Wu Wei

[sobrique]

The drowning man thrashes in the water, and makes little progress, beyond keeping his head above water.
The athletic swimmer glides gracefully, rapidly and effortlessly.

This is to swimming what Wu-Wei is to life. "Wu Wei" is one of the principles of Taoisom, and approximates as 'non doing'. However it is not laziness, inertial or passivity. It is, if you like, swimming with the current of life.

In doing nothing, we can ensure that nothing is left undone. This may seem a contradiction of sorts. But consider that a small change in the right place at the right time is amplified many times before it comes to fruition.

Comments

[elrohana.livejournal.com]

And its one of the hardest things to do.

I try but fail dismally, every day of my life.

One of the problems I have with Taoism and Buddhism is just this 'going with the flow' - I have too much passion and anger to be able to achieve the ideals that both these belief systems advocate striving for.

[sobrique.livejournal.com]

But passion and anger are part of the process as well. The problem comes when you try and second guess yourself as to what is actually meant or needed.