As we enter a new year, many set ambitious goals and resolutions, striving for success and fulfillment. But what if there was a different approach to achieving our desires, emphasizing ease and natural flow rather than relentless effort? Enter Wu wei, an ancient Taoist concept that offers a refreshing perspective on living effortlessly in harmony with the world around us. In part 2 of our series Embracing Wu wei: A Guide to Effortless Living in the New Year, we delve deeper into the profound wisdom of Wu wei, exploring its fundamental principles and practical applications in modern life. So sit back, relax, and prepare to discover a transformative way of being that could revolutionize your approach to the coming year and beyond.

(To read part one of the introduction to Wu wei – click here)

Understanding Wu wei

Wu wei is a central concept in Taoist philosophy and is often translated as non-action or effortless action. This seems paradoxical but presents a powerful approach to life. It encompasses the notion of naturalness and simplicity, encouraging individuals to act in harmony with the flow of the universe rather than resisting or forcing outcomes. Understanding Wu wei involves recognizing that true mastery comes from surrendering control and allowing events to unfold organically.

Wu wei doesn’t mean completely abandoning action as a means to achieve anything. Instead, it suggests that one should align their actions with the natural rhythm of life, acting without attachment to personal desires or preconceived ideas of how things should be. This philosophy teaches individuals to let go of the need for excessive effort or worry and instead trust in their intuition and the inherent wisdom present in every situation.

What does that mean?

I can see it play out in nature. You plant carrots; carrots grow, not beets. You can observe it like the tides rising and falling. There is no effort there, but there are conditions that support it. Good soil, water and fertilizer are helpful, but even then, an active seed will grow in spite of the conditions. That is something to be curious about.

We have cedar trees where I live—lots of them. Most grow in the interior rainforest, protected by the elements. Some seeds end up on the coastline, landing on rocky, sparse soil. Both seeds grow into cedars, and yes, they do look different. One is small, twisted and bent from the continuous wind, the other straight, tall and wide.

Yet beyond their contrasting appearances lies a resemblance – they are both cedars at heart. Each bears witness to nature’s ability to adapt, flow and thrive under varying circumstances. We forget we are also nature with the ability to adapt, flow, and thrive no matter the circumstances. It is built into our DNA. As not all cedars look alike, it’s interesting that we humans don’t either. We also are not born into equal environments, but each of us still has a resemblance of being human.

The Experiment

In the past few months, I ran an experiment. If this truly was a better way to get things done. If it is less stressful and has better results, why not go? The idea was to continue to do whatever came up, including inspired ideas, meeting deadlines, detours, and unplanned events, as they were part of the process as if they were instructions from a GPS. Although I have sometimes taken the GPS directions as the gospel according to Google and have found myself turning right when the road continued to the left, common sense would have to be included in this experiment.

Awareness is also key. Being aware of my feelings and my tendency to chase shiny objects worried me. I imagined myself bouncing from one project or task to another without completion. Something that plagued my past. I knew I had to abandon that idea and see what would happen.

There was also this sense of surrendering. I didn’t know what that would look like or what I would surrender to or let go of. This was interesting and I will share in more detail in later posts.

Throughout the experiment using the concept of Wu wei, I found I could tap into a state of flow where action became effortless and spontaneous. I became more attuned to nature’s subtle cues and patterns, allowing me to respond intuitively rather than impulsively, something as stated earlier, haunted me.

I also discovered that the concept is not limited to individual actions but extended to all aspects of my life. To live in harmony with others and cultivate relationships based on empathy and compassion rather than ego-driven motivations shattered many paradigms.

I will include examples of going with the flow, what letting go turned out to be and how I found balance embracing the concept of Wu wei later. How it is threaded through the Understanding of The Three Principles. For now, the essence of Wu wei does offer anyone a path towards inner peace and genuine fulfillment as they align themselves with the natural rhythm of life.

Your homework is to continue to notice where flow occurs in your life.

Are there any conditions that are present when you do notice effortless action?