WU WEI all the way
wu wei. (wo͞o wā) n. A Taoist principle of action in accordance with the true nature of people, objects, and systems, rather than striving for dominance and control.
I have a good friend in Ohio who shares the goal with me of going with the Flow. We remind each other sometimes of Wu Wei as the Taoist term for flowing in the same direction as life. I like the above definition even more – going with the true nature of people. I can hear the question – what is the true nature of people? It appears to be a black or white answer…some people are good and we have seen so much of that in the past weeks; and others are not so good and we have evidence for that as well.
But appearance is not the same as true nature. I stand on the principle that True Nature is one of innate wisdom, joy and love. Circumstances and events have convinced us that we are at their mercy – waiting for the next shoe to drop. And yet we know that the worst circumstances didn’t keep Nelson Mandela from his true nature, or the man I have written of before, Victor Frankel – and many other people whose names are not remembered.
When we go with the flow, even when we don’t want to – we discover an ease in life… less stress and no need for control. When we try to force the river in the direction of our preferences, no matter how hard we try, we just add to the stress and strife and don’t notice the still waters than run deep in each of us. A wise teacher said that the path of life is easy to a man who has no preferences. (that goes for women too) And I would add that a preference is only a thought, and when we let go of the thought – (NOT replace it) – suddenly we feel the peace that is part of true nature.
Watch where your life is flowing this week – and allow your true nature to guide and direct each small decision or choice and each larger decision as well. Like water, wu wei brings tranquility – a return to that place in ourselves where all is well – no matter what appears. Here’s to my friend Phil for reminding often to let go of control as if I had it. 😊
Wu Wei – all the way!
