Wu Wei: The Art Of Not Acting

Wu wei is a Tao concept meaning “no action”. It is a philosophy that says that the best way to handle a situation, especially in conflicts, is not to act at all. Not to provoke a solution, but just let things go.

Most of us think philosophies that teach us not to act are a little strange. We live in a world that constantly incites us to do the opposite. We actually live a life with a lot of things to do, feel and think. When we do not do anything, we feel strange. We think it’s a waste of time.

The philosopher, Lao Tzu, wrote Tao Te Ching 2,500 years ago. This philosopher said that the best way to live was by harmonizing with the course of nature and the cosmos. That’s the basic idea behind wu wei: to let things go their natural course and adapt to it.

Values ​​and benefits of wu wei

Wu wei presents a simple way of living as it creates calm and harmony. This simplicity means that we must not become too closely attached to ambitions and desires, as they are the greatest sources of chaos and suffering, rather than understanding.

Simplicity also helps us to live more calmly. It is impossible when we are focused on achieving great things. It is about appreciating what we have and what we are, rather than complaining about what we do not have and are.

Similarly  , wu wei argues that simplicity helps us to accept things as they are, not to oppose the natural course of things or to imagine taking control of them. These are values ​​and attitudes that contradict the Western mentality, but that provide better emotional balance.

Wu wei and excesses

Wu wei also highlights the fact that excesses are the primary source of problems. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, it is not the mistakes but the excesses that make us more anxious. Therefore, the practical elements of wu wei focus primarily on four points:

• Accept that you are creating problems. Problems do not come by themselves. They come from our actions and thoughts.
• Do not make a mental effort to solve problems. Do not think about the problems or try to find solutions to them. The idea is to let them resolve themselves and not take them too seriously.
• Learn to appreciate the natural course of things. It means taking an attitude of “non-action” towards the situation without thinking that you should do something.
• Let the mind wander.  Try not to lead it on the road or focus. Just let it show itself the way.

Wait and see

One of the principles of wu wei is to learn to wait and see. It is based on the idea that energy is saved  for actions without refuge. People who are waiting for the right time will know how to act with great care. Also with great energy as they have not spent it on insignificant actions.

He who can wait and see can solve any problem with great ease. It requires almost no effort. It does not mean negligence or passivity, closer harmony with the natural course of things. We must emphasize that nothing remains the same. On the contrary. Everything changes all the time, with or without individual actions.

What we are saying is not opposing an event. Some of our actions cause us to oppose ourselves. It creates a negative force that can counteract us. Instead of helping us protect ourselves, it incites harm. The goal is to let everything happen naturally without resisting it.