Wu Wei: Taoism's Secret to Effortless Living

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  • Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
  • China's greatest philosophers were said to effortlessly glide through life in a state called "Wu Wei". With the help of an ancient story and neuroscience, we explore if Wu Wei is really possible for us mortals...
    I highly recommend checking out Edward Slingerland's book, "Trying Not to Try" if you would like to go into Taoist Wu-Wei in more detail: amzn.to/2FK8msq
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    Explore the concept of Wu-Wei, the ancient Chinese philosophy of effortless action, through the story of Butcher Ding. Understand how spontaneity and natural intelligence can lead to mastering life's challenges without strain. Learn from neuroscience the balance between conscious thought and subconscious intuition. The video reveals that embracing Wu-Wei involves tuning into our innate wisdom, allowing for a more harmonious and effective way of living. Join the journey to uncover how to apply Wu-Wei in modern life.
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Комментарии • 256

  • @George-Thompson
    @George-Thompson  Год назад +2

    Thanks for watching ✨ If you want to explore more Daoism, I invite you to join Master Gu’s FREE 4-week Taoist Wellness Course
    Learn meditation, Qi Gong and Tai Chi with Master Gu - Taoist Wisdom to help you Live Long and Live Well!:
    Click to get access- completely free: ⏩⏩ www.taoistwellness.online/free-course

  • @johnc.6645
    @johnc.6645 6 лет назад +501

    Very good George. When i was 19 years old i was caught in a violent Atlantic storm at sea, 15 ft waves 7 sea tornadoes and no earthly reason i should have survived it in a 15 foot boat with a 60 horse engine. It was during this storm i experienced absolute enlightenment. I lost all fear, all concerns about my work, family girlfriends, future. I allowed something else to take over. I became one with the storm and had no concept of fear. It took over for hours, one large wave would come toward me ,i would go full speed into it at a slight angle go over it and crash into the trough. This happened over and over again. No time to think or even pray. I had no fear. Offten thru the years i go back to thiscwhen life seems overwhelming. You are a very intelligent young man who found a path. I was young, dumb, and didnt know anything about spirtuality, eastern religions or enlightenment. Yet i was given this gift. What should have been my worst day turned out to be a great gift. Twice more ive experienced enlightenment without looking for it. When this happens, i consider myself the luckiest man on earth. The feeling of becoming one with nature in order to survive it cannot be described. When Lao Tsu said the Tao is something that cannot be described, i understand what he meant. Good Journeys. Im 71 now but still young physically and mentally and i owe it to an unserviveable storm 52 years ago.

    • @femiisme9679
      @femiisme9679 6 лет назад +27

      John C. That is a beautiful story

    • @lostnlooking2
      @lostnlooking2 6 лет назад +10

      when you're touched its something one can not explain! some else who hasn't experienced it for themselves wouldn't understand even if you could... Wonderful story

    • @johnc.6645
      @johnc.6645 6 лет назад +14

      George, i live in Apple Valley California. It would be great to have a visit and if your ever in this area, theres an extra bedroom, tea, and no transportation worries.

    • @kitkat1123
      @kitkat1123 6 лет назад +9

      I would love to hear this story over a cup of tea also. I live in Los Angeles California but am currently in college in Vermont. I feel like you just gave me some deeper insight into the mysteries of life. I am only 20 and have a journey of wu wei ahead of me

    • @livchilds7973
      @livchilds7973 6 лет назад +4

      This is truly amazing. I am so glad you were able to be guided into true enlightenment, and not only be able to acknowledge it, but to begin a journey of understanding, as well! I would love to hear more stories.

  • @abernathyfi
    @abernathyfi 6 лет назад +75

    Hi George
    Great concept for a channel and I'm glad to have found you. I'm 72 now and have been studying the Tao de Ching since I was thirty. This, was just a year or so after I started to compose music. I have studied music since I was 9 and attended university of Toronto and taught music is high school for 35 years. Leaning spontaneity is the essence of playing Jazz, in fact, all music. Because it only happens now! no hiding. Yes/No! Musicians understand this. But what's most worrying is the advent of texting as explained by a 15 year old girl. "I have time to think and reply in control. I don't like spontaneous dialogue with people." Ug... good luck experiencing intimacy.
    I compose music everyday, sometimes a lot sometimes little, but I'm always spontaneous about it.No hard and fast routine. The hardest part of composing, is to get out of the way and let it flow effortlessly through me. I'm no more important than the pencil I hold. The mind is very devious and needs training. Thanks for shedding more light on this vital subject. Ross

    • @surfricke
      @surfricke 4 года назад

      J. Ross Folkes seems like I’m you when you started. I’m 33 and a musician. Just started to learn about Tao de Ching. I hit my head 8 months ago and got a concussion that turned in to PCS. Which means symptoms of the concussion for a long time. And because of this I had to handle pain, uncertainty of how my life will be, my life changed very rapidly, can’t work, couldn’t even play music at times. But learned to be positive despite this. What I’m saying I had a lot of time to think and to be mindful. And these ideas speak to me, like I have had the same thoughts. Thanks for sharing your story. It inspired me. 🙏

  • @davidrangel9586
    @davidrangel9586 6 лет назад +38

    So many times have I been working hard to perfect something. Whether it's in martial arts, guitar, or something at work. You know, because the rule is "do it every day, practice makes perfect"
    But this theory is only a general rule of thumb. Eventually I would see a decline instead, because of frustration and overthinking.
    My solution of putting it down for a few days was miraculous. A few days later, I would come back and be able to achieve whatever it was within minutes!
    I love the book of Chuang Tzu. It is my favourite of them all.

  • @donkandfriends880
    @donkandfriends880 3 года назад +3

    I have been an improviser for 20 years. I love Taoism because everything I've learned about it parallels everything I've learned and experienced in improvisation.

  • @musicisbrilliant
    @musicisbrilliant 5 лет назад +7

    I dont expect 'normal' people to get much into what you're doing, but I love it!! Definitely subscribed right away. Keep it up, thanks for the videos!

  • @jean-yveswoestyn6295
    @jean-yveswoestyn6295 6 лет назад +108

    A lot of confusion in this video, as often unfortunately. Wuwei 無為 does not mean spontaneity, ziran 自然 means spontaneity, not the same concept at all. Wuwei rather means "no intervention" , to let things happen. The chinese man in the video explains that with a famous chinese saying actually from Mencius about pulling the plants to make them grow faster 拔苗助长. The cook Ding story of the Zhuangzi is not about wuwei but about preserving one's life by avoiding difficulties (this is why the story is placed can be found in the chapter Yangsheng zu), this is why the cooks blade remains sharp (the cooks blade is a metaphor for one's life). it is a concept found mostly in Laozi and Zhuangzi and actually not a central concept, it appears only 10 times in the Daodejing. It became a more central concept in mystical practices like internal alchemy where it took a more mystical meaning of letting transcendance arise spontaneously.

    • @askjdog
      @askjdog 5 лет назад

      @chinois .. Thank you

    • @mikerulon
      @mikerulon 4 года назад +1

      The translation of the Tao Te Ching I am reading and Alan Watts refer to this concept as purposeless action. Taking the thought out of acting. They do agree that a definition of wuwei is no intervention, but both agree that the definition at the time the book was written is not what it is now.... and that purposeless action is their best "guess" they can come up with... I hope I am expressing their ideals well.

    • @jrmanuel5295
      @jrmanuel5295 4 года назад +5

      In cantonese they call it mow wei means not doing others job. for example the mouth is not applicable of digesting the food it can only chew. everything in the world have their own doing. thats wu wei or mow wei means.

    • @Toneva19
      @Toneva19 4 года назад +1

      Jean-Yves Woestyn thank god you pointed out these mistakes or in-proper explanations.🙏

    • @mirela2608
      @mirela2608 4 года назад +1

      This actually makes sense. Thank you for sharing.

  • @SuperMutantSomething
    @SuperMutantSomething 6 лет назад +9

    I've been a keen fan of the Dao ideas since I first read about them. They seem so intuitive that it needs little explanation.

  • @rupomhundred395
    @rupomhundred395 6 лет назад +14

    Spontaneity is the zenith of creativity. It is the practice of creativity I think.

  • @ARdave311
    @ARdave311 6 лет назад +44

    george, your videos and explanation of taoism is amazing, i have been so fascinated with taoism for 10 years but unfortunantly, there really is not just a ton of litterature out there on it, i have about 6 or 7 of the most popular books on it my favorite being lao tzu and chung tzu but your videos are very special on getting it from modern day taoist and showing taosin more than just talking about it, but im learning alot and i really appreciate it!!

    • @petereames3041
      @petereames3041 6 лет назад +2

      Read the dummies guide, highly recommend goes through the whole history

    • @gjigaqaquj
      @gjigaqaquj 5 лет назад +1

      Cherish every piece of information you hear about daoism, even from the view of lay-people. There is always something to learn, even the most knowledgeable masters have not mastered it.

    • @linnh940
      @linnh940 4 года назад

      Same!

    • @bobmiller7502
      @bobmiller7502 2 года назад

      try I ching brother the only book you will never finish reading,,xxbxx

  • @ryanjames7115
    @ryanjames7115 6 лет назад

    George, your personality is so fitting for this type of video journalism. Highly impressed. Through my insights and experience I have learned to feel more then think, this alone brings us to a place of effortless fluidity, movement, and action. When meditating, train yourself, feel, dont think. See how it then spills over into your everyday actions, how it brings you to the now, that is always spontaneous and without effort.

  • @pukofthewilds9000
    @pukofthewilds9000 6 лет назад

    The world is a better for place having you in it, George. Thank you for these videos and all that you do. Beat of luck on your journey.

  • @snippyboy1
    @snippyboy1 5 лет назад +1

    I once got a job at an electronics store as a salesman. I learned the basics of sales from a short training. Unconsciously I was a natural and stopped thinking one day about selling I just did what was in front of me and got into a high level of sales and became one of the best in the company. This experience and fishing are the only two things I think I was practicing WU Wei.

  • @dayinalife4633
    @dayinalife4633 2 года назад +1

    Brilliantly created and executed George. So genuine, authentic, creative, generous, fun and informative. Thank you for sharing . Pura Vida.

  • @BrandonMather8
    @BrandonMather8 6 лет назад

    I found this video and your channel at the time when it would have the most profound effect on me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, George!

  • @livchilds7973
    @livchilds7973 6 лет назад +1

    I love your videos! I am only just now discovering Taoism, and it is such a spiritual breakthrough for me, because I have discovered there is a philosophy/spirituality that perfectly fits what I have experienced on my own journey of life thus far. I look forward to more videos from you and your charming Master! xx

  • @itsmytch
    @itsmytch 6 лет назад +1

    I want to commend you George and Master Gu in your work together: You George in your openness to being a public beginner and Master Gu's (and his family's) openness to sharing family lineage wisdom with us all. I study and practice Chinese Medicine in the US and am always overtly or clandestinely adding in Taoist philosophy to my treatments of acupuncture as I find it so wonderful and such as aid to the overly busy world we live in (Chicago for myself). These videos are fun and refreshing reminders and introductions for us all. I will comment that I have experience spontaneity twice and it was very clear and like a lightening strike of but with fluidity of movement and no thought was involved. Once was when I was playing drums (I used to tour the US and England of all places - George) and practiced drum set for hours in my basement growing up. One day it was like my hands and feet were just playing themselves - usually if that happens you think about it and snap out of it, but this time it just kept going ~ I don't really know how long probably just a few minutes as time got distorted as I became euphoric at the same time. At some point my body stopped but I felt very strange and wonderful and I wondered outside because I was feeling simply amazing and just wanted to be in nature at that time. It was weird and blew my mind and I had no context for it other than some Sufi concepts of ecstasy in music and movement. Perhaps that was wu wei? The other time was much shorter. I was sledding and a moderately big hill was nearby. As we were walking towards another hill I saw a boy sledding down on his own (his mom left still at the top) and he was heading right towards an old American wooden post fence that was about to smash his face. My friends did not see any of this but turned around to find me somehow grabbing the boy who was zipping very fast past us, just enough to slow him down but not hard enough to take him out and hurt him. His sled slowed dramatically so that it just politely flowed under the wooden horizontal fence post and he just mildly ducked his 4 year old head down and out of the way. His mother was at this point yelling and crying. My friends were freaking out as they said it was effortless in my actions and they were baffled how I did not clobber this kid to stop him and how he ended up slowed down so perfectly. I can say that I had no idea in my head at all what to do other than to slow him and my body took over. We wei in action? If so it was effortless and perfect for the situation at hand. I feel like I had nothing to do with it, even today. Probably could not recreate it as I would think too much about it! Eventually I have found Taoism and other Eastern thought to give me some context to these experiences and I am in constant awe of the brilliant insights of these teachers. Cheers and keep on spreading the good word!

  • @jofox8066
    @jofox8066 6 лет назад

    Hi George! Thanks for this video. I studied Taoism for some years and have only recently come back to it. Your and Master Gu's explanations are really very helpful. For time first time I can recognise Wu Wei in my life. When I paint a picture at first it is all analytical thoughts and fear or messing it up. But later sometimes something happens and I come to this place where the picture seems to paint itself. It is effortless and really joyful. I have this natural feeling in my gut on what I need to do next. I realised today that this is Wu Wei! Thankyou!

  • @MusicCrackhead
    @MusicCrackhead 6 лет назад

    Dude this is down right inspirational and the type of information I’ve been looking for to incorporate in my love for yoga and a simplistic life style. Subbed.

  • @danielalexandermclachlanga3781
    @danielalexandermclachlanga3781 3 года назад +1

    as damp grinds stillness
    sway and swaying sight
    is dry, as a spirit kiss
    beyond breath, effortless

  • @Mrmorlam1
    @Mrmorlam1 6 лет назад

    What a fantastic presentation. Many thanks for bringing this to light in such a simple and accessible way. Communicating ideas is difficult thing to do unless they are understood in the first place, so your understanding speaks volumes. One might even say this is your wu-wei. Effortless presenting. Great videos George. Really enjoyable.

  • @georgediamond5309
    @georgediamond5309 Год назад

    Spontaneous..I once surprised my friend with a trip to Greece for their support offered to me during a terrible time in my life.😊

  • @cathykennedy4143
    @cathykennedy4143 6 лет назад +2

    George and Master Gu, you both are my new Sifu, or Sensei. It is easy to see your good hearts from the first video and your sincere desire to share Taoism with the world. The wisdom of the Master is shared so humbly and gently for those who may be interested in learning more about the Way, like myself. I love learning about different philosophies, but Taoism, no pun intended, seems so natural to me. I grew up spending much of my time in nature feeling its energy and healing simply by being a part of it. I look forward to your other videos and your premium videos too! Bless you both for your selfless time and energy for the good of others; generously sharing you knowledge. Peace always, to you both, as you travel along life's path!

  • @roiferreach100
    @roiferreach100 5 лет назад

    Now I understand how our talents and skills raised to a different when we relax, when we don't push ourselves hard, when we give up in the moment, when we let go of our desire and just do it, I experienced this a lot of times. And you remind me how I learned to ride a bicycle, after many wounds of falling down, I said to myself "I have many wounds now, I'll just ride it and let it be" and then I learned.. I am really convinced that our mind is really an obstacle to our ultimate capabilities.

  • @jasonsmith8530
    @jasonsmith8530 6 лет назад +1

    Love the series . I really dig the breakdowns of the concepts from both master and student as well as the introduction to Chinese culture. As someone trying to explore this space I find the content informative and charming, it's even got me practicing Taji again! Have you considered a Patreon?

  • @SnakeAndTurtleQigong
    @SnakeAndTurtleQigong 3 года назад

    Sending gratitude from a Daoist monastery near Seattle! 💙☯️

  • @solebro1780
    @solebro1780 3 года назад +3

    “That which has no thickness - when moving through space - meets no resistance.”

  • @davidrivers2734
    @davidrivers2734 4 года назад

    Super Awesome George, Very Grateful for this!

  • @tommyheadlocke7818
    @tommyheadlocke7818 4 года назад

    Love your channel and the effort you’ve made to create it

  • @Radioactive_Treehouse
    @Radioactive_Treehouse 4 года назад

    Truly one of the greatest youtube channels of all time (:

  • @mael-strom9707
    @mael-strom9707 5 лет назад +3

    From Siddhartha Gautama we have learned the middle way of extremes. Practicing Wu Wei and the Middle Way, life becomes very Ch'an (Zen).

  • @alanncasse8058
    @alanncasse8058 6 лет назад

    This is a very sympathic way to give insights into a very complex topic. High Quality!
    Also you have increased my consumption of tea pretty much.
    Keep floating :)

  • @noface6872
    @noface6872 6 лет назад +6

    Amazing informative video! So well edited I thought I was watching National Geographic.
    I am currently reading "Thinking Fast And Slow", by Daniel Kahneman which he presents the styles of thinking of human beings. The same concepts of Hot and Cold thinking you presented in the video. The book may be a great addition to go deeper into the subject of Wu- Wei +TAO TE CHING.
    So excited to get into this realm of wisdom!
    Thank you George!!!!😁

  • @chedca
    @chedca 6 лет назад +11

    he is right, stillness forced is repression - in itself a form of action

  • @scheff3365
    @scheff3365 5 лет назад +6

    It’s like falling into a daze. Catch yourself doing it on accident then repeat consciously. Voila, The Tao

  • @delltronzero
    @delltronzero 6 лет назад

    His comments on natural intelligence vs conscious thought just blew my mind.

  • @dexterjones4902
    @dexterjones4902 6 лет назад +3

    Excellent! Thanks George

  • @fullercrowley
    @fullercrowley 4 года назад +2

    "The edge of my blade is fine and meets with no resistance." Word. Each of us is a blade. The more we resist, the duller we get.

    • @peterkhew7414
      @peterkhew7414 3 года назад

      Don't cut against the grain. Go with the flow.

  • @AbsolutelyNOW
    @AbsolutelyNOW 5 лет назад +1

    You are simply genius and great videos and content highly creative with a mission so higher than life... You seem divine being. 😇😇

  • @xieyuheng
    @xieyuheng 4 года назад +1

    The story of the butcher Ding is also about how to preserve one life like preserving the cleaver.
    The theme of that chapter of ZhuangZi is "preserving life" or "keep alive".

  • @damienr1229
    @damienr1229 6 лет назад

    ha ha great video again, Thanks ! (I'm watching all of them...) In Zen Buddhism, master Dogen say : "thinking the non-thinking" :-D And that reminds me my french Master for martial arts when he tries to explain to us that when you want to do something, he says something like "simply give an order and the body will do it, thinking too much isn't necessary and disconnect you from your body and the action" !

  • @riccardoc1711
    @riccardoc1711 5 лет назад

    Great, tx. I teach taiji chen style and the wu wei is very “taiji” related. Finding the mysterious alchemy between peacefulness and been able to flow with the difficulties of the world of forms is the key to enlightment. And the key to enlightment is who you are, beyond all forms, within all forms lies the all encompassing silent presence that we are. When our “doing” is aligned with our true nature, non doing spontenously happen. And that’s wu wei.

  • @maxybrew
    @maxybrew 6 лет назад +3

    Congrats on 3k

  • @Librarypencils
    @Librarypencils 6 лет назад +2

    this was excellent. creative. perfect.

  • @brownbri1983
    @brownbri1983 Год назад

    This is very good. You're an understanding person

  • @kevinkalb7000
    @kevinkalb7000 5 лет назад

    Thank you for making these videos

  • @brujo_millonario
    @brujo_millonario 4 года назад

    This reminds me something I was taught in Saint Germain "I am" metaphysics. When you're not sure of what's to say or to what to do, just ask the "I am presence" (your higher self) to speak for you or act for you. And it really works! I suppose you could say "Tao" instead of "I am presence" and it would work anyway.

  • @ying-yangwingchunclub7230
    @ying-yangwingchunclub7230 3 года назад

    I understand like this, Living in this moment without thinking past, future, about something, about someone but concentrating on the present. You can sit and be calm without thinking future,past, something, someone.

  • @femiisme9679
    @femiisme9679 6 лет назад +8

    I am so glad I subcried to your chanel👍👍✌

  • @kartikkalling6637
    @kartikkalling6637 3 года назад

    U r one quality RUclipsr I have found

  • @karehhartig7287
    @karehhartig7287 5 лет назад

    Yes I endeavor to live this way Every day. There's so much going on in our world , you can get distracted easily enough. Tao allows me to stay on my path in balance.

  • @willwassenaar1145
    @willwassenaar1145 3 года назад

    Great stuff, man.

  • @munhassan7840
    @munhassan7840 Год назад

    Fantastic video thank you

  • @Skadooshika
    @Skadooshika 3 года назад

    this is my new favourite video

  • @antonionotbanderas9775
    @antonionotbanderas9775 2 года назад

    Excellent contents. Subscribed.

  • @oneloveawd1
    @oneloveawd1 6 лет назад

    Your videos are great keep them up!!!!!

  • @1331roland
    @1331roland 4 года назад +2

    I have experienced spontaneity before while I was singing and dancing.

  • @petermiddleton4164
    @petermiddleton4164 3 года назад

    I have experienced spontaneity before, when mixing live music and when riding my mountain bike, my foot hit a root, the bike stopped and I didn’t and half way through the air, in that split second I visioned what I needed to do to be unharmed. I’d never practice a high speed roll before but there it was and I only scraped and bruised my wrist a little. I’ve been practising for wu wei for quite a while, healing the subconscious shadows so that I can flow in that spontaneous emergence of life in a joyful and playful space, in safety of others and myself.

  • @muetdubois9794
    @muetdubois9794 6 лет назад +1

    Master and yourself are intuitive and soft-spoken entities... One day I will come to join and to connect to the true world. This world is corrupt in many ways and everyone should find peace within themselves to express their inner peace to others. That’s the only way one can make a world peaceful. “An insane man can not make one sane if that man thinks the sane are insane and his sane is insane. We live in a world of paradoxes.”
    -by Myself

  • @thoughtvoke
    @thoughtvoke 6 лет назад

    You're a really wonderful human being.

  • @erikeliezer
    @erikeliezer 4 года назад

    Really enjoying this channel and exploring Taoism on my own more because of it. Thank you! Question: what's the next video you mentioned at the end of this one?

  • @mikerulon
    @mikerulon 4 года назад +4

    Having been an athlete I feel that I have some understanding of this. Athletes talk about being in the zone.... effortless, yet masterful, I 10 yrs of participating and over 70 contests, I would say I only experienced this deeply twice. I do believe you can be in "the zone" in everyday living and in spirituality. For me it is "getting out of the wya"

    • @martinwagner7361
      @martinwagner7361 2 года назад +1

      I started Meditation after a NearDeathExperience made me aware of my deep need to finally master my own Consciousness.....
      At the beginning and for the next years I had such a high volition of mental Tendencies to constantly judge, evaluate, interpret, despise, long for etc. that any own control seemed impossible, very sobering experience....
      But eventually, over the years and combined with prayer, contemplation and a plain necessity to accomplish it these mental activities and tendencies started to slowly subside and become less and less.
      So I guess that's why we - especially in the western world- usually experience that only a few times because that State con only be experienced when the conscious mind becomes really quiet and/or is extremely concentrated....
      Otherwise we're just to addicted to our thoughts/emotions that we could really quickly let go all of that......
      I KNEW from the beginning that so many thoughts that I constantly had were even self destructive- but it was simply impossible to stop these thoughts as decades of fear based misuse of mind had created already very powerful and strong mental tendencies that one can only overcome with real perseverance, work and dedication to " get it done".
      Yet at the same time one as well should really have good KNOWLEDGE of HOW to really get this done.
      Or a Coach.
      Because especially in the west we in general know very little about all that in general as that doesn't really have a part in our cultural traditions - unfortunately.
      When one thinks that every single person depressed or addicted - and we have 100s of millions of them in the west- is in fact a person that has simply failed to ever master their very own thoughts/emotions the immense importance of that for a Society becomes quickly apparent.
      Or think about Criminals and the immense cost of their dysfunctions......
      This is by no means just a topic for esoteric circles but LITERALLY a question of SURVIVAL, a question of either Life or Death for countless millions of people......

  • @Kvothe1994
    @Kvothe1994 6 лет назад

    your channel is really amazing :) more pretty tai chi master please haha

  • @mutajen3695
    @mutajen3695 5 лет назад +4

    This is kinda explaining flow...exactly what Ive been looking for. Maybe I'll go to China, too! lol

    • @mael-strom9707
      @mael-strom9707 5 лет назад +1

      You don't have to push the river ...let it flow by itself! ...lol.

  • @mementomori5374
    @mementomori5374 4 года назад

    Thank you sir

  • @olomolo42
    @olomolo42 5 лет назад +1

    Recently came to a really simple but refreshing realisation whilst skate boarding

    • @mael-strom9707
      @mael-strom9707 5 лет назад +1

      You hit the sweet spot ...wu wei !!!

  • @coisalinda2424
    @coisalinda2424 6 лет назад

    Job well done Mr Lee Xin Thompson

  • @johnvanegmond1812
    @johnvanegmond1812 5 лет назад

    Thank you.

  • @ratatoskrgodtroll6198
    @ratatoskrgodtroll6198 4 года назад

    I think you do a good Good job here you addressed it in a way that is not commonly addressed here in the west and you manage to add sentiments that remind me of Alan Watts I don’t remember if you mentioned his name or not but loved it🙏🏻💙

  • @EspeciallyEl
    @EspeciallyEl 6 лет назад

    I'm just beginning to learn about Taoism and my first impression of Wu Wei makes me think of the psychologist Carl Jung's idea of synchronicity. Not exactly the same, but I feel conceptually they could be related. But I have a lot more to learn about both!

  • @thelillypad9567
    @thelillypad9567 4 года назад

    I experienced wu wei in dancing. The moment I let go of thinking and trusted my mind body energy the movement became spectacular because the Energy from my partner was able to flow through me and be expressed through my movement and all leader intended embellishments were reflected through me. The connection was incredible and spurred on my desire to dance further. ( I’ve been dancing now for 18 years) (edit I may have mis used the term, new to this)

    • @thelillypad9567
      @thelillypad9567 4 года назад

      I may have mis used the term wu wei?? (New to this)

  • @Snoopmenuce
    @Snoopmenuce 5 лет назад

    Remarkable
    I love the world of temple china!

  • @dailyvideos930
    @dailyvideos930 5 лет назад

    very good thanks for sharing your video

  • @hermitagetaiji9451
    @hermitagetaiji9451 5 лет назад

    Thankyou to George and Taoist Wellness Academy for this video. I believe that wu wei (along with peng in Taiji) doesn't translate well into English. Many Western philosophers have tried to conceptualise their understanding but I think (like peng energy) it is something best understood via experience and practice. I think this is a good video to help people have an idea of the basic idea of wu wei.

  • @johnjay9404
    @johnjay9404 5 лет назад

    Excellent examples.
    Don't over think. Just be. Where the mind knows common sense, the body will follow dutifully.

  • @Scarlyt41
    @Scarlyt41 3 года назад

    Thank you Master Gu & George i was trying to find myself & my way. idk something about the yin yang symbol peel to me got to thinking you cant have light with out dark . Couldn't get that thought out my head so i look up the yin yang read and kept seen Taoism/ Daoism. then im like what this oboy sigh and look it up on youtube lol all place and after hearing the book of the way i knew this was it could even feel it. i hope one day to meet you both your channel been good starting place for me. Peace & Balance to you and all, May the way never find a end ☯.

  • @nikitanagarkar5238
    @nikitanagarkar5238 3 года назад

    Admire your work George :)

  • @rorymayberry711
    @rorymayberry711 6 лет назад +3

    damn that teapot is supreme

  • @frankm.2850
    @frankm.2850 6 лет назад

    Off and on over the past couple months I'll just lay down on the couch for a couple minutes. Not to take a nap or relax or anything, just to kind of let go. Inevitably at some point I'll get up and do something. Not having made a conscious decision, just sort of knowing what needs to be done.

  • @janglestick
    @janglestick 6 лет назад +1

    where is the second video to this please?

  • @NicoleBeckfordfitness
    @NicoleBeckfordfitness 6 лет назад

    I love your videos but inhave a question..what is the cycle of eating in taoism. I am trying to find that balance

  • @pengfu8608
    @pengfu8608 3 года назад

    George, great video. BTW, it is "Zhuang Zi" with the "Zhuang" sounding as "Strong" in the middle. Your prounouciation of "Zhong Zi" makes me giggle every time. It is a delicious sticky rice with various of stuffings, wrapped with banana leafs and steam to perfection. Yummy stuff.... Well, he had a great sense of humor back in his ancient time, so befitting....

  • @VitomirMilosevic
    @VitomirMilosevic 4 года назад

    To do something without action is impossible for menny,but normal for some.This(going to China),was best choice of Your life,respect.

  • @harrygreen3277
    @harrygreen3277 6 лет назад +4

    This was super cool George. I see you recommend Slingerland's book but have you read Gregory's Fasting the Mind? I see your title has Effortless Living in it and Jason Gregory's new book is called that which is out soon, thought that was a nice synchronicity. Did you ever make contact with him if you remember I asked? Fasting the Mind goes even further into cognitive science and the very phrase fasting the mind is from the Chuang-tzu. Super book. As for Slingerland he also has some good stuff on Chinese thought, he has a series which you'd like. I forget what its called but you will like it. Keep it up.

  • @davidconstantine-thepathof9372
    @davidconstantine-thepathof9372 5 лет назад +1

    Wu Wei is the way 😃

  • @TheFiestyhick
    @TheFiestyhick 5 лет назад

    Great info

  • @OrthoNepali
    @OrthoNepali 3 года назад

    Can you please do the second part on how one gets into the eternal state of Wu Wei? ❤️

  • @return2innocence221
    @return2innocence221 4 года назад

    For knowledge we acquire...for wisdom we let go 🗝️ xxxxxxxxxxx

  • @marcgehr9313
    @marcgehr9313 6 лет назад

    When pushing hands the easiest way to overcome force is to react without conscious action. When a technique doesn't work allow for subconscious spontaneity
    In this way I have experienced Wu wei many times

  • @levimark9810
    @levimark9810 6 лет назад

    I Have, when I try to play an instrument and force the creativity, I normally Come short but when I just stop thinking and "Do" I just Creat Music That I Really Enjoy and I don't even Notice that Im doing it

  • @leespicer3835
    @leespicer3835 2 года назад

    So hard to look beyond my bias. The character I prefer to listen to and the character in this video. So difficult. But this world has done a fascinating job with creating so many ill thoughts towards others. I am try really hard to listen to the video without bias.

  • @lisnaromauli1417
    @lisnaromauli1417 5 лет назад

    Hi mr Thomson, it's very nice to watch ur explanation about Tao. I wonder, what is ur religion? And how and why are you attracted to learn about Tao? Ill be very thankful if u answer this.
    Best!!!

  • @captainjosue
    @captainjosue 3 года назад

    That was great acting. I was totally sucked into the story

  • @najeebenton862
    @najeebenton862 3 года назад

    What?! That was perfect acting

  • @hillie1813
    @hillie1813 2 года назад

    where can i find the meditation link you talk about in the last part of your video

  • @richmanwithgoodbrains1100
    @richmanwithgoodbrains1100 Год назад

    This is my home town.

  • @KimbasKingdom
    @KimbasKingdom 3 года назад

    I experience spontaneity when I do something creative, but only when I do it with no aim. For example, when I improvise music on the piano, it flows effortlessly. When I try to compose a full piece with a pre planned structure and sections, it's very hard. When I create my own made up characters and worlds just for fun, I find awesome ideas come to me automatically, as if they're just revealing themselves to me. But when I try to make characters and worlds for a pre planned and structured narrative, they are stiff, lifeless and uninteresting.

  • @AbsolutelyNOW
    @AbsolutelyNOW 5 лет назад

    Yes have experienced spontaniety at office. I did naturally what felt right though others had too much resistance and saying don't do it, will cause disaster. But I thought I have nothing to loose exowcpt my image which I let go as I want that solution to work. And it did. Next one like you say let me know your idea of spontaneity and here I am replying hehe.. 😁

  • @GuyCruls
    @GuyCruls 5 лет назад

    so, what's the title of the follow-up video?

  • @nicholasheiendgemshei3949
    @nicholasheiendgemshei3949 5 лет назад

    How do I do what your doing, I need to be sat down , I want to become a master