TAOISM: How I Find Effortless Action in my Daily Life
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- Опубликовано: 25 июн 2024
- The Daoists taught a life of effortless flow and joy is possible for us all, a state of being they called ‘Wu Wei’. But HOW do we actually ‘Wu Wei’?...
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I delve into the profound philosophy of Wu wei, which revolves around the concept of flow and effortless living. Wu wei, meaning non-action, is a paradoxical journey that requires us to let go of intentions and simply relax into the present moment. Drawing inspiration from nature, where the trees grow without anyone forcing them and birds sing without being told, Wu wei teaches us to navigate life with natural spontaneity and effectiveness. It encourages us to tap into our immense intuitive intelligence and trust ourselves to handle challenges with ease. By practicing meditation, engaging in physical activities, and embracing the paradox of Wu wei, we can embark on a transformative journey towards a more effortless and fulfilling existence.
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☯ RECOMMENDED READING LIST
🔸Best Book for Beginners - Tao of Pooh: amzn.to/2ERXE3p
Benjamin Hoff delightfully explores Taoist principles with the help of Winnie the Pooh.
🔸Best Tao Te Ching - Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: amzn.to/2BPDaWy
Wayne Dyer applies the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching to modern lives. This book is transforming how I see myself and the world - it's a must-read.
🔸Supplementary Tao Te Ching - Tao Te Ching (Derek Lin): amzn.to/2GJ0Ivu
An accurate translation, getting you closer to Lao Tze's original meaning. Cross-reference with Wayne Dyer version.
🔸Zhuangzi: amzn.to/2tEvt2H
The second most famous Taoist text after TTC. Profound philosophy told through humorous stories.
🔸Further exploration - “Tao: the Watercourse Way”
World-famous philosopher, Alan Watts, explores Taoist concepts in his signature witty style.
🔸For personal growth - The Tao of Success: amzn.to/2EVCzoP
Derek Lin shows that being a Taoist doesn't mean becoming lazy. This book explores how to grow in harmony with the Tao. Highly recommended.
I swear this got to be at least on the top 10 of your best videos ever. From topic to production to the talk, everything just clicks really well and thank you so much George for reminding us the value of Dao teachings and life itself
Your support and appreciation are deeply appreciated. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me 🫶
Once you have mastered riding a bicycle effortless action(wu-wei) takes over.
Your body knows what to do as long as your brain doesn’t get in the way.
You have to learn how to live in the circumstances of your existence before you can do it effortlessly.
Be nice to yourself and don’t be afraid to get wet when learning to dance on river rocks.
Much love for everyone, ☯️🙏
Absolutely, Boden! Mastering wu wei is akin to riding a bicycle. When we let go and trust our body's innate wisdom, our actions become effortless. Learning to live in the present circumstances of our existence paves the way for this natural flow ☯️🙏
You make it out to be something that you can achieve. When It's something that achieves you. Stop trying to wrap your head around it, you can't because is you.
Everything you do is already effortless. The mind creates the illusion of effort.
Letting this moment be as pleasant as possible.
And it works! And it is so light! Just be fully who you truly and intuitively feel you are in very moment. You are at very moment the perfect home for life unfolding. Be present, fully present, and trust your unlimited source of being. It is so much fun because life is always new. Thank you, gorgeous George!
I found that moving slow helps me enter this Tao. Literally almost in slow motion to get started and you become more present. Awesome video. Thank you.
I‘ve been practicing Zen meditation daily for a few years now. While I always hear that the goals of Buddhism and Taoism are not at all the same, I think the Middle Way and the Taoist idea of not forcing are very similar. In Zen, you build an intuition in meditation where you sort of notice when you are doing and wanting too much. I think a difference is that softness is not a goal for Buddhist practice, but a side effect.
My goal here is to leave a comment effortlessly : (The beginning of my day to get the flow going ).
First I visualize that I'm surrounded by "gratitude" when leaving my home...each day.
Then, "not forcing" and "not trying to change" others.... Actually listening to people, without talking over them or changing the focus to "me" ....letting silence exist ... actually hearing what others are saying. .... it takes discipline at first....like riding a bike.... also, forgiving myself helps me to forgive others.
Keep up the great work! 🫶
I recognise the notion of the taskmaster in my head telling me I have so much stuff to do. I am grateful that over the years I've learned to give the taskmaster a break by simply rescheduling and by allowing myself rest when I need it. You help me understand through your videos that my journey is still ongoing. Thank you George 🙏
Thank you Marc for sharing, it's good to know that we're not alone in the harshness. Rest and play - a great antidote for a rigid mind 🫶
"rest and play": A-ha! Thank you, George❤
Trusting myself, a challenge that's testing me currently.
Being a chronic planner and productive junkie, I find it hard being at peace with uncertain hours and excess free time, but now, it seems such an exhausting way to live.
I've realised time spent with the world sews doubt in the confidence within, so I'm learning to slowly detach from the world's enforced rules and daring to discover joy outside the limited compartments...seeing time for more than hours and life for more than years.
Trusting the day in front of me, even when the future is plagued with uncertainty🍃
Embracing the unknown can be liberating, reminding us that life is more than minutes and hours. The present moment holds the beauty of infinite possibilities, even amid uncertainty. What a beautiful journey! 🌱🕰️💫
Thank you George, may the good and nurturing force of the Universe be with you. The WU WEI way never fails even if it goes through a series of failures that we don't understand, at the end we are amazed by how everything just worked out perfectly 💗
Thank you for the kind words, Elizabeth. Appreciate you. Flow well! 🫶
I am loving your videos. I have been through a really tough time recently. These videos are slowly saving me from myself. My granddad was Taoist but he passed away before I could ask him anymore on it. So thank you.
"If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present." - Lao Tzu
"Pride is not the opposite of shame but its source. The true antidote to pride (and shame) is humility." - Uncle Iroh
"It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from ony one place it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations will help you become whole." - Uncle Iroh
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it is called the present." - Master Oogway
Awesome! Thank you for sharing! 🙏
Love from Vancouver BC 🇨🇦🤙🏽 loving your channel!!!
Hi Allison! 🫶 Thank you for the kind words
Thank you far the video! It was informative and entertaining at the same time :) I think, trusting is a big one. Trusting that intuition and trusting that life will be fine, even if we don’t figure it out and don’t end up where we expected to ❤
Another amazingly helpful and insightful video, thank you. This came at the perfect time. My study of Taoism has been getting too complicated, this reminded me I need to go back to basics again.
🫶
I had my qualifying exam for my PhD program a year and a half ago and the practice of Wu Wei made it easy to pass with flying colors.
I worked on trusting myself, trusting the expertise I had acquired, and subsequently going with the flow while keeping “effortless action” in my mind.
I was amazed at how stress-free it ended up being.
Congratulations on passing your qualifying exam! It's inspiring to see how such practices can help reduce stress and lead to success, especially in challenging situations like a PhD qualifying exam. Keep up the good work! 🙏
道 means （means approach way or path ）physical first principle that we have to obey. Daosim shapes some basical ideas of the relationship between human and cosmos（nature） in Chinese culture.
This is great. Congratulations! I am working on a PhD project myself. I watched this video partly because I am puzzled as to how I can be in a Wu Wei state while at the same time pursuing a longer-term goal that requires planning and - at least traditionally - effort.
My pottery forces me to go with the flow, and accept failure through the process when it arrives. Great video!🙏
Pottery is indeed a beautiful art form that teaches us to embrace the flow and accept failures as part of the process. It's through these experiences that we grow and create something truly unique. 🙏
Physical movement is spot on. I feel that if you spend enough time at the beach and return to a beach on a regular basis, observance of the tides and seasons (as well as how visitors offer a changing scene everytime) even though it's the same location, it is always different. There's a unique memory each time. The memories are less static and solid as they can be in memories of other places. I think that's an ancient practice - to revisit places and notice how they hold memories and familiarity yet are always unique in the moment. They reveal how you have changed, which can be hard to track when the changes are so gradual. It's a longer view more reflective view that confirms how the life you thought I static may not be.
Thank you for contributing to the conversation and for watching the video 🙏
This is beautiful
Wonderful video, George! 😻
Just a footnote regarding the wu-wei-practitioner-identity: Ultimately we have to let go of it, too, since it (as well as any kind of identification/identity) can become an attachment and a massive hindrance itself.
🐱🙏
Yes well said! Thanks for sharing! ☯️
I found the Tao in college about 35 years ago. It has been the opposition to my anxiety. About six months ago, the recovery from a life setback has exposed me to stoicism. As I explore this philosophy, I am reminded of some of the magical, radical and dogmatic manifestations of Taoism as it has been practiced in China.
My path is now a path of consistent self improvement--as it presents itself--in its rate of flow. I am bombarded by strange grey-scale drawings of idealized chiseled angry macho statues telling me the way of stoicism on Y'all Tube. Like the fantastic tales of mechanistic Tao, I discard and turn away from these wares of the pitchmen.
Thank you for sharing your video. I wish all of you the best in your journey.
That Einzelganger reference is priceless, his video helps thousands of people, especially young adults...
And gosh, how can I came late to watch your video... I can't express anything but appreciation for another of your Dao Wisdom, thanks so much George!
We're all Einzelganger fans here 🫶 thank you for watching and the kind words 🙏
I’ve watched many videos about these practices, but this is the first to actually connect it to intuition for me. . . Now it all makes sense how we can follow along with the ripples in the fabric of our present reality. Prepare to be unprepared, conserve energy and spend it wisely, being part of its rhythm instead of worrying about the next downbeat. My mind is truly blown (if I have received this properly). Thank you so much for this wisdom!
Hi David, I'm really glad you are enjoying and getting something from the videos - it's my privilege! Sending warmth ❤️
What you are calling Intuitive Intelligence, and the examples you give, are really more the embodiment of the practice, practice, practice until practice is no longer necessary idea. It is dangerous to Wu Wei your way through a financial deal, say, when you have not put effort into perfecting your practice. Even Tzu sharpened his axe between chopping wood and carrying water. You can't trust what hasn't been earned, but you are spot on about building intuition through action.
Love you brother. Thanks for the video and The Wu you Wie!
George, your delivery has so greatly improved, along with your confidence. It is a pleasure to watch your growth even as we follow our own journey, applying the concepts you share. Thank you for being and for sharing.
Your support and encouragement mean a lot, and I appreciate you being a part of this community 🫶
When I have time to put my full attention on the present moment and the place I am in, a feedback flow of creativity, intention and action can occur, as "what is" is transformed through my actions guided by creative thoughts of "what should be" .
It is a delicate state of equilibrium.
If the thoughts of desirable changes go too far away in time and space, the connection to the present is lost and so is the flow.
If there is no creative will, then I do not control my actions and become a thing among others, exposed to natural processes of change and the will of others.
If I do not act according to my creative will, my flow becomes locked, my thoughts are only unfulfilled intentions and I am once again just a thing, exposed to natural processes of change and the will of others.
Thank you for sharing your insightful comment! It's great to hear that you have found a delicate state of equilibrium between your present moment and your creative thoughts of "what should be". It's true that when we lose our connection to the present, we risk losing our flow of creativity. It's also important to have a creative will to guide our actions and avoid becoming a passive "thing" among others. It seems like you have found a powerful way to transform "what is" through your actions. Keep up the great work! 😊
I got into Daosim about a year ago when I was really struggling with my mental health. Then I kind of forgot about it and stopped keeping it in mind every day. Well now I'm struggling with my mental health again so this seems like the perfect series to inject my life with some more wisdom. Thank you!
Love the concept of intuitive intelligence 🙏
This was SO incredibly helpful and insightful. I'm a chi-kung practitioner and I'm (slowly) learning Tao/Dao(ism). I stumbled upon this and now I'm down a rabbit hole of your videos. Thank you!
So glad you found it valuable!!
You can reach it through words or analyzing. It just is and you ARE it.
That jump in the end felt like that scene from ‘Batman Begins’, where Bruce Wayne finally confronts his fear of bats. As always amazing video. Your insights are life-changing.
Divine timing, another excellent video George, really appreciate your work! ❤
Appreciate you Narelle, thanks so much for watching!
Alan Watts - The Principle Of Not Forcing
that inspired me for all my Life
Not Forcing
STOP!
- when an Impulse breaks out
Thank you George. Always love when you laugh in your videos.
😆🦄
When I turn mind toward listening, I find wu wei is revealed by the low-tide of thoughts. It is a form of practicing emptiness but when the tide is low, only intuition sticks out.
Thank you for sharing 🙏 The notion of practicing emptiness and allowing intuition to surface during those moments of clarity is a beautiful way to understand the essence of Wu Wei.
I just started researching Wu Wei. I'm focused more on Idea 4. I was letting the weight of fearing the future, based on things that happened in the past, tear my world apart.
Love it! Thank you.
Beautiful work, George.
Very well done!!! 😊. Very much appreciated! 🙏🤩
Thank you for these videos, George! I came across your channel yesterday, and it seems that I found a true treasure cove. I am thrilled to explore your content! The way you talk about Taoism really resonates with me.
Thank you!
Beautifully put. Thank you George
Brilliant Fantastic
You are a beautiful and sweet soul...... Thank you
Appreciate you 🙏
Excellent and thank you for adding to my understanding of the flow state and how to enter it
Great message held in this video!
The jumping part is a wow factor for me honestly. There are these jumping actions as George did, we do not know whether we will succeed, but we still have to do that. I think the important thing here is to accept that there can be a failure and as the fourth part of George's suggestion, don't be harsh to yourself and have softness. Finally, we always have to appreciate the process of cultivating ourselves instead of focusing much on win and loss.
Taking risks and pursuing something with uncertainty can be daunting, but it can also lead to great rewards 🫶
Thank you, George, for this message. The last point, for me and my journey, right now, hit home. I appreciate your work. Keep on Flowing.
I'm so glad to hear Diana, appreciate you. Flow well!
Thank you
We are here to experience. Try not to take others or yourselves too seriously. Do your best and accept the rest.
Hi George, thank you so much for taking the time to make these absolutely wonderful videos. I have found great solace in them and your interpretation of the Dao makes it easily digestible for western pallets. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the kind words, Vincent! 🙏
Thank you George, nice explanation.
Thank you George.
Appreciate you 🙏
This is a gooder! Love it. Feels very empowering without a bunch of buzzes and bells.
Many thanks, George.🙏
Thank you for watching Mark!
Os teus vídeos, são uma inspiração, para conseguir uma melhor qualidade de vida.
Obrigado, George ❤🙌
Adoro, as tuas sugestões.
Um grande abraço, 😃👏
Thank you George
Thanks Aziza!
Really lovely messages 兄弟一起加油
Thank you so much! Appreciate you!
I am a subscriber of Einzelgänger and love that the algorithm elves have suggested that I check you out. So glad I listened!
I'm an Einzelgänger subscriber too! I'm so glad you found my channel valuable 🙏
Fantastic video, George! You have such a gift for distilling this wisdom - thank you for sharing it with the world!
🫶
The stream has many rocks; water flows. For nearly seventy years I have dreamt a life to be eventually free of rocks yet have met many swimmers on the Way. At thirty five I learnt that water holds me afloat. Every day I do not swim. And breathe. And again….
Thanks for this wonderful video teaching George. Go well! ☯️🙏🕺🤿☯️
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Peter! Your words reminded me that even when faced with obstacles, we can still learn to navigate life's currents and find moments of stillness to breathe and reflect. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and hope it continues to serve as a source of inspiration for you. Wishing you all the best on your journey. 🙏
Looking forward to the retreat George! 😁😎☯️🙏
Solving a problem through software development often yields to flow. I describe it as a state of mind without ego or sense of self. Just absolute contentment in working on a complex problem by breaking it down into the most discrete particles.
this is great. how to apply these principles was missing from so many other videos. i'm glad you covered this!
I'm glad you've found it useful! Thanks for your comment. 🙏
Thank you George, You have brought me much enlightenment
I'm really glad you are enjoying and getting something from the videos - it's my privilege! Sending warmth ❤️
From my experience, while 'in the flow' I wasn't aware I was in the flow nor there was a flow.
Incredible! You have honed your skill! Excellent!
Thank you for your very kind comment, Joseph ❤️
Wow, this video really resonated with me! I've always been intrigued by Taoism and the concept of Wu Wei. It's amazing to see how you've found ways to incorporate effortless action into your daily life. Your explanation was clear and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing your insights and inspiring me to strive for that state of flow and joy in my own life. Keep up the great work!
What a lovely video, So full of playfulness and humor and yet very deep wisdom as well. Thank you.
Thank you, Cassandra! I appreciate you 🫶
Brilliant! Great stuff George. Thank you🙏
Thank you for watching and for the kind words 🙏
You are an excellent Wu Wei mentor! Thank you for this beautiful advice. ❤🙏🌺
I'm so glad you found it valuable 🙏
Thanks for the practical video, loved it. Peace be unto you.
I’m so glad you found it valuable Martin 🙏
Great stuff George as ever!!!
What a wonderful, wonderful video. Thank you.
Thanks Jacopo! 🙏
be here now do no harm help others be still close eyes listen to your breathing rest in present awareness🕸
Thank you; teachings of wu wei has been a journey so deeply personal that I now understand intuition and instint
Thank you for watching, Sandra 😊 Keep up the great work on your journey of self-discovery! 🙏
Many thanks George.
Thanks for watching! 🫶
Love it, George! You looked so happy and at ease. A great example of 无为.
🙏
Fantastic video, thank you George.
Thank you for watching! 🙏
Thank you, for helping me connect , at 75 I am learning to do this in so many ways. I am loving your emails and videos. THANKS So MUCH.
Hi Janice! Thank you for sharing your feedback and for taking the time to watch my videos and read my emails. I'm thrilled to hear that they've been helpful in connecting you with others. It's never too late to learn and explore new ways of connecting with the world around us. Your comment has made my day and I look forward to continuing to provide valuable content for you to enjoy. Thank you again for your support and kind words. 🫶
When you crossed that river I audibly went 'WOAH' lol. This video was wonderful. You are wonderful George, your videos fill me with joy
Thank you for your support! 🙏
This is a great challenge when learning tai chi sword form. Each movement is algabraic and injuries come easily when older. But this video is a great reminder to relax.
wu wei unfolds by itsself when the true Self realised itsself, it is then a natural way of experiencing being in the form that is called human, without the limitations of separate "I", living as a thought in the mind only..
It's a beautiful reminder that when we connect with our inner being, we can embrace life's unfolding journey with grace and authenticity. Thank you for sharing such insightful thoughts. 🙏🌌
What a well timed Video, I've been meditating on this same thing for a couple weeks. Thank you for your input!
Thanks Alex!
Thank you 🙏
I'm so glad you found it valuable 🙏
Particularly beautiful video, George. I thank you for your insights. They are quite valuable.
Thank you for the kind words Lou (and Barb?) 😊🙏
Beautiful video, my friend!
Appreciate you 🙏
Really excellent George. Looking forward to contributing at Taoist Wellness Academy.
Beautiful ❤ thank you for the videos❤
Thank you for watching! 🙏
George, how did you know to answer my exact question in the best way ...exactly when I needed the answer? I'm glad to have you as a Daoist Dharma teacher . Thanks for this! 💯😊🙏
Thanks for watching, Courtney! 🙏
Your way is a very good example - how life canbe,- i am always learning from you....thank you so much, George. Tom.
Thank you for you very kind comment Thomas! ❤️
Wonderful video, George. Thank you for the inspiration.
LOVE & HUGS
Thanks for watching Diane! 🙏
Superb.
Thank you David. Much warmth ❤️
"The nondoing of intent is most difficult" - an ancient Zen master
It's a challenging practice, but one that can bring great rewards 🙏
Great video, thank you! I've been meditating every morning for a few years now, although sometimes only for a few minutes if I'm pushed for time. I do think it's helped me develop a natural instinct for living in the moment, which occasionally surfaces through my day - but only occasionally. As you point out, it's applying it consistently that is the hard part.
It seems nature was helping you for that final shot - the dark clouds behind you and beautiful light behind the camera. Nice! :)
Developing a natural instinct for living in the moment is a powerful benefit of meditation, and it's wonderful that you're able to experience it occasionally throughout your day. Consistency is definitely a challenge, but the effort is well worth it. And thank you for noticing the beautiful scenery in the final shot - nature can be a great source of inspiration and peace. 🙏
Great video, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Holy shit, George…this is so utterly beautiful! I can’t believe the production value and general quality of this video. Do you have a team of people working with you or how is this possible?
I really enjoyed watching this. I’m having a really active year and while I’m enjoying all the new experiences I’m also in need of some calm as it has become harder to find. Your video reminded me of things I once knew and mindsets I knew how to get into. It has triggered something within me and it feels fresh, clear and pure. Like a breath of good air. I feel relieved. Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words, appreciate you. Flow well! 🫶
Live well
I'm going to be keeping this in mind when I do my calisthenics again tomorrow. I've been having trouble getting through workouts; crashing in exhaustion. Yesterday I managed to halfway clear my mind and I noticed I felt a lot stronger. I was just starting to notice that the more cluttered my mind, the weaker I seem to be.
Mental clarity and focus can have a significant impact on our physical abilities and overall well-being. Keep practicing mindfulness and staying present during your workouts, and be sure to listen to your body's needs for rest and recovery. Best of luck with your future workouts! 💪
@@George-Thompson George, yesterday I thought of this video and focused on a state of Wu Wei and I couldn't believe how much stronger I was; I even added an extra pull-up. Plus I didn't feel tired and depressed after my workout as was happening lately.
These workouts are essential to recovering from a disability due to spinal injuries, so you're a life saver. Keep up the good work.
Thanks a lot for this amazing video, salut from Qatar
I’m so glad you found it valuable 🙏
@George,
We talk about
Make the un natural become natural to be supernatural.
So if we practice something a lot it becomes natural but others would look and see amazing effortless action.