and left at age eight. A former reporter and actress, she once found herself on set of a Zelensky film and has been following his story ever since. Kanzer’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, the Washington Post, and many other publications. She's been interviewed on podcasts and TV programs across the country. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two cats in Dobbs Ferry, NY.
Visit her at jessiekanzer.com and @jessiekanzer on Insta, Facebook, Twitter + @daily_tao on TikTok.
Visit her at jessiekanzer.com and @jessiekanzer on Insta, Facebook, Twitter + @daily_tao on TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 1, 2022
Don't Just Sit There DO NOTHING has been a source of comfort during a time of both worldly and personal despair.
As someone with anxiety, this book has helped remind me of the importance of letting go of what we can't control.There are many passages that left me feeling encouraged and empowered.
I'm not sure that I'll ever get around to reading the Tao, as I find it slightly intimidating... but that's what makes this book even more valuable. Jessie's interpretation of the Tao offers much-needed wisdom and words of affirmation at a time we need it most.
If you're in need of a light comfort read, I highly recommend picking up Don't Just Sit There DO NOTHING.
As someone with anxiety, this book has helped remind me of the importance of letting go of what we can't control.There are many passages that left me feeling encouraged and empowered.
I'm not sure that I'll ever get around to reading the Tao, as I find it slightly intimidating... but that's what makes this book even more valuable. Jessie's interpretation of the Tao offers much-needed wisdom and words of affirmation at a time we need it most.
If you're in need of a light comfort read, I highly recommend picking up Don't Just Sit There DO NOTHING.
January 24, 2022
This book was much more useful than I expected.
The layout made it so interesting and engaging. Each section starts with a translated quote from the Tao Te Ching, then the author's interpretation. This is then followed by an anecdote from her life, which includes the good, the bad, and everything in between.
The final part of each section is 'Do your Tao. In this part, the author gives an example or challenge to help you adhere to the teachings of the Tao and improve your life.
I highlighted so many parts of this book so that I can look back at them again and again. There is definitely something for everyone in this book.
The only downfall is that I felt some parts were a little repetitive. I understand that repetition probably helps get the message across for some people, but for me it felt like parts of the book dragged.
Overall, this was a great read and a great tool for anyone looking to bring a bit more calm into their lives.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The layout made it so interesting and engaging. Each section starts with a translated quote from the Tao Te Ching, then the author's interpretation. This is then followed by an anecdote from her life, which includes the good, the bad, and everything in between.
The final part of each section is 'Do your Tao. In this part, the author gives an example or challenge to help you adhere to the teachings of the Tao and improve your life.
I highlighted so many parts of this book so that I can look back at them again and again. There is definitely something for everyone in this book.
The only downfall is that I felt some parts were a little repetitive. I understand that repetition probably helps get the message across for some people, but for me it felt like parts of the book dragged.
Overall, this was a great read and a great tool for anyone looking to bring a bit more calm into their lives.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2022
For 6 years I have been on journey to heal, to find my center. Since I was young a few words from Disney’s Mulan have always stuck me, “Once you find your center you might survive.” Jessie’s words bring me toward that center. She’s given me tools I didn’t have in the box before. Our culture, our world knows trauma well but we has not always processed it well. I am confident this book can help you and us along that path. Jessie will help you find your center.
August 23, 2022
Found myself in this book. Learned that for the most part I live this way, however I've been feeling guilty about it because, like she said, we build success up as doing things rather than not doing things. Feels good to know I shouldn't feel guilty for the way I live.
March 2, 2022
The first modern interpretation of the Tao by a woman
The original Tao Te Ching was written in the 6th Century BC and the wisdom continues to apply today. Be in the now, have patience and compassion with yourself and others. Keep your life simple. When things get messy we complicate life even more, simple is always better. These are a few of the lessons included in the book. Lessons that I have heard over and over again throughout my life but I did not realize where they came from. I learned a great deal in Ms. Kanzer's interpretation, she teaches you to accept others as they are in an often humorous way. She makes profound statements in an easy to understand way. She states that by releasing expectations, the Universe always delivers.
I have underlined and added sticky notes throughout the juicy bits in the book. Small steps to better understanding my humanness and the humanness in others.
You will not want to loan your copy out.
The original Tao Te Ching was written in the 6th Century BC and the wisdom continues to apply today. Be in the now, have patience and compassion with yourself and others. Keep your life simple. When things get messy we complicate life even more, simple is always better. These are a few of the lessons included in the book. Lessons that I have heard over and over again throughout my life but I did not realize where they came from. I learned a great deal in Ms. Kanzer's interpretation, she teaches you to accept others as they are in an often humorous way. She makes profound statements in an easy to understand way. She states that by releasing expectations, the Universe always delivers.
I have underlined and added sticky notes throughout the juicy bits in the book. Small steps to better understanding my humanness and the humanness in others.
You will not want to loan your copy out.
March 10, 2022
Highly recommend. Timely and inspirational. Great tao interpretation. Look forward to reading more from this author.
July 10, 2023
Inspirational! In the first couple chapters I could already tell that this book had a lot of really good tips and I couldn’t wait to dive into each page. Jessie suggests that if I really want to be something, to do or live life as the opposite. So in my case, if I want to have a full life, I can empty myself of my belongings to clearly see who I am without stuff. If I want to have a good group of friends to stand with, I must first enjoy standing on my own. If I want a loving family, I must first show them how I love myself without any strings attached.
From the Forward- “Jessie’s message is simple. Good is searching for you. Let the good in. Let the good out.”
Here are some of my favorite parts:
“If you reflect on the various periods of your life, you will see how your messes gifted you with wisdom or resilience, how the before brought you to the after.”
“My children mean everything to me AND I know they are not mine; they came into this world with their souls fully loaded, ready to live and light up the world, and fail and make mistakes, and, hopefully, get back up again, though even that is not for me to decide.”
“Perhaps it takes the span of life and disappointments to begin to truly appreciate beauty.”
“Let go of the oars…Allow your life to take you.”
“Life is like a zebra,” my dad once told me, “dark lines are followed by white ones and vice versa.” Feel the pain, but look for the light, is what I think he was telling me through his cheery buzz.”
“I’ve since realized that all of life is a prayer, every thought, every word, every action- and frankly, some of what we inadvertently pray for is crap.”
“I wish for everyone like me (all of us drifters) to find a way to create a nook where we can flourish, to keep trying-even when it feels like we aren’t made for this world. Especially then.”
From the Forward- “Jessie’s message is simple. Good is searching for you. Let the good in. Let the good out.”
Here are some of my favorite parts:
“If you reflect on the various periods of your life, you will see how your messes gifted you with wisdom or resilience, how the before brought you to the after.”
“My children mean everything to me AND I know they are not mine; they came into this world with their souls fully loaded, ready to live and light up the world, and fail and make mistakes, and, hopefully, get back up again, though even that is not for me to decide.”
“Perhaps it takes the span of life and disappointments to begin to truly appreciate beauty.”
“Let go of the oars…Allow your life to take you.”
“Life is like a zebra,” my dad once told me, “dark lines are followed by white ones and vice versa.” Feel the pain, but look for the light, is what I think he was telling me through his cheery buzz.”
“I’ve since realized that all of life is a prayer, every thought, every word, every action- and frankly, some of what we inadvertently pray for is crap.”
“I wish for everyone like me (all of us drifters) to find a way to create a nook where we can flourish, to keep trying-even when it feels like we aren’t made for this world. Especially then.”
January 18, 2022
This book couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Going into the third year of a global pandemic is not how I envisioned my late 20s. And I undoubtedly needed something to help me reset and take stock of everything in my life. This book was a quick and easy read and one I'll keep around when I need to be reminded that it's okay to take time for myself.
September 29, 2022
This was not quite what I was expecting, but still a worthwhile read. A reboot of the Tao Te Ching
September 5, 2022
I read this book a verse a day and it was lovely. What a modern and relatable way to understand and apply the principles of the Tao Te Ching.
June 16, 2022
Enjoyment level: 3.5🌟
Writing Quality: 3🌟
In this book Kanzer shares 47 passages from the Tao Te Ching and then applies that particular message to the events of her own life, and the lessons she's learned from both. This was an interesting read for me, in that the writing just did not hold my attention and I'd grow bored after a few minutes. But at the same time, I was also constantly highlighting various sentence and paragraphs because I found those words to be incredibly poignant, true, intriguing, etc. So my takeaway is that I won't be shouting this book's name from the rooftops and shoving copies into the hands of all I meet but I am glad I read it and feel I gleaned some valuable insight into how I can improve & enrich my own life.
Writing Quality: 3🌟
In this book Kanzer shares 47 passages from the Tao Te Ching and then applies that particular message to the events of her own life, and the lessons she's learned from both. This was an interesting read for me, in that the writing just did not hold my attention and I'd grow bored after a few minutes. But at the same time, I was also constantly highlighting various sentence and paragraphs because I found those words to be incredibly poignant, true, intriguing, etc. So my takeaway is that I won't be shouting this book's name from the rooftops and shoving copies into the hands of all I meet but I am glad I read it and feel I gleaned some valuable insight into how I can improve & enrich my own life.
April 12, 2022
Jessie is a great story teller and it was a pleasure to read. So very down to earth, funny, and insightful.
April 25, 2022
Loved this book. So, so many helpful ideas, and such a joy to read. I enjoyed every second I spent with this book, and reread many sections over and over again. Kudos!
July 23, 2022
Mystery within mystery, the gateway to all understanding. —TAO TE CHING, VERSE 1
“Live in accordance with the nature of things: make where you live a good place, make your mind a mind of depth. Give your benevolence indiscriminately to others. Speak the truth, govern well, work well to set into motion the good times.”
“Feel good about your deepest beliefs and truths regardless of what you hear from others or see on the news. Remember that you don't need rules to be kind and just. Revel in the world's indomitable goodness and celebrate it wherever you see it. When you witness hypocrisy, understand it for what it is, but don't let it shake your core.”
We humans do spend a lot of time thinking and trying to pin down and give words to what can often be wordless, that inner feeling of holiness and reverence. I have studied a lot of the wisdom traditions, and find Taoism to be so timeless and applicable thousands of years later unlike some others written for a time and place that doesn’t resonate with us anymore. It is all mystery and maybe the most holy mystery of all, and the Tao is wonder and awe and breath and effortlessness. This is a great modern introduction for people who run away from esoteric, complicated texts, but also a lot of the author’s life and opinions which was not horrible but more of the, when I tried to be an actress, etc. anecdotes that brings it down.
“Since humanity mimics the Earth it comes from, like the Earth we experience catastrophic events that alter our landscape forever, and like its elements, we are capable of giving life and wreaking havoc almost simultaneously. But when we step into an astronaut's boots, viewing our little blue dot from a distance, we see only perfection: grooves, colors, elements fitting together to create a magnificent whole. This magnificence—the boundlessness Lao Tzu spoke of—resides within us, just waiting to be unleashed. And while it does not equal a life without hurts, mistakes, or colossal messes, it does grant us alchemy: the ability to turn the bad into gold and pain into wisdom.
To me, The Book of the Way, which dates back to 6th century BC China, is a living philosophy—one that continues to be relevant as long as we continue to look at it, interpret it, analyze it in order to help us create more peace within and without. That was its purpose all along, I think—to start a neverending discussion. This way, it gestures, turn your head, alter your perspective, peel back the labels.
Still, no matter what happens, we can find ease by surrendering. “Accept what is and go from there,” I've taken to saying—rather than raging or escaping or ignoring what you don't like. Everything we need to thrive is already here, underneath the bullshit. We already are the people we are hoping to become. We always were.
Find some sort of flora or fauna, or a person that is extremely familiar to you—I'm choosing my old cat for this exercise, while he's curled up on the couch. Take a few moments to sit quietly and look at this sleeping child, this tree, this animal. Just watch them breathe in and out or sway in the breeze. Watch them and forget what they are called, what they represent. Truly observe and see the Universe, God, Tao, the life force in this object. The magic you witness in them is also in you, as it is in everyone—the names we give, the categorization, the separation are all an illusion.”
The Tao is nameless, simple, subtle.
If powerful men and women could remain centered in it, the world would become a paradise; people would have no need for laws because the laws would be written in their hearts. The world is nothing but the glory of the Tao expressed through different names and forms.
One who sees the things of this world as being real and self-existent has lost sight of the truth; to him, every word becomes a trap, every thing becomes a prison. One who knows the truth that underlies all things lives in this world without danger; to him, every word reflects the Universe, every moment brings enlightenment.
All things end in the Tao, just as all streams and rivers flow into the sea. —TAO TE CHING, VERSE 32
“Live in accordance with the nature of things: make where you live a good place, make your mind a mind of depth. Give your benevolence indiscriminately to others. Speak the truth, govern well, work well to set into motion the good times.”
“Feel good about your deepest beliefs and truths regardless of what you hear from others or see on the news. Remember that you don't need rules to be kind and just. Revel in the world's indomitable goodness and celebrate it wherever you see it. When you witness hypocrisy, understand it for what it is, but don't let it shake your core.”
We humans do spend a lot of time thinking and trying to pin down and give words to what can often be wordless, that inner feeling of holiness and reverence. I have studied a lot of the wisdom traditions, and find Taoism to be so timeless and applicable thousands of years later unlike some others written for a time and place that doesn’t resonate with us anymore. It is all mystery and maybe the most holy mystery of all, and the Tao is wonder and awe and breath and effortlessness. This is a great modern introduction for people who run away from esoteric, complicated texts, but also a lot of the author’s life and opinions which was not horrible but more of the, when I tried to be an actress, etc. anecdotes that brings it down.
“Since humanity mimics the Earth it comes from, like the Earth we experience catastrophic events that alter our landscape forever, and like its elements, we are capable of giving life and wreaking havoc almost simultaneously. But when we step into an astronaut's boots, viewing our little blue dot from a distance, we see only perfection: grooves, colors, elements fitting together to create a magnificent whole. This magnificence—the boundlessness Lao Tzu spoke of—resides within us, just waiting to be unleashed. And while it does not equal a life without hurts, mistakes, or colossal messes, it does grant us alchemy: the ability to turn the bad into gold and pain into wisdom.
To me, The Book of the Way, which dates back to 6th century BC China, is a living philosophy—one that continues to be relevant as long as we continue to look at it, interpret it, analyze it in order to help us create more peace within and without. That was its purpose all along, I think—to start a neverending discussion. This way, it gestures, turn your head, alter your perspective, peel back the labels.
Still, no matter what happens, we can find ease by surrendering. “Accept what is and go from there,” I've taken to saying—rather than raging or escaping or ignoring what you don't like. Everything we need to thrive is already here, underneath the bullshit. We already are the people we are hoping to become. We always were.
Find some sort of flora or fauna, or a person that is extremely familiar to you—I'm choosing my old cat for this exercise, while he's curled up on the couch. Take a few moments to sit quietly and look at this sleeping child, this tree, this animal. Just watch them breathe in and out or sway in the breeze. Watch them and forget what they are called, what they represent. Truly observe and see the Universe, God, Tao, the life force in this object. The magic you witness in them is also in you, as it is in everyone—the names we give, the categorization, the separation are all an illusion.”
The Tao is nameless, simple, subtle.
If powerful men and women could remain centered in it, the world would become a paradise; people would have no need for laws because the laws would be written in their hearts. The world is nothing but the glory of the Tao expressed through different names and forms.
One who sees the things of this world as being real and self-existent has lost sight of the truth; to him, every word becomes a trap, every thing becomes a prison. One who knows the truth that underlies all things lives in this world without danger; to him, every word reflects the Universe, every moment brings enlightenment.
All things end in the Tao, just as all streams and rivers flow into the sea. —TAO TE CHING, VERSE 32
January 17, 2025
On page 109, the author starts talking about their belief in reiki and chakras.
I wish that had been mentioned on page one. Because much like the Tao Te Ching, I would have shown this book The Way... The Way BACK to the local library, that is!
I'm no expert in the Tao Te Ching. I've read it twice. It's far beyond me, but I'm pretty sure that at no point does it touch on how blue is your throat chakra and that it corresponds to self expression.
What I was looking for: how someone lives with the Tao in 2025.
What I got: ... some sort of new-agey, kind of repetitive, kind of humble-braggy book that I often was unclear how much of it tied into the Tao.
"I chanted and held crystals and lit candles, because I'm into that kind of thing."
Oh boy.
The author said she manifested her husband this way... yeah that's... not the Tao at all. That's The Secret. Though, this makes sense as Marianne Williamson is quoted, so is Gabby Bernstein (who wrote Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams), and Oprah is fawned over (who, besides blessing us with Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil, helped catapult The Secret to new heights). Lot of manifesting going on here. There's kundalini and near-death experiences and visualizations and such. Again, with my limited knowledge of the Tao Te Ching, I think there's not a lot of crossover.
Here's a few other notes I jotted down in my notes app!
"When I realign my energy, I get all the hugs, affection, and closeness I can stand not just from my kids. As you will."
Um.... I doubt that. One, that's vague. Two. Should a depressed person expect to receive all that by realigning their energy? Seems to be setting others up for failure.
"Conjure your ideal you. If you want to, you can alchemize-this is fact."
I... no, I don't think that is a fact.
HOWEVER. Whoever checked out the book before me left in a bookmark that says: "peace lies beneath the clutter."
So perhaps someone out there found this beneficial!
OH! Thought one more thing was kinda funny. She starts a chapter discussing Zelensky with "...Whom I wrote back with the perplexed emoji overused by every suburban mom."
She also wrote an article about Zelensky online that I stumbled upon that had "...Whom I wrote back with a perplexed emoji that perfectly represented the tired suburban mom I now was.
She used the same joke twice! Just slightly different. Huh. Neither here nor there, I guess.
Anyway, my advice in the realm of spiritual/Zen/Tao would be to go read Charlotte Joko Beck or Pema Chodron or Alan Watts perhaps.
I wish that had been mentioned on page one. Because much like the Tao Te Ching, I would have shown this book The Way... The Way BACK to the local library, that is!
I'm no expert in the Tao Te Ching. I've read it twice. It's far beyond me, but I'm pretty sure that at no point does it touch on how blue is your throat chakra and that it corresponds to self expression.
What I was looking for: how someone lives with the Tao in 2025.
What I got: ... some sort of new-agey, kind of repetitive, kind of humble-braggy book that I often was unclear how much of it tied into the Tao.
"I chanted and held crystals and lit candles, because I'm into that kind of thing."
Oh boy.
The author said she manifested her husband this way... yeah that's... not the Tao at all. That's The Secret. Though, this makes sense as Marianne Williamson is quoted, so is Gabby Bernstein (who wrote Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams), and Oprah is fawned over (who, besides blessing us with Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil, helped catapult The Secret to new heights). Lot of manifesting going on here. There's kundalini and near-death experiences and visualizations and such. Again, with my limited knowledge of the Tao Te Ching, I think there's not a lot of crossover.
Here's a few other notes I jotted down in my notes app!
"When I realign my energy, I get all the hugs, affection, and closeness I can stand not just from my kids. As you will."
Um.... I doubt that. One, that's vague. Two. Should a depressed person expect to receive all that by realigning their energy? Seems to be setting others up for failure.
"Conjure your ideal you. If you want to, you can alchemize-this is fact."
I... no, I don't think that is a fact.
HOWEVER. Whoever checked out the book before me left in a bookmark that says: "peace lies beneath the clutter."
So perhaps someone out there found this beneficial!
OH! Thought one more thing was kinda funny. She starts a chapter discussing Zelensky with "...Whom I wrote back with the perplexed emoji overused by every suburban mom."
She also wrote an article about Zelensky online that I stumbled upon that had "...Whom I wrote back with a perplexed emoji that perfectly represented the tired suburban mom I now was.
She used the same joke twice! Just slightly different. Huh. Neither here nor there, I guess.
Anyway, my advice in the realm of spiritual/Zen/Tao would be to go read Charlotte Joko Beck or Pema Chodron or Alan Watts perhaps.
March 1, 2022
3.75⭐️
This book was entertaining and interesting at times. I won’t say that I loved it because I enjoyed some chapters but not others. I feel like if you are not a person that normally reads self-help books then you would definitely enjoy this one but if you do read these kind of books often then you are going to find that it is like any other. I didn’t find anything mind blowing and I think that’s why I didn’t love it. I did find interesting that the author used her own life as a way to explain the Tao Te Ching.
Overall, this was a short and enjoyable read.
.
Thanks to BooksFoward for sending me a finish copy in exchange of an honest review.
This book was entertaining and interesting at times. I won’t say that I loved it because I enjoyed some chapters but not others. I feel like if you are not a person that normally reads self-help books then you would definitely enjoy this one but if you do read these kind of books often then you are going to find that it is like any other. I didn’t find anything mind blowing and I think that’s why I didn’t love it. I did find interesting that the author used her own life as a way to explain the Tao Te Ching.
Overall, this was a short and enjoyable read.
.
Thanks to BooksFoward for sending me a finish copy in exchange of an honest review.
April 14, 2022
Good is in you. Let it out.
Too many times we are so busy with chasing our dreams, we are in our own ways of our happiness. Broken into 20 short chapters, each dealing with a different Tao Te Ching verse. Inspirational in the freedom the author advocates: the doing of nothing, creating the time in our lives to breathe and de-stress.
This was a great book in how it tells you it's ok to let your hair down and relax. I really liked the easy going writing and it made me feel connected to the author.
Too many times we are so busy with chasing our dreams, we are in our own ways of our happiness. Broken into 20 short chapters, each dealing with a different Tao Te Ching verse. Inspirational in the freedom the author advocates: the doing of nothing, creating the time in our lives to breathe and de-stress.
This was a great book in how it tells you it's ok to let your hair down and relax. I really liked the easy going writing and it made me feel connected to the author.
February 25, 2023
I picked this book thinking it would be a nice reintroduction to the Tao Te Ching after many years; and I really wanted to like it. Reality was different than desire however, and I had a hard time finishing it. It just seemed long. For me, the book just was her applying the Tao to the volumes of challenges she has faced … and at some point (fairly early) that got old. Maybe time to reread Pooh?
May 5, 2022
An enjoyable, fun, knowledgeable read!
If you like to reflect on your life this is the book for you.
I copied and pasted many words of wisdom to reread at a later time.
Reading this book was like having a conversation with my best friend. I now want to read the Tao Te Ching. Thank you !! Happy to recommend this book to my friends:). <3
If you like to reflect on your life this is the book for you.
I copied and pasted many words of wisdom to reread at a later time.
Reading this book was like having a conversation with my best friend. I now want to read the Tao Te Ching. Thank you !! Happy to recommend this book to my friends:). <3
April 16, 2022
Too chic and hip for me
April 25, 2022
Not bad. It's pretty much the Tao Te Ching from the perspective of the author.
January 22, 2023
A good vacation read! There are some chapters I will definitely revisit, and a few toward the end that were somewhat forgettable.
June 27, 2023
I really love the writing style. It feels like hanging out with spiritual friend having deep conversations ♡
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews