I like everything about the philosophy of Lao-tsu except for the fact that it doesn't include a personal deity one can talk to. I was once a Taoist (not a religious Taoist, but a follower of the philosophy of Lao-tsu). I was able to connect with Tao through daily meditation, but I still felt something missing, because I couldn't pray. Why pray to Tao? There is no indication that it is intelligent. I do still live by the doctrine of we wu wei, which means 'do only that which is necessary and no more', and I still try to meditate daily. This keeps me in touch with my higher power. However, I don't live Taoism as a religion anymore. I get crazy when it comes to religion. I get obsessed with it. Tao for me is the brain of the universe, the disembodied spirit that directs all things, what Western religions call God. I love the Tao of Pooh. It is how I got introduced to Taoism. My screen name is an allusion to a chapter in Tao of Pooh. What is Tao? is also a good introductory book. None of these books can replace the Tao Te Ching, though. God bless the ancient Chinese!
Meditation for beginners: find a comfortable place to sit. Try to sit upright. You can cross your legs or sit with your legs in front of you. Breathe deeply and count your breaths: one, in; two, out; three, in; four, out; count up to ten. Repeat. If you forget to count your breathes, start over at one. After you get into the habit of doing the counting meditatoin, you can do it anywhere at anytime to still your mind.
Another simple meditation technique: Lay on your bed or on the floor. Pretend you are in a pool of water, and you are trying to float. In order to float, you have to be totally relaxed. Once you get rid of all the tension in your muscles, try to stay that way.
Meditation only works if you do it regularly. You cannot expect to get results if you only do it sporadically. After meditating for a while, you will notice a change in your mood. You will naturally be more calm, more energetic, and more alert, as if you are meditating all the time.