Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy that teaches if we stop trying too hard and instead
surrender to the way of nature, things will naturally align, accomplishments will come,
and you’ll find yourself where you need to be without putting in too much effort.
Central to this Taoist thought is the concept of the Tao,
which is translated as "the Way" or "the Way of Nature." This way of nature is the
underlying principle that operates the universe by its spontaneity, simplicity, and balance.
Picture a seed planted in fertile soil. It doesn't rush to grow;
it simply follows its natural process. It absorbs nutrients, reaches for the sun,
and gradually transforms into a sprout, then a sapling, and eventually a towering tree.
Each stage unfolds in its own time, guided by innate wisdom encoded within the seed.
Similarly, the seasons change in a seamless dance of transformation. Winter gives way to spring,
and the frozen earth thaws into life once more. Flowers bloom, fruits ripen,
and then the cycle begins anew. There's no hurry, no rush; everything happens at its own pace,
in perfect harmony with the cycles of nature. Human life also follows this pattern of unfolding,
although we often forget it in our fast-paced modern world. We're so focused on instant
gratification and constant progress that we lose sight of the beauty of the process. We
try to force things to happen according to our timeline, only to feel frustrated when they don't.
But when we learn to trust in the natural unfolding of life,
we can find greater peace and fulfillment. We realize that there's a time for everything,
and that sometimes we need to slow down and allow things to happen in their own time. Just like the
seed that patiently waits for the right conditions to sprout, we too can trust that the universe has
a plan for us, even if we can't see it right away. Lao Tzu is credited as the founder of Taoism and
the author of its most sacred text, The Tao Te Ching. In this video, we'll discuss
how to stop trying too hard yet accomplish everything, from the wisdom of ‘Lao Tzu’.
Practice the art of non doing Lao Tzu says “Nature does not
hurry, yet everything is accomplished”. Imagine standing at an edge of a soothing pond,
watching as the water reflects the colors of the sky and the surrounding landscape. In this moment,
you notice a leaf floating gently on the surface, carried by the subtle currents without any effort
or resistance. This simple scene highlights the essence of wu wei, the Taoist principle
of non-doing or effortless action. Like the leaf drifting on the water,
wu wei invites us to surrender to the natural flow of life, allowing events to unfold without force
or interference. It's akin to sailing with the wind rather than against it, where the skilled
sailor adjusts the sails to harness the breeze's power, effortlessly gliding across the water.
In our modern world, we often live in stark contrast to this principle of wu wei through our
obsession with control. We try to micromanage every aspect of our lives, from our careers
and relationships to our personal goals and aspirations. We believe that if we just work
harder and exert more control, we can bend reality to our will and force things to go our way.
Indeed, our society also collectively encourages a mindset of constant striving,
where success is equated with relentless effort and achievement. We're bombarded
with messages that tell us we need to push harder, do better, work faster,
or stronger, and constantly be on the go to get ahead.
Hence, we fill our schedules to the brim, constantly multitasking and juggling
multiple responsibilities simultaneously. We mistake busyness for productivity and
wear our packed schedules as badges of honor. However, this relentless pursuit
of goals often leads to stress and burnout, leading to frustration and disappointment
when things don't turn out as planned. Also, this frenetic pace of life leaves
little room for rest, or genuine connection with ourselves and the world around us.
While the term "non-action" might imply passivity, wu wei is not about doing nothing
or being lazy. Instead, it suggests a state of being in which one acts spontaneously and
effortlessly, guided by their intuition. It’s about knowing when to act and when
to refrain from action, allowing events to unfold naturally without too much effort.
When we practice non-doing, we become more receptive to the subtle cues and
opportunities that arise. We learn to trust our intuition and act spontaneously,
seizing the right moment without any doubt. When we stop trying so hard and resisting things,
we get better at dealing with life's complexities.
Practicing this art of non action can be approached in simple ways. Instead of constantly
rushing from one task to another, you can take a moment to pause and observe your surroundings,
allowing yourself to be fully immersed in the present experience. From this place of presence,
learn to listen and trust your intuitions. When faced with decisions or challenges,
refrain from overthinking and analyzing every detail.
Instead, allow yourself to respond spontaneously, trusting that the right
course of action will naturally unfold. Recognise that life is ever-changing,
and your rigid plans may need adjustment. So let go of the need for perfection and control,
and understand that mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey.
By surrendering the ego's need to dominate and manipulate outcomes,
you open yourself to the flow of the Tao, where things start to feel easier and more in sync. By
practicing regularly and being patient, wu wei becomes second nature. It helps
you move through life's twists and turns smoothly, without a struggle… with grace.
2. Balance your Yin and Yang energy In the words of Lao Tzu “Myriad things,
backed by yin and embracing yang; Achieve harmony by integrating their energy”.
Taoism greatly emphasizes the importance of striving
for a harmonious balance between action and non-action, effort and relaxation,
work and play. In Taoism this balance is achieved by the interplay of yin and yang.
Yin and yang are like the two sides of a coin, representing the complementary forces that exist
in the universe. It embodies the balance between opposites. Yin, the feminine aspect, is associated
with qualities like receptivity, darkness, and introspection, while yang, the masculine aspect,
embodies qualities such as activity, light, and outward expression. Together, they form a
dynamic interplay, symbolizing the harmonious interaction of seemingly opposite forces.
In nature, we see Yin and Yang all around us, showing how opposite forces balance each other
out. Think of day and night: daytime is Yang, all bright and warm, while nighttime is Yin, dark and
cool. Seasons are much the same: summer is Yang, with growth and heat, while winter is Yin, quiet
and cold. The sun is Yang, blazing with light and energy, while the moon is Yin, softly glowing
and guiding tides. Mountains rise up with Yang strength, while valleys sink low with Yin depth.
Just like nature, within each of us, there exists a dynamic interplay of yin and
yang energies, shaping our thoughts, emotions,
and actions. Imagine a seesaw: if one sides too heavy, it tips out of balance.
Similarly, when we push ourselves too hard, we exercise too much of our yang energy,
upsetting the natural harmony within us, and that leads to imbalance and stress.
On the other hand, when we stop pushing too much and find this balance, life just feels easier.
By recognizing when to pause and rest, we allow yin energy to replenish us,
restoring our vitality and creativity. This doesn't mean giving up on what we want to
achieve. Instead, it's about being clever with our efforts, not just working harder,
and finding a balance that respects both our need to do things and our need to take breaks.
Imagine a musician preparing for a performance. Instead of relentlessly practicing for hours on
end, in their yang zone, they also take time to rest, reflect, and recharge, in their yin
zone. By mixing intense practice with downtime for rest and renewal, balancing their yin and
yang energies, they're prepared to give an amazing performance without getting too stressed or tired.
Similarly, in our daily lives, when we balance our yin and yang energies, we find harmony
within ourselves. We feel more balanced, focused, and at ease with whatever life throws our way.
3. Embrace the void
Lao Tzu teaches us to “Attain utmost emptiness. Abide in steadfast stillness.”
In Taoism, there's a recognition of the importance
of emptiness or the void. Instead of filling every moment with activity
or striving for constant achievement, allow yourself moments of stillness and emptiness.
Imagine your mind as a busy highway, constantly buzzing with thoughts,
worries, and plans. Trying too hard is like driving down that highway at full speed,
always rushing towards some destination, whether it's a goal, a deadline, or an expectation. But
Taoism suggests an alternative approach: embracing the void. Embracing the void is like finding
a peaceful rest stop along that busy highway. It's a moment of stillness amidst the chaos, where
you can pause, breathe, and simply be. Instead of constantly striving and pushing yourself forward,
you allow yourself to relax into the emptiness of the present moment. Here are some simple ways
to embrace the void in your daily life: Pause and Breathe: Throughout your day,
take moments to pause and simply breathe. Close your eyes, inhale deeply,
and exhale slowly. Allow yourself to let go of any tension or stress you may be holding onto.
Let Go of Expectations: Release the need to constantly plan and control every aspect of
your life. Instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past,
focus on the here and now. Trust that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.
Savor Moments of Stillness: Seek out moments of stillness and quietude in your daily routine.
Whether it's enjoying a cup of tea in the morning or taking a leisurely walk in nature,
allow yourself to savor these moments without feeling the need to fill them with distractions.
Cultivate Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and cultivate a
sense of gratitude. Embracing the void means recognizing the abundance that surrounds you,
even in the midst of emptiness. When you start embracing emptiness in small ways, you
can learn to stop pushing so much and find more serenity, understanding, and joy in your life.
4. Let Go of Attachments
To quote Lao Tzu “The world belongs to those who let go”.
Trying too hard often stems from clinging to specific outcomes or desires. When we're
deeply attached to a particular outcome, we often find ourselves exerting excessive
effort and energy to make it happen. It's like desperately trying to fit a
square peg into a round hole—no matter how hard we push, it just won't fit. In life,
this attachment can manifest as the belief that our happiness or success hinges solely
on achieving a specific goal—a promotion at work, a certain relationship, or a particular lifestyle.
Taoism gently encourages us to loosen our hold on fixed ideas and outcomes. It's like we're
gripping onto a rope tightly, scared to let go because we think we'll lose direction. Taoism
shows us that when we let go of our attachments, we can feel a deep sense of freedom and peace.
Instead of viewing success as a destination to reach, we learn to appreciate the journey
itself—the ups and downs, the twists and turns. Imagine you're baking a cake. You have a clear
picture in your mind of how perfect it should turn out—moist, fluffy, and delicious. But as
you meticulously follow the recipe, you find yourself stressing over every detail, worrying
that it won't meet your expectations. This is trying too hard, and it often stems from being too
attached to a specific outcome. Taoism suggests a different approach. It's like being in the kitchen
with a sense of openness and flexibility, ready to adapt to whatever happens. Instead of fixating on
the end result, you focus on enjoying the process of mixing ingredients, savoring the aroma as it
bakes, and being present in the moment. By letting go of your attachment to the perfect cake, you can
embrace whatever form it takes, whether it's a masterpiece or a deliciously imperfect creation.
Similarly, in life, when we release our grip on specific outcomes, we free ourselves from the
burden of constant worry and disappointment. We learn to flow with the twists and turns of
life's journey, trusting that whatever unfolds will ultimately lead us to where we need to be.
5. Practice simplicity
In the words of Lao Tzu “Behave simply and hold on to purity”.
Lao Tzu believed that if we simplify things, life becomes easier. We often try to carry a
heavy load of worries, ambitions, and goals on our shoulders. However, Lao
Tzu would suggest that instead of piling on more and more, it's better to lighten our load. We can
simplify our life by letting go of things that aren't truly important. Just like when you clean
out your closet and donate clothes you no longer wear, you can declutter your mind and your life.
One of the best ways to declutter your mind is by focusing on what truly matters. When
you focus on what truly matters, like spending time with loved ones, pursuing your passions,
or taking care of yourself, you free yourself from the stress of trying to do too much. It's like
removing unnecessary weight from your backpack so you can hike up a mountain more easily.
Lao Tzu believed that simplicity isn’t just about having fewer possessions or commitments but also
about embracing a mindset that appreciates the beauty in life's purest form. It’s about
finding joy in the little things rather than being overwhelmed by everything around us,
like appreciating the beauty of a single flower instead of feeling lost in a whole garden.
Simplifying life means feeling happy with what we have right now, rather than always wanting more.
Imagine a calm, clear pool reflecting the sky—it's simple and beautiful. Our
lives should be like that too, clear and not too complicated.
When we get rid of unnecessary complications, we discover that we already have everything we
need to be happy. Simplicity is realizing that a simple meal with friends can bring
more happiness than an extravagant feast alone. It's about cultivating gratitude
for the simple joys of life—a warm cup of tea, a gentle breeze, or the laughter of loved ones.
In a world filled with noises and distraction, simplicity offers refuge
from the endless pursuit of material possessions and societal expectations.
As Lao Tzu says “Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires."
6. Spend time in nature In our final quote from Lao
Tzu for this video, he says “Be like the forces of nature: when it blows, there is only wind;
when it rains, there is only rain; when the clouds pass, the sun shines through."
The philosophy of Taoism often draws parallels between the natural world and human behavior,
emphasizing the wisdom that can be gained from observing and aligning with nature.
Observing nature offers a perfect reminder of the effortless way in which life unfolds.
In nature, we witness the perfect harmony of existence—trees swaying with the breeze,
rivers flowing without resistance, and flowers blooming in their own time.
Consider the growth of a tree. It doesn’t strain or struggle to reach the sunlight;
instead, it simply follows its innate tendency to grow towards the light. In the same way,
when we connect with nature, we are reminded to trust in the natural flow of life and release
the need to force outcomes. We learn to surrender. Moreover, spending time in nature has a grounding
and calming effect on our minds and bodies. The sights, sounds, and smells of the natural
world soothe our senses and quiet the incessant chatter of the mind. In this peaceful state,
it's easier to stop pushing ourselves too much and act from a place of pure simplicity.
In our bustling urban environments, it's easy to feel disconnected from the natural world,
but even in the midst of city life, there are ample opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Taking a brief stroll in a nearby park during your lunch break, finding a quiet spot to sit
under a tree and soak in the greenery, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of a flower or
a bird on your way to work can offer moments of respite and connection. These micro-moments can
have a huge impact on our well-being, reminding us of the beauty and peace that exists all around us.
Additionally, incorporating outdoor activities into our routines,
such as hiking, biking, or jogging in nearby nature reserves or parks,
allows us to not only stay active but also immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds,
and smells of nature. Engaging in mindful practices while outdoors, such as grounding
ourselves by feeling the earth beneath our feet can further deepen our connection with nature.
Moreover, planning regular weekend getaways or day trips to natural settings outside
the city provides an opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in nature,
replenishing our spirits and rejuvenating our minds. For those with access to outdoor
space, gardening offers a hands-on way to connect with the rhythms of nature
and to experience the satisfaction of watching plants grow and thrive.
Finally, being mindful of our technology use and intentionally carving out time
to disconnect from screens and digital distractions allows us to create space
for nature in our lives, fostering a sense of balance in our increasingly busy world.
By incorporating these simple practices into our lives,
we can create space for nature amidst the busyness of modern life,
reconnecting with the natural world and finding moments of stillness, and renewal along the way.
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