Once you have mastered riding a bicycle effortless action(wu-wei) takes over. Your body knows what to do as long as your brain doesn’t get in the way. You have to learn how to live in the circumstances of your existence before you can do it effortlessly. Be nice to yourself and don’t be afraid to get wet when learning to dance on river rocks. Much love for everyone, ☯️🙏
Absolutely, Boden! Mastering wu wei is akin to riding a bicycle. When we let go and trust our body's innate wisdom, our actions become effortless. Learning to live in the present circumstances of our existence paves the way for this natural flow ☯️🙏
You make it out to be something that you can achieve. When It's something that achieves you. Stop trying to wrap your head around it, you can't because is you.
"If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present." - Lao Tzu "Pride is not the opposite of shame but its source. The true antidote to pride (and shame) is humility." - Uncle Iroh "It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from ony one place it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations will help you become whole." - Uncle Iroh "Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it is called the present." - Master Oogway
I swear this got to be at least on the top 10 of your best videos ever. From topic to production to the talk, everything just clicks really well and thank you so much George for reminding us the value of Dao teachings and life itself
I found that moving slow helps me enter this Tao. Literally almost in slow motion to get started and you become more present. Awesome video. Thank you.
The Daoists taught a life of effortless flow and joy is possible for us all, a state of being they called ‘Wu Wei’. But HOW do we actually ‘Wu Wei’?... ☯🏔☯ Join Master Gu’s FREE 4-week Taoist Wellness Course Learn meditation, Qi Gong and Tai Chi with Master Gu - Taoist Wisdom to help you Live Long and Live Well!: Click to get access- completely free: ⏩⏩ www.taoistwellness.online/free-course - Hey thanks for opening up this comment! I’d like to tell you more about the story of the Taoist Wellness Online, Master Gu’s Online Academy. How the Academy started is quite a funny story 🙈. We could never have imagined that today we are now the biggest Tai Chi school IN THE WORLD! It all began when I was 3 years into my journey living with Master Gu in his mountainous Tai Chi School. Master Gu is fluent in English and has always seen it as his life mission to share the healing Taoist arts of Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Meditation with the world. He shared with me his vision to create not only online courses, but an online Academy. I was excited by this vision and shared how I could use my filmmaking and inter-web skillz to make it happen. We then had a cup of tea and Master Gu sang Chinese opera while playing the guitar… 🤠☯ We are really proud of what we have built. We now are a 16-person team from 7 countries and we are on a mission to create films, communities and transformative education to help people and planet live in balance. The Online Academy is one of the best ways you can help us on our mission and you get so much learning! If you become a student of the online Academy, you get: - Access to 100+ hours of teaching with Master Gu, recorded with love from the heart of China. - Learn with him in forests, caves and temples - all from the comfort of your own home. - An awesome student community! With regular online meet-ups. - Monthly livestreams with George and Master Gu - A (new) Taoist Wellness App so you can learn easily on the go. Best of all you can start for free with Master Gu’s free wellness wisdom course. 70,000 people have completed it so far. Click the link below to start learning for free, and see for yourself why so many people are getting excited! 💪 👉👉 www.taoistwellness.online/free-course Happy learning! With love, George 🌎🫶☯
Maybe Wu Wei is about realizing that one cannot let go. As it says in the Tao Te Ching, the master does nothing yet leaves nothing undone and the ordinary person is always doing things (even "doing" letting go) and leaves many things undone.
This video hit the heart of where I am learning and growing these days. Your principles will be very helpful to me I am sure of it especially trusting the process. That is a big one that I know I need to engage. I am also very focused on softness. It is very interesting how there is so little focus and interest in it in the U.S. except for Tai Chi, Akido, and horse training. I am learning to drop my guard and my defenses along with cultivating “not knowing” to touch wonder and awe as an approach to softness. There is some really good pointers and inspiration in the book A Journey to Softness by Mark Rashid. The book looks like it is about horse training, but it’s really about us individually. Thanks so much for the video and pointers! Inspiring really!
Another amazingly helpful and insightful video, thank you. This came at the perfect time. My study of Taoism has been getting too complicated, this reminded me I need to go back to basics again.
I recognise the notion of the taskmaster in my head telling me I have so much stuff to do. I am grateful that over the years I've learned to give the taskmaster a break by simply rescheduling and by allowing myself rest when I need it. You help me understand through your videos that my journey is still ongoing. Thank you George 🙏
Thank you George, may the good and nurturing force of the Universe be with you. The WU WEI way never fails even if it goes through a series of failures that we don't understand, at the end we are amazed by how everything just worked out perfectly 💗
Trusting myself, a challenge that's testing me currently. Being a chronic planner and productive junkie, I find it hard being at peace with uncertain hours and excess free time, but now, it seems such an exhausting way to live. I've realised time spent with the world sews doubt in the confidence within, so I'm learning to slowly detach from the world's enforced rules and daring to discover joy outside the limited compartments...seeing time for more than hours and life for more than years. Trusting the day in front of me, even when the future is plagued with uncertainty🍃
Embracing the unknown can be liberating, reminding us that life is more than minutes and hours. The present moment holds the beauty of infinite possibilities, even amid uncertainty. What a beautiful journey! 🌱🕰️💫
My goal here is to leave a comment effortlessly : (The beginning of my day to get the flow going ). First I visualize that I'm surrounded by "gratitude" when leaving my home...each day. Then, "not forcing" and "not trying to change" others.... Actually listening to people, without talking over them or changing the focus to "me" ....letting silence exist ... actually hearing what others are saying. .... it takes discipline at first....like riding a bike.... also, forgiving myself helps me to forgive others.
PLEASE don't use stock footage. It shatters the tranquility of your presentation, which is very fine as it stands. that stock footage will never blend with your theme...
And it works! And it is so light! Just be fully who you truly and intuitively feel you are in very moment. You are at very moment the perfect home for life unfolding. Be present, fully present, and trust your unlimited source of being. It is so much fun because life is always new. Thank you, gorgeous George!
Wonderful video, George! 😻 Just a footnote regarding the wu-wei-practitioner-identity: Ultimately we have to let go of it, too, since it (as well as any kind of identification/identity) can become an attachment and a massive hindrance itself. 🐱🙏
I‘ve been practicing Zen meditation daily for a few years now. While I always hear that the goals of Buddhism and Taoism are not at all the same, I think the Middle Way and the Taoist idea of not forcing are very similar. In Zen, you build an intuition in meditation where you sort of notice when you are doing and wanting too much. I think a difference is that softness is not a goal for Buddhist practice, but a side effect.
Pottery is indeed a beautiful art form that teaches us to embrace the flow and accept failures as part of the process. It's through these experiences that we grow and create something truly unique. 🙏
I am loving your videos. I have been through a really tough time recently. These videos are slowly saving me from myself. My granddad was Taoist but he passed away before I could ask him anymore on it. So thank you.
I’ve watched many videos about these practices, but this is the first to actually connect it to intuition for me. . . Now it all makes sense how we can follow along with the ripples in the fabric of our present reality. Prepare to be unprepared, conserve energy and spend it wisely, being part of its rhythm instead of worrying about the next downbeat. My mind is truly blown (if I have received this properly). Thank you so much for this wisdom!
Physical movement is spot on. I feel that if you spend enough time at the beach and return to a beach on a regular basis, observance of the tides and seasons (as well as how visitors offer a changing scene everytime) even though it's the same location, it is always different. There's a unique memory each time. The memories are less static and solid as they can be in memories of other places. I think that's an ancient practice - to revisit places and notice how they hold memories and familiarity yet are always unique in the moment. They reveal how you have changed, which can be hard to track when the changes are so gradual. It's a longer view more reflective view that confirms how the life you thought I static may not be.
Trying to be Wu Wei is not Wu Wei. Do things with the appropriate amount of effort and energy and intensity until it becomes natural and flowing and fun, like a smooth skier or surfer. Don't ty to go faster than the wave or fall behind the wave. Ride the wave. Don't try to row faster than the current of a river or slower than the current of a river. Go with the flow, but gently steer your canoe. Don't get upset or frustrated or angry at challenges or setbacks or criticism. Don't waste energy on stupid mind games. Don't put your ego or identity into it while learning, i.e., become embarrassed, become self-conscious, compare, compete, complain. It's a process you make as smooth and natural as possible. Progress, not perfection. Accept that you can't change the direction or speed of the wind, but that you can adjust your sails. Learn, improve, grow as nature intended. And, yes, sometimes it's more appropriate, natural, energy-efficient, to get focused and explode with directed energy than to be overwhelmed by events. Wu Wei is not about becoming a passive wimp. It's about the most efficient, healthy, sustainable way to achieve your ambitions. Because having ambitions is natural. Like breathing, like your heart pumping, like walking. Denying them or supressing them is not. That will only lead to frustration and anger and breakdown. It's all about health and staying healthy and growing through inevitable changes.
Hey George, im drawn to wu wei but at the same time how do you better yourself acquire new skills, and work on the way you are in your daily life if you don’t put efforts, im constantly wondering and it strains my spirit, im currently having a chronic fatigue syndrome, and I can’t do sport anymore ( I’m a Pro athlete ) Sport was talking my mind off a lot of things, since I can’t do it anymore I’m trying to get at peace with myself but I don’t know what route to take, great vidéo take care
Love the concept of Wu Wei, except.... Isn't the path of no way a way and this way is the way of letting universal consciousness decide our path? I also love the concept of "the Tao didn't do anything, yet nothing was left undone." Just because we cannot sense with our extremely limited abilities, does that mean we are certain nothing is there. We don't see the nitrogen and oxygen that we breathe, but it exists. We cannot conceptualize outside of what we know, so then do we know everything or is our knowledge minuscule? If our knowledge is minuscule, how can we be sure that the Tao is doing nothing? I believe meditation ties us to what the Tao is doing and it is certainly doing something.
Of course "crossing the great river" is an important aspect of the I Ching. You crossed the river quite well, and know you are in a new place once you have. Had you fallen into the river, that would require another approach.....
There is no easy way, improve flexibility especially the spine. Start off with corpse pose then eventually mix it up with seated meditation. You can use the black dot meditation. Then with all that improve nutrition and practice Tai Chi or some form of expressive movement. Through that eventually the intuitive intelligence will be catered to and will guide you, through power of attraction. I think it’s impossible in the west or raising a family you need the time and space to , it’s esoteric in nature for a reason.
Thank you far the video! It was informative and entertaining at the same time :) I think, trusting is a big one. Trusting that intuition and trusting that life will be fine, even if we don’t figure it out and don’t end up where we expected to ❤
I'm truly grateful for the content and I'm all about wu wei , but there's a big challenges doing it in a busy city life and living in nature. Thus why in Thailand people become monks for a curtain period of time.
@George, We talk about Make the un natural become natural to be supernatural. So if we practice something a lot it becomes natural but others would look and see amazing effortless action.
George, help me. My copy of the Tao Te Ching reads very different from the chapter 4 you offer on screen. Though the essence may be the same it is more confusing when I see what you and Einselganger offer than when I read what I read. My mind may be interpreting things much differently. What version or author of the Dao De Jing are you using?
I see and understand what he is saying. But I can’t conform to it. I’m more of the school of Legalism. Society needs strong rules and rulers, not lazy oafs.
I spend to much time making lists of everything I have to do. Need to stop doing that I Know what I need to do .. flow with that instead of the lists giving me anxiety
Oh man, it would have been really really cool if at 8:00 minutes in. You revealed that you had made it to the other side of the river, effortlessly, without telling us, while walking and explaining the Video!
Wu Wei makes total sense and seems quite attainable for me except ….. when I am in a leadership position like being a teacher or a director of music. How does wu Wei manifest when we find ourselves leading others?
Using the analogy of crossing the stream for Wu Wei is backwards. It's not about getting from one place to another It's about getting in the steam and flowing with it. If we conceptualize it in any way or try and "do it" then it's not Wu Wei. It's not about doing its about being. It is the natural state of all thing but by seeing it as something to achieve you have already "lost it."
to visualize making a meal for a friend, we do not need to see random stock footage of someone cooking. stick to your own video, your surroundings, or yourself speaking
George, your delivery has so greatly improved, along with your confidence. It is a pleasure to watch your growth even as we follow our own journey, applying the concepts you share. Thank you for being and for sharing.
Wuhwei is doing as if not doing. Indian philosophy took it further: Ahimsa, or non violence. (Ghandi) and further still to a higher level: Islam : Muhammad, Qoran) . Essentially all the same, only on a higher level of abstraction. Religious insight of mankind growing up.
??? Taoist concept of Wuwei is analogous to the Jain concept of Ahimsa is analogous to.. what concept of Islam? For the record… I love where you’re head appears to be. One love ✊. Long life, robust health and peace to all. I’m just not sure those analogies are very apt. For so many reasons. But hey! Whatever gets you flowing! I’m a fan of that!
When I have time to put my full attention on the present moment and the place I am in, a feedback flow of creativity, intention and action can occur, as "what is" is transformed through my actions guided by creative thoughts of "what should be" . It is a delicate state of equilibrium. If the thoughts of desirable changes go too far away in time and space, the connection to the present is lost and so is the flow. If there is no creative will, then I do not control my actions and become a thing among others, exposed to natural processes of change and the will of others. If I do not act according to my creative will, my flow becomes locked, my thoughts are only unfulfilled intentions and I am once again just a thing, exposed to natural processes of change and the will of others.
Thank you for sharing your insightful comment! It's great to hear that you have found a delicate state of equilibrium between your present moment and your creative thoughts of "what should be". It's true that when we lose our connection to the present, we risk losing our flow of creativity. It's also important to have a creative will to guide our actions and avoid becoming a passive "thing" among others. It seems like you have found a powerful way to transform "what is" through your actions. Keep up the great work! 😊
This was SO incredibly helpful and insightful. I'm a chi-kung practitioner and I'm (slowly) learning Tao/Dao(ism). I stumbled upon this and now I'm down a rabbit hole of your videos. Thank you!
You dont remember George. Bit by bit we divest ourselves of our ego. We slowly stop supporting our egos. We stop chasing thoughts, we stop fleeing from them. Step by step we find the space wherein we come to recognize our true Self. Then everything is without effort. However, the first sixty years it is natural for us to struggle, the last sixty years we do everything the easy way. That is the Way! Good luck.
Thank you for sharing your insightful perspective on the process of letting go of the ego and embracing our true selves. It is true that this can be a challenging journey, but ultimately a rewarding one. Your words serve as a reminder that it is a gradual process and that with time and practice, we can find a sense of ease in living authentically. Best of luck to you as well on your own path. 🙏
I intentionally raised my children without any formal religion, thinking they would choose for themselves. Had I been exposed to Taoism then, our ‘religion’ would have been a lay-up.
I had my qualifying exam for my PhD program a year and a half ago and the practice of Wu Wei made it easy to pass with flying colors. I worked on trusting myself, trusting the expertise I had acquired, and subsequently going with the flow while keeping “effortless action” in my mind. I was amazed at how stress-free it ended up being.
Congratulations on passing your qualifying exam! It's inspiring to see how such practices can help reduce stress and lead to success, especially in challenging situations like a PhD qualifying exam. Keep up the good work! 🙏
道 means （means approach way or path ）physical first principle that we have to obey. Daosim shapes some basical ideas of the relationship between human and cosmos（nature） in Chinese culture.
This is great. Congratulations! I am working on a PhD project myself. I watched this video partly because I am puzzled as to how I can be in a Wu Wei state while at the same time pursuing a longer-term goal that requires planning and - at least traditionally - effort.
How can I apply Taoism in my life? I'm disabled and can't get a job. I always worry about money since I'm not able to make enough money to cover cost of living. Because of lack of financial stability, I cannot focus on "Meaning of Life" or what they teach in Taoism.
First thing is you must make sure you’re pursuing the simplicity, less desire of Taoist. When living in a simple way, even eating bugs and lizard to live, you’ll automatically save your money without worry about them (no joke, but virtue isn’t morality, virtue is trying to heal your body and mind the best). Second thing is when you do something, let’s the ego go away, don’t feel excited or boring, sad with your job because they make distraction, whatever your job you must feel like you’re comfortable with them and accept them as a part of your life like breathing, eating. You’ll be able to focus all on your job
There are times when I mourn my Son however making it guilty wouldn't help anyone. So although I'm still here without my precious Son if there is a place for us after death no guilt is best. I again am reading After by Dr Bruce Greyson about miracles they are finding in hospitals Dr Greyson was raised by science also and didn't believe in an after life
That Einzelganger reference is priceless, his video helps thousands of people, especially young adults... And gosh, how can I came late to watch your video... I can't express anything but appreciation for another of your Dao Wisdom, thanks so much George!
I’ve decided not to fight the Dao (and Daoists). Believe it or not I was one of the few people in the world who had a bit of resentment towards the Dao de Ching. A lot of them felt like mandates that sometimes I felt like I just couldn’t accept. And the first chapter just seemed to negate every other chapter and confused me more. So why bother? However, ever since I saw the book as an invitation rather than a mandate, suddenly I made peace with the Dao again. The Dao is not some rulebook, but rather a timeless formless and spaceless invitation. Something I can reach whenever and wherever I want without ties or struggles to understand or even follow. After that the Dao made sense again; and we do as we please.
George, how did you know to answer my exact question in the best way ...exactly when I needed the answer? I'm glad to have you as a Daoist Dharma teacher . Thanks for this! 💯😊🙏
Great video, thank you! I've been meditating every morning for a few years now, although sometimes only for a few minutes if I'm pushed for time. I do think it's helped me develop a natural instinct for living in the moment, which occasionally surfaces through my day - but only occasionally. As you point out, it's applying it consistently that is the hard part. It seems nature was helping you for that final shot - the dark clouds behind you and beautiful light behind the camera. Nice! :)
Developing a natural instinct for living in the moment is a powerful benefit of meditation, and it's wonderful that you're able to experience it occasionally throughout your day. Consistency is definitely a challenge, but the effort is well worth it. And thank you for noticing the beautiful scenery in the final shot - nature can be a great source of inspiration and peace. 🙏
wu wei unfolds by itsself when the true Self realised itsself, it is then a natural way of experiencing being in the form that is called human, without the limitations of separate "I", living as a thought in the mind only..
It's a beautiful reminder that when we connect with our inner being, we can embrace life's unfolding journey with grace and authenticity. Thank you for sharing such insightful thoughts. 🙏🌌
Hi George, thank you so much for taking the time to make these absolutely wonderful videos. I have found great solace in them and your interpretation of the Dao makes it easily digestible for western pallets. Keep up the good work.
Wow, this video really resonated with me! I've always been intrigued by Taoism and the concept of Wu Wei. It's amazing to see how you've found ways to incorporate effortless action into your daily life. Your explanation was clear and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing your insights and inspiring me to strive for that state of flow and joy in my own life. Keep up the great work!
Holy shit, George…this is so utterly beautiful! I can’t believe the production value and general quality of this video. Do you have a team of people working with you or how is this possible? I really enjoyed watching this. I’m having a really active year and while I’m enjoying all the new experiences I’m also in need of some calm as it has become harder to find. Your video reminded me of things I once knew and mindsets I knew how to get into. It has triggered something within me and it feels fresh, clear and pure. Like a breath of good air. I feel relieved. Thank you!
wu wei is only do what is prioriy, not procrastination. And doing things with a positive attitude in difficult situation. do less rubbish activity and do what is necessary.
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Once you have mastered riding a bicycle effortless action(wu-wei) takes over.
Your body knows what to do as long as your brain doesn’t get in the way.
You have to learn how to live in the circumstances of your existence before you can do it effortlessly.
Be nice to yourself and don’t be afraid to get wet when learning to dance on river rocks.
Much love for everyone, ☯️🙏
Absolutely, Boden! Mastering wu wei is akin to riding a bicycle. When we let go and trust our body's innate wisdom, our actions become effortless. Learning to live in the present circumstances of our existence paves the way for this natural flow ☯️🙏
You make it out to be something that you can achieve. When It's something that achieves you. Stop trying to wrap your head around it, you can't because is you.
Everything you do is already effortless. The mind creates the illusion of effort.
"If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present." - Lao Tzu
"Pride is not the opposite of shame but its source. The true antidote to pride (and shame) is humility." - Uncle Iroh
"It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from ony one place it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations will help you become whole." - Uncle Iroh
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it is called the present." - Master Oogway
Awesome! Thank you for sharing! 🙏
I swear this got to be at least on the top 10 of your best videos ever. From topic to production to the talk, everything just clicks really well and thank you so much George for reminding us the value of Dao teachings and life itself
Your support and appreciation are deeply appreciated. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me 🫶
I found that moving slow helps me enter this Tao. Literally almost in slow motion to get started and you become more present. Awesome video. Thank you.
The Daoists taught a life of effortless flow and joy is possible for us all, a state of being they called ‘Wu Wei’. But HOW do we actually ‘Wu Wei’?...
☯🏔☯ Join Master Gu’s FREE 4-week Taoist Wellness Course
Learn meditation, Qi Gong and Tai Chi with Master Gu - Taoist Wisdom to help you Live Long and Live Well!:
Click to get access- completely free: ⏩⏩ www.taoistwellness.online/free-course
-
Hey thanks for opening up this comment!
I’d like to tell you more about the story of the Taoist Wellness Online, Master Gu’s Online Academy. How the Academy started is quite a funny story 🙈.
We could never have imagined that today we are now the biggest Tai Chi school IN THE WORLD!
It all began when I was 3 years into my journey living with Master Gu in his mountainous Tai Chi School.
Master Gu is fluent in English and has always seen it as his life mission to share the healing Taoist arts of Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Meditation with the world. He shared with me his vision to create not only online courses, but an online Academy.
I was excited by this vision and shared how I could use my filmmaking and inter-web skillz to make it happen.
We then had a cup of tea and Master Gu sang Chinese opera while playing the guitar… 🤠☯
We are really proud of what we have built. We now are a 16-person team from 7 countries and we are on a mission to create films, communities and transformative education to help people and planet live in balance.
The Online Academy is one of the best ways you can help us on our mission and you get so much learning!
If you become a student of the online Academy, you get:
- Access to 100+ hours of teaching with Master Gu, recorded with love from the heart of China.
- Learn with him in forests, caves and temples - all from the comfort of your own home.
- An awesome student community! With regular online meet-ups.
- Monthly livestreams with George and Master Gu
- A (new) Taoist Wellness App so you can learn easily on the go.
Best of all you can start for free with Master Gu’s free wellness wisdom course. 70,000 people have completed it so far.
Click the link below to start learning for free, and see for yourself why so many people are getting excited! 💪
👉👉 www.taoistwellness.online/free-course
Happy learning!
With love,
George 🌎🫶☯
Maybe Wu Wei is about realizing that one cannot let go. As it says in the Tao Te Ching, the master does nothing yet leaves nothing undone and the ordinary person is always doing things (even "doing" letting go) and leaves many things undone.
This video hit the heart of where I am learning and growing these days. Your principles will be very helpful to me I am sure of it especially trusting the process. That is a big one that I know I need to engage.
I am also very focused on softness. It is very interesting how there is so little focus and interest in it in the U.S. except for Tai Chi, Akido, and horse training.
I am learning to drop my guard and my defenses along with cultivating “not knowing” to touch wonder and awe as an approach to softness.
There is some really good pointers and inspiration in the book A Journey to Softness by Mark Rashid. The book looks like it is about horse training, but it’s really about us individually.
Thanks so much for the video and pointers! Inspiring really!
Another amazingly helpful and insightful video, thank you. This came at the perfect time. My study of Taoism has been getting too complicated, this reminded me I need to go back to basics again.
🫶
Letting this moment be as pleasant as possible.
I recognise the notion of the taskmaster in my head telling me I have so much stuff to do. I am grateful that over the years I've learned to give the taskmaster a break by simply rescheduling and by allowing myself rest when I need it. You help me understand through your videos that my journey is still ongoing. Thank you George 🙏
Thank you Marc for sharing, it's good to know that we're not alone in the harshness. Rest and play - a great antidote for a rigid mind 🫶
"rest and play": A-ha! Thank you, George❤
Thank you George, may the good and nurturing force of the Universe be with you. The WU WEI way never fails even if it goes through a series of failures that we don't understand, at the end we are amazed by how everything just worked out perfectly 💗
Thank you for the kind words, Elizabeth. Appreciate you. Flow well! 🫶
Trusting myself, a challenge that's testing me currently.
Being a chronic planner and productive junkie, I find it hard being at peace with uncertain hours and excess free time, but now, it seems such an exhausting way to live.
I've realised time spent with the world sews doubt in the confidence within, so I'm learning to slowly detach from the world's enforced rules and daring to discover joy outside the limited compartments...seeing time for more than hours and life for more than years.
Trusting the day in front of me, even when the future is plagued with uncertainty🍃
Embracing the unknown can be liberating, reminding us that life is more than minutes and hours. The present moment holds the beauty of infinite possibilities, even amid uncertainty. What a beautiful journey! 🌱🕰️💫
My goal here is to leave a comment effortlessly : (The beginning of my day to get the flow going ).
First I visualize that I'm surrounded by "gratitude" when leaving my home...each day.
Then, "not forcing" and "not trying to change" others.... Actually listening to people, without talking over them or changing the focus to "me" ....letting silence exist ... actually hearing what others are saying. .... it takes discipline at first....like riding a bike.... also, forgiving myself helps me to forgive others.
Keep up the great work! 🫶
PLEASE don't use stock footage. It shatters the tranquility of your presentation, which is very fine as it stands. that stock footage will never blend with your theme...
And it works! And it is so light! Just be fully who you truly and intuitively feel you are in very moment. You are at very moment the perfect home for life unfolding. Be present, fully present, and trust your unlimited source of being. It is so much fun because life is always new. Thank you, gorgeous George!
Wu Wei (The Art of Sailing, Not Rowing)
Wonderful video, George! 😻
Just a footnote regarding the wu-wei-practitioner-identity: Ultimately we have to let go of it, too, since it (as well as any kind of identification/identity) can become an attachment and a massive hindrance itself.
🐱🙏
Yes well said! Thanks for sharing! ☯️
I‘ve been practicing Zen meditation daily for a few years now. While I always hear that the goals of Buddhism and Taoism are not at all the same, I think the Middle Way and the Taoist idea of not forcing are very similar. In Zen, you build an intuition in meditation where you sort of notice when you are doing and wanting too much. I think a difference is that softness is not a goal for Buddhist practice, but a side effect.
My pottery forces me to go with the flow, and accept failure through the process when it arrives. Great video!🙏
Pottery is indeed a beautiful art form that teaches us to embrace the flow and accept failures as part of the process. It's through these experiences that we grow and create something truly unique. 🙏
Divine timing, another excellent video George, really appreciate your work! ❤
Appreciate you Narelle, thanks so much for watching!
I am loving your videos. I have been through a really tough time recently. These videos are slowly saving me from myself. My granddad was Taoist but he passed away before I could ask him anymore on it. So thank you.
Os teus vídeos, são uma inspiração, para conseguir uma melhor qualidade de vida.
Obrigado, George ❤🙌
Adoro, as tuas sugestões.
Um grande abraço, 😃👏
I’ve watched many videos about these practices, but this is the first to actually connect it to intuition for me. . . Now it all makes sense how we can follow along with the ripples in the fabric of our present reality. Prepare to be unprepared, conserve energy and spend it wisely, being part of its rhythm instead of worrying about the next downbeat. My mind is truly blown (if I have received this properly). Thank you so much for this wisdom!
Hi David, I'm really glad you are enjoying and getting something from the videos - it's my privilege! Sending warmth ❤️
Physical movement is spot on. I feel that if you spend enough time at the beach and return to a beach on a regular basis, observance of the tides and seasons (as well as how visitors offer a changing scene everytime) even though it's the same location, it is always different. There's a unique memory each time. The memories are less static and solid as they can be in memories of other places. I think that's an ancient practice - to revisit places and notice how they hold memories and familiarity yet are always unique in the moment. They reveal how you have changed, which can be hard to track when the changes are so gradual. It's a longer view more reflective view that confirms how the life you thought I static may not be.
Thank you for contributing to the conversation and for watching the video 🙏
This is beautiful
George, lovely explanation of the Tao. You keep it simple. Enjoy the flow! Ps great jump! Was that the Ganges?❤❤
Beautifully put. Thank you George
Love from Vancouver BC 🇨🇦🤙🏽 loving your channel!!!
Hi Allison! 🫶 Thank you for the kind words
Trying to be Wu Wei is not Wu Wei.
Do things with the appropriate amount of effort and energy and intensity until it becomes natural and flowing and fun, like a smooth skier or surfer. Don't ty to go faster than the wave or fall behind the wave. Ride the wave.
Don't try to row faster than the current of a river or slower than the current of a river. Go with the flow, but gently steer your canoe. Don't get upset or frustrated or angry at challenges or setbacks or criticism. Don't waste energy on stupid mind games. Don't put your ego or identity into it while learning, i.e., become embarrassed, become self-conscious, compare, compete, complain. It's a process you make as smooth and natural as possible.
Progress, not perfection.
Accept that you can't change the direction or speed of the wind, but that you can adjust your sails.
Learn, improve, grow as nature intended.
And, yes, sometimes it's more appropriate, natural, energy-efficient, to get focused and explode with directed energy than to be overwhelmed by events.
Wu Wei is not about becoming a passive wimp. It's about the most efficient, healthy, sustainable way to achieve your ambitions. Because having ambitions is natural. Like breathing, like your heart pumping, like walking. Denying them or supressing them is not. That will only lead to frustration and anger and breakdown.
It's all about health and staying healthy and growing through inevitable changes.
Hey George, im drawn to wu wei but at the same time how do you better yourself acquire new skills, and work on the way you are in your daily life if you don’t put efforts, im constantly wondering and it strains my spirit, im currently having a chronic fatigue syndrome, and I can’t do sport anymore ( I’m a Pro athlete ) Sport was talking my mind off a lot of things, since I can’t do it anymore I’m trying to get at peace with myself but I don’t know what route to take, great vidéo take care
Love the concept of Wu Wei, except.... Isn't the path of no way a way and this way is the way of letting universal consciousness decide our path? I also love the concept of "the Tao didn't do anything, yet nothing was left undone." Just because we cannot sense with our extremely limited abilities, does that mean we are certain nothing is there. We don't see the nitrogen and oxygen that we breathe, but it exists. We cannot conceptualize outside of what we know, so then do we know everything or is our knowledge minuscule? If our knowledge is minuscule, how can we be sure that the Tao is doing nothing? I believe meditation ties us to what the Tao is doing and it is certainly doing something.
I swear, George appears to be a mix of Robin Carhart-Harris and Terence McKenna.
Of course "crossing the great river" is an important aspect of the I Ching. You crossed the river quite well, and know you are in a new place once you have. Had you fallen into the river, that would require another approach.....
There is no easy way, improve flexibility especially the spine. Start off with corpse pose then eventually mix it up with seated meditation. You can use the black dot meditation. Then with all that improve nutrition and practice Tai Chi or some form of expressive movement. Through that eventually the intuitive intelligence will be catered to and will guide you, through power of attraction. I think it’s impossible in the west or raising a family you need the time and space to , it’s esoteric in nature for a reason.
... damn. I litterally narate my own cooking. Otherwise it never gets done.
Thank you far the video! It was informative and entertaining at the same time :) I think, trusting is a big one. Trusting that intuition and trusting that life will be fine, even if we don’t figure it out and don’t end up where we expected to ❤
I'm truly grateful for the content and I'm all about wu wei , but there's a big challenges doing it in a busy city life and living in nature. Thus why in Thailand people become monks for a curtain period of time.
@George,
We talk about
Make the un natural become natural to be supernatural.
So if we practice something a lot it becomes natural but others would look and see amazing effortless action.
What a cool video good job! Nice of you to mention Ëinzelgangers channel, one of the best philosophy content!
Let's evolve together
共に進化を遂げてまいりましょう
The intelligence to do so, it's gentleness
ための知性・・それは、やさしみです
- Shiina Ringo 🍎
🫶
George, help me. My copy of the Tao Te Ching reads very different from the chapter 4 you offer on screen. Though the essence may be the same it is more confusing when I see what you and Einselganger offer than when I read what I read. My mind may be interpreting things much differently. What version or author of the Dao De Jing are you using?
I see and understand what he is saying. But I can’t conform to it. I’m more of the school of Legalism. Society needs strong rules and rulers, not lazy oafs.
I spend to much time making lists of everything I have to do.
Need to stop doing that
I Know what I need to do .. flow with that instead of the lists giving me anxiety
Oh man, it would have been really really cool if at 8:00 minutes in. You revealed that you had made it to the other side of the river, effortlessly, without telling us, while walking and explaining the Video!
Wu Wei makes total sense and seems quite attainable for me except ….. when I am in a leadership position like being a teacher or a director of music. How does wu Wei manifest when we find ourselves leading others?
Using the analogy of crossing the stream for Wu Wei is backwards. It's not about getting from one place to another It's about getting in the steam and flowing with it. If we conceptualize it in any way or try and "do it" then it's not Wu Wei. It's not about doing its about being. It is the natural state of all thing but by seeing it as something to achieve you have already "lost it."
This video is a great example of how you can't analyse your way to wu-wei. Quite ironic really.
You overthink everything. Chop wood carry water!
Life doesn’t get much better than when u r on the banks of Loch Morlich. Saor Alba.
Hi George i like to practice this religion ☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️❤❤
From my experience, while 'in the flow' I wasn't aware I was in the flow nor there was a flow.
Thank you George, nice explanation.
My intuitive intelligence tells me to eat Cheetos ,watch TH-cam, and be a couch potato
08:56 this isnt effortless, bro, so no wuwei. With wuwei one no-muscles glides over or gets cut on a strawberry, lol🍀
to visualize making a meal for a friend, we do not need to see random stock footage of someone cooking. stick to your own video, your surroundings, or yourself speaking
George, your delivery has so greatly improved, along with your confidence. It is a pleasure to watch your growth even as we follow our own journey, applying the concepts you share. Thank you for being and for sharing.
Your support and encouragement mean a lot, and I appreciate you being a part of this community 🫶
I find readind the Dao gives me more self help answers vs. Praying for a diety to help me.
Wuhwei is doing as if not doing. Indian philosophy took it further: Ahimsa, or non violence. (Ghandi) and further still to a higher level: Islam : Muhammad, Qoran) . Essentially all the same, only on a higher level of abstraction. Religious insight of mankind growing up.
Thanks for your thoughts 🙏
???
Taoist concept of Wuwei is analogous to the Jain concept of Ahimsa is analogous to.. what concept of Islam?
For the record… I love where you’re head appears to be. One love ✊. Long life, robust health and peace to all.
I’m just not sure those analogies are very apt. For so many reasons.
But hey! Whatever gets you flowing! I’m a fan of that!
I don't think it's really fair to put each philosophy in a hierarchy of this one outdid that one. Different approaches work for different people.
When I have time to put my full attention on the present moment and the place I am in, a feedback flow of creativity, intention and action can occur, as "what is" is transformed through my actions guided by creative thoughts of "what should be" .
It is a delicate state of equilibrium.
If the thoughts of desirable changes go too far away in time and space, the connection to the present is lost and so is the flow.
If there is no creative will, then I do not control my actions and become a thing among others, exposed to natural processes of change and the will of others.
If I do not act according to my creative will, my flow becomes locked, my thoughts are only unfulfilled intentions and I am once again just a thing, exposed to natural processes of change and the will of others.
Thank you for sharing your insightful comment! It's great to hear that you have found a delicate state of equilibrium between your present moment and your creative thoughts of "what should be". It's true that when we lose our connection to the present, we risk losing our flow of creativity. It's also important to have a creative will to guide our actions and avoid becoming a passive "thing" among others. It seems like you have found a powerful way to transform "what is" through your actions. Keep up the great work! 😊
When jumping to the other side of the creek you find you are on the other side of the creek.
This was SO incredibly helpful and insightful. I'm a chi-kung practitioner and I'm (slowly) learning Tao/Dao(ism). I stumbled upon this and now I'm down a rabbit hole of your videos. Thank you!
So glad you found it valuable!!
A carefully bedded flower may not blossom, while a casually planted willow may survive. 🌞 🌞 🌞
🙏
You dont remember George. Bit by bit we divest ourselves of our ego. We slowly stop supporting our egos. We stop chasing thoughts, we stop fleeing from them. Step by step we find the space wherein we come to recognize our true Self. Then everything is without effort. However, the first sixty years it is natural for us to struggle, the last sixty years we do everything the easy way. That is the Way!
Good luck.
Thank you for sharing your insightful perspective on the process of letting go of the ego and embracing our true selves. It is true that this can be a challenging journey, but ultimately a rewarding one. Your words serve as a reminder that it is a gradual process and that with time and practice, we can find a sense of ease in living authentically. Best of luck to you as well on your own path. 🙏
I intentionally raised my children without any formal religion, thinking they would choose for themselves. Had I been exposed to Taoism then, our ‘religion’ would have been a lay-up.
🫶
I had my qualifying exam for my PhD program a year and a half ago and the practice of Wu Wei made it easy to pass with flying colors.
I worked on trusting myself, trusting the expertise I had acquired, and subsequently going with the flow while keeping “effortless action” in my mind.
I was amazed at how stress-free it ended up being.
Congratulations on passing your qualifying exam! It's inspiring to see how such practices can help reduce stress and lead to success, especially in challenging situations like a PhD qualifying exam. Keep up the good work! 🙏
道 means （means approach way or path ）physical first principle that we have to obey. Daosim shapes some basical ideas of the relationship between human and cosmos（nature） in Chinese culture.
This is great. Congratulations! I am working on a PhD project myself. I watched this video partly because I am puzzled as to how I can be in a Wu Wei state while at the same time pursuing a longer-term goal that requires planning and - at least traditionally - effort.
How can I apply Taoism in my life? I'm disabled and can't get a job. I always worry about money since I'm not able to make enough money to cover cost of living. Because of lack of financial stability, I cannot focus on "Meaning of Life" or what they teach in Taoism.
First thing is you must make sure you’re pursuing the simplicity, less desire of Taoist. When living in a simple way, even eating bugs and lizard to live, you’ll automatically save your money without worry about them (no joke, but virtue isn’t morality, virtue is trying to heal your body and mind the best). Second thing is when you do something, let’s the ego go away, don’t feel excited or boring, sad with your job because they make distraction, whatever your job you must feel like you’re comfortable with them and accept them as a part of your life like breathing, eating. You’ll be able to focus all on your job
be here now do no harm help others be still close eyes listen to your breathing rest in present awareness🕸
You can't do, achieve or find Wu Wei. You are Wu Wei.
Idea helping me find flow: inviting you home, in south France for a few days! Would be great meeting with you George. Be our guest !
🫶
There are times when I mourn my Son however making it guilty wouldn't help anyone. So although I'm still here without my precious Son if there is a place for us after death no guilt is best. I again am reading After by Dr Bruce Greyson about miracles they are finding in hospitals Dr Greyson was raised by science also and didn't believe in an after life
Wishing you continued strength and healing. 🙏
What a well timed Video, I've been meditating on this same thing for a couple weeks. Thank you for your input!
Thanks Alex!
Great video George. I love the subtle response to your internal question, how does it feel to be in Wu Wei Land?....It feels the same...😊.
haha yes, before enlightenment sweep floor, chop woods. after enlightenment... sweep floor, chop wood
@@George-Thompson 100%
Most Americans are trained not to trust themselves.
I listen to your videos,
that's how
I wu wei
That Einzelganger reference is priceless, his video helps thousands of people, especially young adults...
And gosh, how can I came late to watch your video... I can't express anything but appreciation for another of your Dao Wisdom, thanks so much George!
We're all Einzelganger fans here 🫶 thank you for watching and the kind words 🙏
I’ve decided not to fight the Dao (and Daoists).
Believe it or not I was one of the few people in the world who had a bit of resentment towards the Dao de Ching. A lot of them felt like mandates that sometimes I felt like I just couldn’t accept. And the first chapter just seemed to negate every other chapter and confused me more. So why bother?
However, ever since I saw the book as an invitation rather than a mandate, suddenly I made peace with the Dao again. The Dao is not some rulebook, but rather a timeless formless and spaceless invitation. Something I can reach whenever and wherever I want without ties or struggles to understand or even follow.
After that the Dao made sense again; and we do as we please.
Hi Manas! Thanks so much for following the channel and commenting. So great to hear you're progressing on your journey ❤️
Who is the artist of those two artworks in the first minute of the video?
"The nondoing of intent is most difficult" - an ancient Zen master
It's a challenging practice, but one that can bring great rewards 🙏
Success on the jump 😊wonderful talk one I will go back to thank you ☮️
Thanks for watching Barbara! 🙏
Beautiful, listened to the whole video with my eyes closed was like a meditation itself :’) thank you especially for idea 2; actionable and easy
I'm glad you found it valuable. Sending warmth ❤
George, how did you know to answer my exact question in the best way ...exactly when I needed the answer? I'm glad to have you as a Daoist Dharma teacher . Thanks for this! 💯😊🙏
Thanks for watching, Courtney! 🙏
8:54 George is now a parcour channel
Most people practice No WEI...
Thank you, George, for this message. The last point, for me and my journey, right now, hit home. I appreciate your work. Keep on Flowing.
I'm so glad to hear Diana, appreciate you. Flow well!
Great video, thank you! I've been meditating every morning for a few years now, although sometimes only for a few minutes if I'm pushed for time. I do think it's helped me develop a natural instinct for living in the moment, which occasionally surfaces through my day - but only occasionally. As you point out, it's applying it consistently that is the hard part.
It seems nature was helping you for that final shot - the dark clouds behind you and beautiful light behind the camera. Nice! :)
Developing a natural instinct for living in the moment is a powerful benefit of meditation, and it's wonderful that you're able to experience it occasionally throughout your day. Consistency is definitely a challenge, but the effort is well worth it. And thank you for noticing the beautiful scenery in the final shot - nature can be a great source of inspiration and peace. 🙏
effortless is a matter of not applying
wu wei unfolds by itsself when the true Self realised itsself, it is then a natural way of experiencing being in the form that is called human, without the limitations of separate "I", living as a thought in the mind only..
It's a beautiful reminder that when we connect with our inner being, we can embrace life's unfolding journey with grace and authenticity. Thank you for sharing such insightful thoughts. 🙏🌌
How can slave live wu Wei life style ???
George, you were already there. You were on the other side.
This is called spiritual vanity.
Hi George, thank you so much for taking the time to make these absolutely wonderful videos. I have found great solace in them and your interpretation of the Dao makes it easily digestible for western pallets. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the kind words, Vincent! 🙏
Thank you George. Always love when you laugh in your videos.
😆🦄
It's pronoounced U wei
Nice job getting across that stream George. 👏🏼 😁 great vid!
Appreciate you 🫶
Will you be going back to China?
Wow, this video really resonated with me! I've always been intrigued by Taoism and the concept of Wu Wei. It's amazing to see how you've found ways to incorporate effortless action into your daily life. Your explanation was clear and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing your insights and inspiring me to strive for that state of flow and joy in my own life. Keep up the great work!
Holy shit, George…this is so utterly beautiful! I can’t believe the production value and general quality of this video. Do you have a team of people working with you or how is this possible?
I really enjoyed watching this. I’m having a really active year and while I’m enjoying all the new experiences I’m also in need of some calm as it has become harder to find. Your video reminded me of things I once knew and mindsets I knew how to get into. It has triggered something within me and it feels fresh, clear and pure. Like a breath of good air. I feel relieved. Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words, appreciate you. Flow well! 🫶
wu wei is only do what is prioriy, not procrastination. And doing things with a positive attitude in difficult situation. do less rubbish activity and do what is necessary.
yeh. this guy just waffled on a lot of bs.
💕
🫶
Thanks for sharing your excellent video on wu
wei
Thank you for watching! 🙏
Wu wei, I not non effort but non striving