The Art of Not Trying: Achieve Everything You Want Effortlessly

[Music] have you ever observed the Elegance with which a river flows winding its way around obstacles never rushing yet always reaching its destination have you watched a tree grow stretching Towards the Sky never straining but always expanding there's a rhythm a natural pulse to life a kind of harmonious dance that doesn't rely on force or strain yet achieves the seemingly impossible what if I told you that the same principle could be applied to your own life what if the very Act of not trying could get you closer to your goals than years of hard grind and force welcome to a journey into the profound philosophy of the East where the idea of non-action or Wu way Reigns Supreme it's a concept that has shaped the lives of countless individuals guiding them towards a life of Harmony peace and yes achievement but it defies a lot of what we've been conditioned to believe in today's Relentless hustle-driven world the very thought of achieving something without aggressive action sounds at best like a romantic dream and at worst sheer laziness but woo way is neither it's the intricate art of knowing when to act and when to remain still now this term might be new to many of you originating from Taoist philosophy this ancient Chinese term literally translates to non-action or non-doing but much like many age-old philosophical Concepts the meaning goes far deeper than its literal translation it's not about sitting idly by while life happens around you instead it's about aligning one's actions so perfectly with the natural flow of circumstances that everything seems to fall into place effortlessly imagine for a moment a martial artist poised balanced waiting when the opponent strikes the artist doesn't exert unnecessary Force instead they channeled the momentum use the energy given to them and move in harmony with the situation that in essence is Wu way it's the ability to recognize when to exert effort and when to let things unfold trusting that the universe or the Tao is always in a natural state of balance and here lies the Paradox in a world that Champions the idea of more effort equals more results the Taoist principle of Wu way suggests the opposite sometimes it's in the space of non-action in the pause the breath the waiting that true power is realized it's a counter-intuitive thought isn't it that by trying less we might achieve more by letting go of our need to control every outcome we might find that outcomes align more harmoniously with our desires consider for a moment the last time you try to force a result maybe you were trying to convince someone of your Viewpoint or perhaps you were pushing hard for a work project to come to fruition in a specific way how did that feel tense exhausting frustrating now recall a time where you set an intention did your part and then let things unfold the difference in these two approaches is not just in the outcomes but in the journey itself it's worth noting that this isn't about advocating passivity quite the opposite is deeply active it requires acute awareness Keen observation and a deep connection with one's environment and self the key difference is where the action comes from a place of force or a place of alignment in this exploration we're about to embark on I invite you to open your mind and heart to the wisdom of the East to the lessons of the rivers the trees and the ancient sages who understood something profound about the universe that in the art of not trying we might just discover the secret to achieving everything we've ever wanted and to do so with Grace ease and joy [Music] to truly grasp the depth of way we must first journey back in time traversing the Landscapes of ancient China where atop Misty Mountains and within Serene temples the seeds of taoism were sown the concept of Wu way is not just a passing thought or a Modern Trend it's a profound wisdom deeply embedded in the halls of Eastern philosophy taoism or taoism as it's sometimes referred to is an ancient philosophical and spiritual tradition that has shaped Chinese culture for over 2 millennia at its heart lies the Dao or Tau often translated as the way however much like Wu way Dao is a term so vast and profound that it's somewhat elusive to direct translation The Tao is described as the ultimate The Source the underlying nature of all existence it's both the beginning and the end the path and the traveler and it is in this Cosmic Dance of the Tao that the principle of Wu way Finds Its rhythm the most revered text in Taoism the Tau Te Ching penned by the mysterious figure laozu offers Pearls of Wisdom about this principle here's a taste from chapter 37 of the Tao Te Ching The Tao never does anything yet through it all things are done if powerful men and women could remain centered in the Tau all things would be in harmony the paradoxical essence of this concept is palpable in these lines the Dao in its non-action gives rise to all action it's not the clanging noisy efforts but the silent profound Stillness that brings forth the universe's dance when we align with the Tao when we flow in harmony with the natural order we can achieve more than when we swim against the current but taoism isn't the only Eastern philosophy that reveres the principles akin to uwei journeying Eastward from China we touch the shores of Japan where Zen Buddhism flourished Zen with its emphasis on meditation mindfulness and presence Echoes the sentiments of Wu way in its teachings while Zen doesn't directly speak of non-action it profoundly emphasizes the state of being overdoing consider the Zen practice of shikantasa or just sitting it's a form of meditation where one isn't trying to do anything think anything or achieve anything instead it's about simply being observing and existing it's a radical Act of pure presence where the meditator is not seeking Enlightenment but is instead just being in the moment this just being while seemingly passive is an intense form of active engagement with the present much like Wu way it's about alignment Harmony and merging with the flow moreover while Zen and taoism might be the most prominent many other Eastern Traditions Echo similar sentiments the ancient Indian philosophy of nishkama karma from the bhagavad-gita for instance speaks of action without attachment to results a theme closely resonant with uwei's principles it's fascinating to observe that despite the geographical linguistic and cultural divides there seems to be a universal thread weaving through these philosophies they all Point towards a profound truth sometimes it's not our forceful interventions but our gentle surrender our alignment with the greater Cosmic dance that brings about the most profound outcomes whether it's the silent Tau guiding all existence the Zen master just sitting in profound presence or the gita's call to act without attachment the message is clear there is an art a subtle Beauty in not trying in just being and in flowing with the currents of life [Music] as we delve deeper into the philosophical Waters of the East the term UE Rises as a lighthouse guiding us towards understanding a distinctive approach to life it's a phrase that intrigues Conjuring images of Stillness perhaps even of monks atop secluded mountains but what does it truly signify let's commence with the linguistics Wu way is a Chinese term where Wu translates to not or without and Wei means doing or action together they frame the idea of non-action or non-doing but herein lies a quandary a superficial interpretation might suggest inertia stagnation or passive idleness however that would be a grievous misinterpretation of a profound philosophy that has been a Guiding Light for sages rulers and thinkers for centuries this principle is akin to the Elegance of a dancer lost in the performance so engrossed in the moment that every move feels not like a calculated step but a natural extension of their being it's the painter whose brush flows freely across the canvas not directed by the conscious mind but Guided by a spontaneous spirit this ideas is not about the absence of action but the purity of action it's an act free from friction free from the rigid structures of overthinking planning or forcing to elucidate further consider the flow of water it doesn't strain doesn't push yet it's unceasing in its movement carving valleys and shaping mountains over time water doesn't try in the way we often understand the term it simply follows its intrinsic nature moves in alignment with the environment this is the essence of acting in accordance with one's nature and the nature of the universe without unnecessary Force [Music] a frequent misconception surrounding Wu way is equating it with laziness or a lack of ambition this couldn't be further from the truth embracing this concept doesn't mean abandoning aspirations or responsibilities instead it signifies a reframing of how we approach them for instance a martial art is practicing Wu way is not passive when confronted they don't use brute strength to overpower an opponent instead they employ a deep understanding of energy momentum and leverage to redirect forces using minimal energy for Maximum Impact it's an aligned action strategic and efficient rather than a Brute Force approach a modern analogy could be drawn from the world of Aeronautics consider the principle of aerodynamic efficiency in aircraft design Engineers don't merely add more power to make planes fly faster or higher they craft the design to minimize air resistance allowing the plane to Glide smoothly with lesser fuel consumption this optimization where you achieve more by using less mirrors this profound Taoist philosophy in life this might translate to listening more than speaking in a heated discussion allowing the conversation to flow to understanding rather than forcing an agenda in business it could mean understanding Market currents and consumer behavior and positioning one's strategy in alignment rather than pushing against prevailing trends in essence Wu way Champions a harmonious engagement with life where action emerges from a place of deep awareness alignment and adaptability it encourages us to observe to understand the Rhythm and to act when the time is ripe it's about sensing the ebb and flow of situations and seamlessly integrating our actions Within These natural rhythms in a world constantly urging us to act to hustle to push harder the ancient wisdom of uwei offers a refreshing counter-intuitive perspective it reminds us that sometimes the greatest power lies not in how forcefully we can push but in how harmoniously we can flow the natural world has always been a reservoir of wisdom offering insights into life's deeper truths for the sages of the East especially Lao Tzu one element stood out as an unparalleled teacher water this simple unassuming substance covering the majority of our Blue Planet becomes a potent metaphor in the hands of the Taoist philosopher providing us with profound insights into the essence of uwei in the taoteching he articulates the philosophy of Wu way using the metaphor of water in numerous passages one of the most notable mentions is nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible nothing can surpass it water's nature is not to resist not to challenge head-on and certainly not to rush yet it's always persistent always moving always finding a way think of a Meandering River it doesn't take a straight path nor does it Force its way through obstacles it carves its path patiently molding the very landscape around it over time even when confronted with a rock or a mountain water doesn't halt it simply finds a way around under or over it such is the essence of ulway acting without unnecessary Force allowing things to unfold and gracefully navigating the path of least resistance laosu's emphasis on water illustrates a crucial aspect of resilience in contemporary understanding resilience might be misconstrued as toughness or rigidity but true resilience as symbolized by water is in its adaptability its flexibility water takes the shape of any container it's put in yet it retains its essence it can be soft as a morning dewdrop or powerful as a tidal wave adapting to its context without losing its core nature similarly when we embody these principles in our lives we develop a resilience that doesn't stem from Mere stubbornness or grit but from a deep understanding and alignment with the flow of life when faced with adversity rather than Breaking under pressure or resisting change we learn to adapt evolve and find new ways just as water would every obstacle much like the boulders in a stream offers an opportunity a chance to recalibrate reassess and find A New Path the Rocks Don't deter the water they merely change its course similarly in life challenges and setbacks are inevitable this philosophy as encapsulated by the water metaphor encourages us not to meet these challenges with brute force or denial but with understanding and adaptability imagine being faced with a professional setback instead of resisting it or dwelling in despair the principle of UWE would have us assess the situation understand its Dynamics and then act in a way that aligns with the present reality all the while maintaining our broader vision much like water the journey might take unexpected turns but the destination remains in sight but perhaps the most striking feature of water is its unassuming power it nourishes sustains carves valleys and erodes mountains all this not through violent births but through consistent gentle action in many ways water embodies the Paradox of uwei soft yet powerful gentle yet persistent flexible yet on yielding in its essence Lao Tzu in drawing parallels between water and Wu way compels us to reconsider our Notions of strength and success in a world that often equates power with aggression and achievement with Relentless Pursuit the water metaphor offers a counter-narrative it speaks of a strength that is not loud but profound of achievements not born out of strife but out of harmonious alignment in embracing the teachings of laotzu and the wisdom of Wu way we are not just adopting a philosophical stance but a way of life one where we respect the flow understand the power of persistence recognize the strength in softness and above all trust the journey for in the end like water we will find our way shaping paths and carving Destinies one gentle ripple at a time as we Traverse the landscape of thought from the Whispering Pines of ancient China to the bustling Laboratories and lecture Halls of 20th century psychology there emerges a fascinating confluence the wisdom of Wu way as it meets modern psychological understanding finds a vibrant echo in a term that's peaked the interest of thinkers athletes artists and professionals alike the Flow State a pioneering figure in positive psychology introduced the concept of flow to the wider world through his groundbreaking research he describes flow as a state of complete immersion in an activity wherein an individual is so engrossed that everything else seems to fade away time appears to warp self-consciousness diminishes and all that matters is the task at hand his own words flow is a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at Great cost for the sheer sake of doing it at the heart of both Wu way and the flow state lies the concept of effortlessness not in the sense of lack of exertion but as a harmonious alignment that removes the sensation of strain when one is in a flow State there isn't a feeling of trying hard instead actions and decisions arise spontaneously Guided by intuition and experience this mirrors the teachings of uwei where actions are in alignment with the nature of the self and the universe transcending the realm of forced effort present moment awareness is another Common Thread weaving through both philosophies in the Flow State individuals are deeply anchored in the now they aren't distracted by past regrets or future anxieties every ounce of their attention is riveted on the present task similarly wu-way emphasizes the importance of moving with the natural rhythms of the Present Moment unburdened by the weights of past and future the environment and our alignment with it play a pivotal role in both Concepts in chicks and mihali's flow and individual skills are perfectly matched with the challenge at hand there's a harmonious balance where neither boredom from a task being too easy nor anxiety from a task being too hard can prevail this equilibrium resonates deeply with always call for aligned action where one acts in harmony with the external environment neither overreaching nor underperforming a particularly fascinating overlap is the Transcendence of the self in the throes of a flow State the ego with all its insecurities and self-consciousness dissolves one becomes the action they are performing be it painting running writing or any other activity this dissolution of the self offers a profound sense of fulfillment and contentment in the Embrace of Wu way a similar Transcendence is observed by aligning with the Tao the way of the universe one moves beyond the narrow confines of the self there's a melding into a larger tapestry a harmonious Union with the world around which brings about deep inner peace and satisfaction in the Realms of modern psychology the flow state has been linked to heightened creativity increased productivity and enhanced well-being from athletes breaking records to artists crafting masterpieces the Fingerprints of flow are evident chick sent mihali's research provides a scientific framework to what ancient Taoist sages intuited centuries ago both perspectives despite the vast Chasm of time and culture between them advocate for a life of Harmony alignment and joyful immersion in The Echoes between Huawei and the Flow State we witness a testament to the universality of certain truths whether articulated through the poetic metaphors of laotzu or the Empirical research of chiksen mihali the message remains consistent true fulfillment and Excellence arise not from strained effort but from harmonious alignment with oneself the task and the world in the vast Mosaic of human civilizations each culture has painted its unique Strokes shaped by geography history and Collective aspirations as we shift our lens Westward from the Tranquil Banks of ancient Chinese wisdom we encounter a markedly different ethos here the drumbeat of doing reverberates with unwavering intensity but this tireless March while propelling societies to dizzying Heights also cast Long Shadows of exhaustion and enwi let's dive into this Dynamic understanding its Origins its implications and its challenges from The Towering skyscrapers that scrape the Heavens to the unceasing hum of metropolises that never sleep the Western world is a testament to human ambition historically this part of the world has lionized the idea of action the American dream for instance encapsulates this sentiment with hard work determination and a bit of luck anyone can climb the ladder of success it's an ethos of manifest destiny of conquering Frontiers both external and internal Renaissance Europe saw a burst of creativity and exploration celebrating human potential and individualism the subsequent Industrial Revolution further entrenched the idea of ceaseless productivity with machines and Men working Round the Clock transforming societies and economies in the modern era this celebration of action has found new avatars the Silicon Valley startup culture with its hustle-hard Mantra the self-help industry's emphasis on goal setting and achievement and even our social media Landscapes that reward constant engagement all Echo the same message to be is to do but like Icarus soaring ever higher on wax and wings this Relentless Pursuit has its perils the consequences are manifold affecting individuals and societies at Large once considered a fringe phenomenon burnout is now recognized as a legitimate syndrome by Health bodies like the World Health Organization it's characterized by emotional exhaustion cynicism and reduced efficacy in work this isn't merely tiredness it's a profound depletion of the human spirit the pressure to be always on always performing and always reaching for the next Milestone has turned stress into a ubiquitous companion for many chronic stress has numerous studies suggest has debilitating effects on physical health mental well-being and overall life satisfaction ironically the obsession with constant action often leads to inefficiency the myth of multitasking the inability to disconnect and the erosion of deep focused work means that while we might be busier than ever we aren't necessarily more productive the quality of output creativity and Innovation often suffers in the Relentless churn of activity [Music] amidst the endless hustle there's a creeping sense of existential void many begin to question the purpose of their incessant efforts is it merely for material accumulation social validation or is there a deeper meaning to life that gets obscured in the blinding dust of constant movement the Western emphasis on doing has undoubtedly led to remarkable advancements Innovations and improvements in living standards but as with all things balance is crucial the pendulum which has swung towards Relentless action might need some recalibration Eastern philosophies with their emphasis on being on Harmony an unaligned action like the concept of way we explored offer a Counterpoint they invite a reconsideration of our Relentless Pursuit suggesting that sometimes in letting go of forced effort in tuning into the rhythms of Nature and life and in embracing Stillness amidst the storm we might find not just peace but also a more profound sustainable and joyous productivity as our world becomes ever more interconnected There's an opportunity a necessity even to engage in a cross-cultural dialogue to understand the strengths and limitations of different World Views and weave together a tapestry that draws from the best of both in this synthesis There's Hope for a future where achievement and well-being work hand in hand where the rivers of action and introspection merge leading us to shores of Greater understanding and fulfillment in the Luminous glow of ancient wisdom abstract Concepts often float like ethereal clouds their beauty and depth are undeniable but how do we tether these lofty Notions to the grounded realities of our daily lives how can one employ the Serenity and wisdom of wu-way amidst deadlines digital distractions and never-ending to-do lists let's embark on this journey seeking tangible strategies inspired by wu-way enabling us to navigate our fast-paced world with Grace and purpose [Music] the grace of letting go by letting it go it all gets done the world is won by those who let it go but when you try and try the world is beyond the winning Lao Tzu [Music] one of the most potent lessons from wu-way is recognizing the power of non-action especially when action doesn't align with the natural cause in our everyday life this can translate into understanding when to pause step back or even abandon the task for example if you're facing a creative block or are entangled in a persistent disagreement with someone sometimes it's best to step away for a moment take a break and allow space for clarity to emerge this isn't defeat or avoidance it's strategic non-action allowing the natural course of things to take over in the workspace this might mean knowing when to delegate or when to leave space for a colleague to come to a realization on their own in personal relationships it might be choosing not to react impulsively allowing emotions to settle before responding cultivating patients nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished understanding the Rhythm of Life trees don't Sprout overnight Seasons transition with an innate Rhythm and the cosmos moves in its time woo way teaches us that like nature Our Lives to have a rhythm embracing patience doesn't mean being passive or lackadaisical it means acknowledging that not everything is within our immediate control whether you're awaiting the germination of a seed you've planted the fruition of a project or the evolution of a personal relationship patience becomes a powerful Ally it provides the buffer against anxiety the urge to interfere or to hasten processes that naturally require time in a practical sense this could translate to not constantly checking for responses after sending an important email giving space to new team members to adjust and align with company culture or understanding that personal growth and learning have their own pace distinct for each individual the Paradox of over effort trying to control the future is like trying to take the master Carpenter's place when you handle the master Carpenter's tools chances are that you'll cut your hand [Music] in our obsession with results we sometimes believe that putting in more effort working longer hours taking on more tasks pushing harder will yield better outcomes wu-way challenges this notion imagine trying to write with a pen by applying excessive pressure not only will the writing be messy but you might also damage the paper or break the pen similarly over effort in our endeavors can lead to burnout reduce deficiency and can sometimes even sabotage the very goal we're trying to achieve over preparation for an event might make you anxious and less adaptable to changes pushing a team relentlessly might lead to decreased morale Innovation and productivity [Music] in personal spheres pressuring a relationship to progress at an unnatural Pace might drain or Break It the teaching here is to find the balance between action and inaction ensuring our efforts align with the natural progression of things it's about trusting the process giving our best but also understanding that excessive force is not just unnecessary but often detrimental embracing the lessons of Wu way in our contemporary world might seem like a challenge but these age-old teachings aren't in opposition to action they are a refined approach to it it's about harmonizing with the flow of Life understanding when to act when to wait and when to retreat as we integrate these lessons we find that the wisdom of the Ancients can indeed illuminate our modern paths guiding us towards a life of balance fulfillment and profound understanding [Music] across the tapestry of Human Experience countless narratives showcase the principles of way in action even if the protagonists of these Tales might not explicitly cite this Eastern Philosophy from boardrooms to sports Arenas artists Studios to personal narratives there's an abundance of evidence suggesting that sometimes less truly is more let's Traverse these varied Landscapes discovering stories where effortless action made all the difference the Inception of three M's Post-it notes one of the most iconic products to emerge from the corporate world the Post-it note was in essence a byproduct of an experiment gone wrong Dr Spencer Silver a scientist at 3M in 1968 was attempting to develop a super strong adhesive instead he accidentally created a low-tac reusable pressure sensitive adhesive for years this mistake lay dormant with no apparent use it wasn't until 1974 when a colleague art fry realized its potential as a solution to his perpetually slipping bookmarks in his hymn book by not forcing an immediate application for the failed adhesive 3M eventually introduced the product in 1980 that would revolutionize offices worldwide the Post-it note had Silva been singularly focused and discarded what didn't match his initial aim the world might never have had this indispensable tool [Music] The Beatles Let It Be in the turbulent Waters of creativity sometimes stepping back allows the tides of inspiration to flow freely during a period of internal disagreements and external pressures Paul McCartney dreamed of his deceased mother who told him let it be this dream not only inspired the song but also represented a philosophy that McCartney and the rest of the Beatles began to embrace instead of forcing creativity amidst chaos they allowed things to unfold naturally the result one of their most iconic songs and albums it's a testament to the power of surrendering to the moment letting go of the need to control and allowing creativity to Blossom in its own time foreign Roger Bannister and the four minute mile before 1954 the notion of running a mile in less than four minutes was considered impossible but Roger Bannister a medical student and Runner approached the challenge with a different philosophy while many athletes were increasing their training regimens banister decreased his he believed in quality over quantity ensuring that each training session was purposeful and aligned he did not force himself into excessive routines or succumb to over training with a focused and minimalist approach on May 6 1954 Bannister did the unthinkable he ran a mile in three minutes 59.4 seconds his accomplishment was not just about physical prowess but also about understanding the rhythm of his body and knowing when to push and when to rest the story of Julia and the unplanned Journey Julia a marketing professional had meticulously planned a solo trip to Italy every hour was accounted for every site to be visited listed but on her second day she lost her itinerary to a sudden gust of wind in Venice with no internet access and a dead phone battery she had a choice Panic or embrace the unexpected choosing the latter she allowed the city to guide her she meandered through allies discovered hidden Courtyards experienced impromptu Opera performances and forged friendships with the locals [Music] the trip became not about seeing but about experiencing by not trying to control every moment Julia found herself immersed in authentic experiences that no itinerary could have offered it was an embodiment of wu-way moving effortlessly with the flow of life these stories spanning different domains Echo a singular truth there exists a magic in not forcing outcomes in understanding when to act and when to yield they highlight the harmony that arises when humans despite their innate desire to control and predict align themselves with the more organic often serendipitous flow of existence whether in the throes of innovation the swirl of creativity the adrenaline of sports or the unpredictability of personal Journeys the principles of uwei Shimmer through teaching us Timeless lessons about balance patience and the unparalleled beauty of letting things be in the dizzying Whirlwind of our Modern Age where the Relentless drumbeat for ceaseless effort and pursuit resonates in every corner lies a profound almost radical counter-narrative the gentle Whisper of UE beckoning us towards the Allure of effortlessness it feels almost audacious this idea of non-doing especially when set against the backdrop of a world that equates busyness with worth and hustle with success yet as we've traversed the vast Landscapes of History business Arts Sports and personal stories a resonant theme emerges it's the discovery that paradoxically it's in the spaces between our actions in our pauses in our yielding that the true essence of life often reveals itself it's in recognizing that sometimes the most potent action is in not acting in allowing life's River to carry us forward rather than tirelessly swimming against the current however this isn't a call for passivity or an invitation to abandon our goals and aspirations on the contrary it's a nuanced dance between knowing when to lead and when to follow between steering the ship and letting the winds guide us it's about redefining our understanding of success not as the destination arrived at through sheer force but as the journey undertaken with Grace alignment and intuitive wisdom [Music] yet this discourse would be incomplete without your voice as we conclude this exploration we extend an invitation to each of you to share your Tales of serendipity of moments when non-doing illuminated your path of times when Letting Go LED you to destinations you'd never envisioned and more so to experiment with the principles of wu-way in your daily endeavors for in this Collective sharing and mutual experimentation we not only enrich our individual lives but weave together a tapestry of experiences painting a world where effortlessness isn't a luxury but an Exquisite art form we all have the privilege to practice in embracing way perhaps we'll find that the most profound truths of Life aren't shouted from mountaintops but whispered in the silent corridors of understanding waiting for those willing to listen to discover let us embark on this journey together carving paths illuminated by The Gentle glow of effortless action and in doing so redefine The Contours of a life well lived [Music]

Channel: SUCCESS CHASERS

Views: 592,478

Keywords: success chasers, philosophy, happiness, stoicism, The Art of Not Trying: Achieve Everything You Want Effortlessly, the art of not trying, taoism, daoism, the art of letting things happen, wu wei, wu-wei, Achieve Everything You Want Effortlessly, the art of effortless living, einzelgänger taoism, lao tzu, lao tzu philosophy, stop trying, flow state, tao te ching, eastern philosophy

Id: 0DNihzV69T8

Length: 41min 19sec (2479 seconds)

Published: Mon Sep 04 2023