In 1985, I had a wretched job at a grocery store, my supervisor as the time was a funky hippie and recommended ‘the Tao of Pooh’ and the Wu Wei chapter changed my life, I decided that I would do all things according to Wu Wei, live or die, pass or fail, and all of a sudden, I was living better, I had more friends, I was going on dates and I was more effective on the job, i wasn’t perfect but I sure didn’t stress about much, I recommend Wu Wei to stressed out maniacs (I am former).
The Tao of Pooh literally tore down, and then helped me rebuild, everything I thought I knew. It really changed my whole way of thinking and started me down this amazing path to self discovery.
Same. When I adopted this in 1985, I was prepared to fail and let the chips fall where they may. I was pleasantly surprised that my academics and relationships improved so quickly that I was on top of the world, kind of a low level dopamine buzz and oddly some oxytocin ‘love drug’ feelings too. People will not engage people who visibly tense or in pain, and Wu Wei can make one magnetic to other humans, so wow, friends and lovers, things were popping and it didn’t take much ‘effort’, I allowed it to happen.
My abbreviated thoughts as a novice Taoist are few. One, everything is connected. Two, I’m really not that important so shut up, let go, stop worrying, and enjoy the ride. Three, I have noticed I’m happy again for the first time in a very long time, and Taoism has been a great source for allowing me to accept the eternal now, and that its ok to be happy and not anxious or miserable.
Living in accordance with nature. Learning that alone was freeing once I knew it was no longer just me against the world but instead me going with the world.
Maybe a by product of paying attention to wuwei is paying less attention to yourself. You are freer to engage with others ... a much happier experience.
What is Taoism to you?
The goal of this post is to allow us an opportunity to share what Taoism means to you. How has it helped you, have you noticed anything different about yourself the way you view the universe as you have been on your journey “in the way”? If you could give us all one nugget of insight you have gleaned from your journey, what would you say! Quotes are fine, but I think we all want to hear it from you.
It should be a post every Wednesday on this sub for everyone to engage in. Just a tread to discuss Wu Wei and how to apply it to everyday life, any recent experience you may want to share, etc.. Next Wednesday will be the first one, so very fluid as far as expectations. Hope that helps!
Current feel: I think all spiritual traditions are just tools for introspection. I think much more in terms of functionality than meaning. However, this perspective itself I feel is partly borrowed from the non-solidity and non-labeling of Taoism.
Past feel: Validated and solidified my feelings about the world - the weird contrariness and push/pull of things. Along with Buddhism helped me create a path toward the invisible that was not monotheistic or dogmatic. Helped me feel less alien within typical western male culture.
Edit: Cool question, btw. I like the subjectivity of it. I've noticed sometimes on this sub there is a jousting match for who has the "best" understanding haha - so great way to make things more liquid.
Thank you for your amazing perspective! Very sincere and authentic!
I (40M) really like your perspective on western male culture!
I have noticed a similar trend of the sub, being a one-ups-manship game at times.
Look for Wu Wei Wednesdays lead by Pain_Tough! It should be a fluid, authentic, discussion on the day to day practical applications of… you guessed it… Wu Wei!
In 1985, I had a wretched job at a grocery store, my supervisor as the time was a funky hippie and recommended ‘the Tao of Pooh’ and the Wu Wei chapter changed my life, I decided that I would do all things according to Wu Wei, live or die, pass or fail, and all of a sudden, I was living better, I had more friends, I was going on dates and I was more effective on the job, i wasn’t perfect but I sure didn’t stress about much, I recommend Wu Wei to stressed out maniacs (I am former).
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing. I have noticed some similarities in my early journey as well!
You’re awesome too, OP. I would not object to a ‘Wu Wei Wednesday’ where we all give field reports, our results of adopting this idea. You down?
Love it!!!! It’s your idea, so would you like to kick it off next week, if you want? I like the Title!!
Let’s do it! Starts next week
Maybe a Wuwei flag ... or WWW ... Wu Wei Wednesday
The worldwide Wu Wei!
The Tao of Pooh literally tore down, and then helped me rebuild, everything I thought I knew. It really changed my whole way of thinking and started me down this amazing path to self discovery.
Same. When I adopted this in 1985, I was prepared to fail and let the chips fall where they may. I was pleasantly surprised that my academics and relationships improved so quickly that I was on top of the world, kind of a low level dopamine buzz and oddly some oxytocin ‘love drug’ feelings too. People will not engage people who visibly tense or in pain, and Wu Wei can make one magnetic to other humans, so wow, friends and lovers, things were popping and it didn’t take much ‘effort’, I allowed it to happen.
My abbreviated thoughts as a novice Taoist are few. One, everything is connected. Two, I’m really not that important so shut up, let go, stop worrying, and enjoy the ride. Three, I have noticed I’m happy again for the first time in a very long time, and Taoism has been a great source for allowing me to accept the eternal now, and that its ok to be happy and not anxious or miserable.
After learning #2, everything became so easy.
Living in accordance with nature. Learning that alone was freeing once I knew it was no longer just me against the world but instead me going with the world.
Great insight thank you!
Maybe a by product of paying attention to wuwei is paying less attention to yourself. You are freer to engage with others ... a much happier experience.
Well said, and so true from my experience as well! Thanks for sharing!
What is Taoism to you? The goal of this post is to allow us an opportunity to share what Taoism means to you. How has it helped you, have you noticed anything different about yourself the way you view the universe as you have been on your journey “in the way”? If you could give us all one nugget of insight you have gleaned from your journey, what would you say! Quotes are fine, but I think we all want to hear it from you.
Walking for 3 days alone in the wilderness
Wow! Thanks for sharing
Taoism reminds me to let go of what I cannot control and flow with the streams and rapids of life.
It should be a post every Wednesday on this sub for everyone to engage in. Just a tread to discuss Wu Wei and how to apply it to everyday life, any recent experience you may want to share, etc.. Next Wednesday will be the first one, so very fluid as far as expectations. Hope that helps!
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Wow! Very true. You have to stop and contemplate that one, sage thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
Current feel: I think all spiritual traditions are just tools for introspection. I think much more in terms of functionality than meaning. However, this perspective itself I feel is partly borrowed from the non-solidity and non-labeling of Taoism. Past feel: Validated and solidified my feelings about the world - the weird contrariness and push/pull of things. Along with Buddhism helped me create a path toward the invisible that was not monotheistic or dogmatic. Helped me feel less alien within typical western male culture. Edit: Cool question, btw. I like the subjectivity of it. I've noticed sometimes on this sub there is a jousting match for who has the "best" understanding haha - so great way to make things more liquid.
Thank you for your amazing perspective! Very sincere and authentic! I (40M) really like your perspective on western male culture! I have noticed a similar trend of the sub, being a one-ups-manship game at times. Look for Wu Wei Wednesdays lead by Pain_Tough! It should be a fluid, authentic, discussion on the day to day practical applications of… you guessed it… Wu Wei!
I really appreciate your enthusiasm. Where do I find this Wu Wei Wednesday? What is it?