Wu Wei, Solve Problems Without Forcing
Wu wei, or solving problems without forcing, is a philosophy of life that can help us a lot in this century characterized by competitiveness and the search for recognition and power.
Of course, this concept is outrageous when you think about all the personal goals to achieve, or the issues to be resolved, but the truth is that this method can help us lead a stress-free life.
This perspective is exposed in the Tao Te King, the most relevant book within Taoist thought and philosophy. According to legend, it was written in approximately 600 BC by Lao Tzu – which translates to “Old Master . “
For Lao Tzu, what is good and virtue are related to the way the cosmos works, that is, a natural, constant and fluid change. Just as the universe and things flow, we must flow. As a result of this way of understanding the universe, the Wu wei philosophy arises .
Wu wei: what does it consist of?
Wu wei means “no action”, “growth” or “no effort”. The main idea behind this concept is to allow things to flow in their natural state, without altering their course. In Zen calligraphy it is represented by a circle.
Many will think that it is about stopping acting, but the truth is that this does not mean letting go of our dreams or suspending our goals. According to what the Tao Te King teaches, Wu wei is not total inertia, but rather understanding the balance of things and allowing everything to flow, without exerting pressure or hindering the universal becoming.
Sometimes we can waste energy fighting against things that, in many cases, cannot even be changed, and this is what Taoist teaching tries to prevent. Studies affirm that the Wu wei consists of “acting without action”, that is to say:
An example to better understand this philosophy is to observe plants. They grow effortlessly, by Wu wei, that is, they don’t do something to achieve it. Just happens. Besides plants, Taoist texts also refer to Wu wei with the passive nature of water.
Water, although it appears weak, can actually erode rocks and flow anywhere, even through small holes. Although it can be divided into drops, the water can become part of the huge ocean. Water has another great capacity: to flow downwards, towards “the dark valley”, that place where all biological life regenerates.
How to apply this philosophy to our lives?
As we have learned, the most notable characteristic of Wu wei is that of harmony. It doesn’t interrupt or impede anything, it just flows. So, it is not a question of giving up any manifestation of the will, but of acting as natural processes do.
To put this philosophy of life into practice, we have several guidelines:
- Let everything flow and calm prevails.
- Watch how things change, without your wishes getting in the way.
- Stop and see how the problems, for the most part, are actively created by us.
- Allow problems to dissolve, without making a maze in your mind.
- Observe the opportunities that life presents you and go for them, but without this implying an unnecessary waste of energy.
- Once the problems or the situation are over, stop thinking about it. This is also wasting energy that can be focused by being alert to new opportunities.
- No matter how many stumbles you come across, always remain calm. Everything will work out.
- Put aside your worries. This does not mean that you will not do anything in your life. On the contrary, maintaining objectivity and calm you can develop smarter strategies that do not drain you mentally.
- Trust. The Wu wei philosophy encourages us to develop confidence in life and how it happens. It’s also about trusting ourselves.
Wu wei for a quieter life
Applying this philosophy of life you will be able to realize that things are simpler than what our mind imagines. It’s the thoughts that make everything seem like a dead end. Focus on wellness and incorporate this way of understanding life. You will see how you attract stillness.
