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Living wu wei

Living wu wei

by | 2121,May, 2024 | Healing Arts

The secrets of effortless action

The concept of Wu Wei ( 无为), as already mentioned in our previous article, translates as “non-action” or “effortless action”. Rooted in Taoism, wu wei is a veritable art of living. Understanding its value, and thus wishing to apply it to one’s own life, means gradually making changes in the way we live and view life. Here, we explore in greater detail how to access the magic of wu wei.

Questioning the way we live

Why should I question myself? Even though everything is going well in my life… I have a great job, I earn a lot of money, my children go to the best private schools… And yet!

I agree, at the moment I’m very tired; I wake up several times in the night to pee; in the morning when I wake up, I feel painful tensions and I’m not rested etc. These few discomforts are alerts that my body is sending me to let me know that I’m beginning to exceed my limits, or that there are hidden imbalances in my life. If I don’t pay attention, this can lead to much more serious problems or pathologies. It’s time to act!

Living with Wu Wei is a conscious approach in which we organize our lives to make room for the expression of our own nature, in harmony with the surrounding environment. Thus, Wu Wei asks us to discover who we really are, even before our bodies alert us.

Living wu wei therefore means listening to ourselves, hearing our needs, our regrets, our frustrations, and also what makes us tick. In this way, we learn to decode what makes us angry, sad, or anxious.

Conversely, we decipher the subtle things that contribute to our fulfillment and joy, the things that simply make us feel more alive. This discovery is an integral part of life and is akin to a journey of wisdom.

L'angélique chinoise, trésor de la mtc

Getting closer to nature

On this journey, getting closer to Nature is the most natural thing to do. From this will flow the rest of our evolution. As we’ve seen, Wu Wei means letting ourselves be carried along by the flow of nature, adapting to situations as water quietly penetrates the hardest rocks.

Be careful, it’s not a question of total abandonment, but of giving up on forcing things.

Getting closer to nature is a step-by-step process. The first step is to improve our lifestyle.

We’ll eat more and more fresh, local produce. We will take better care of our rest. We’ll spend more and more time in nature.

In this way, an increasingly intimate and trusting relationship is gradually established between us and Nature. We give our senses and our innate wisdom a chance to awaken.

Cultivating inner calm

Cultivating inner calm is already about distancing yourself from the difficulties you face. There are many practices (meditation, qi gong, tai chi, pranayama, martial arts) that help to develop this inner calm. All involve relaxation, inner listening and deep breathing. To penetrate the spirit of wu wei, we need to develop an ever finer attunement to our sensations and external stimuli. This enables us to reconnect with our intuition, our animal instinct.

Flying, climbing, scuba diving, practising an art such as painting or music, or crafts such as pottery or woodworking also help to develop our five senses and our inner listening.

Faith in life

Living wu wei means having faith in life. It requires us to renounce the conditioning that limits us and drives us to fear. It invites us to develop a deep love of life in all its forms. To do this, we must relinquish control and let the universe organize the best solution for us to the various problems we encounter.

There’s no need for “I’ve got to…” or “I must…”. While it’s right to have a certain sense of responsibility, it’s also wrong to act solely out of duty, out of respect for social conventions, out of routine and so on.

Once we understand that most of the rules laid down by our societies, our governments and our parents are our prison, we take the first step towards non-action. To detach ourselves from social conditioning and be truly free takes time, perseverance and courage.

On this path, many give up for fear of losing friends, of being looked down upon by others…

But the further we go down this path, the more we discover its priceless benefits. The practice of non-action paradoxically enables our actions to become more efficient and constructive. We spend less useless energy, and are all the more available. Wu Wei gives us a feeling of relaxed awakening, an alert and peaceful attention that proves joyful and energizing. It awakens us to a form of wisdom. This makes it easier for us to allow ourselves to be carried along by the flow of life.

The creative process

Great artists live wu wei through their creations. Inspiration comes from their connection with the universal energy that animates all life, and their ability to surrender to it. Inspiration and the creative process have fascinated artists since the dawn of time. Picasso and Dali were filmed creating. Today, we organize happenings where we see an artist painting live.

In ancient China, under the Tang dynasty, wu wei was a central element of artistic practice. The painter’s task is not to imitate the appearance of things, but to connect closely with the spirit of a mountain, a tree, a bird, and let that spirit flow through the brush onto the silk.

The act of painting is revered in itself. The poet Fu Zai describes a grand party organized to see the painter Zhang Zao at work thus:

“In the middle of the room, he sat down, legs apart, breathed deeply and his inspiration began to gush out. Those present were as frightened as if a bolt of lightning had flashed across the sky or a whirlwind had risen into the sky. Ink seemed to gush from his flying brush. He clapped his hands with a cracking sound. Suddenly, strange shapes appeared. When he had finished, there were pine trees, scaled and torn, precipitous cliffs, clear water and turbulent clouds. He threw down his brush, stood up and looked in all directions. It was as if the sky had cleared up after a storm, to reveal the true essence of tenmille choses. »

Wu Wei, the magic of non-action

Wu Wei, the magic of non-action

by | 2828,Feb, 2024 | Healing Arts

A highly instructive Taoist concept

Wu Wei ( 无为) is a Taoist concept commonly translated as “non-action” or “effortless action”. It designates an attitude to life that consists of acting in harmony with the movement of Nature and its laws. Lao Tzu (see box) made it a principle of ideal government, and several Chinese emperors had their thrones inscribed with “wuwei” on a lacquer panel.

This principle is particularly interesting to explore at a time when Man is living against the natural flow of life, seeking to own, plan and control everything, including nature. With wu wei, it’s all about surrendering to the flow of life, letting it flow through us and guide us. This does not mean passivity, but rather the right and appropriate action.

Our lives are increasingly disconnected from nature and its rhythms. Social conditioning values overactivity, competition, speed of execution and “always more”. From an early age, we are programmed to please our parents, to succeed, to conform to social rules, and thus to meet external expectations. To such an extent that we lose touch with who we are and what our deepest aspirations are. Most of the time, we act out of duty, not out of a vital impulse. We prefer “DOING” to “BEING”.

Rediscovering harmony with nature

Swiss adventurer Sarah Marquis has devoted her life to blending in with nature, traversing the most hostile lands with no food reserves or villages in her path. There she survived hunger and thirst, awakening the fabulous resources that each of us possesses deep down inside, the so-called animal instinct. She explains how, after spending some time away from “civilization”, she can sense the presence of water 5 km away!

Of course, life on earth requires a certain number of actions to maintain life: feeding ourselves, learning, taking care of our health, our children… But these tasks should be carried out in a way that contributes to our fulfillment, and not reduce us to a state of virtual slavery.

The Yang Sheng principles of Chinese medicine point in the same direction: the more we live in harmony with nature and with our own nature, the healthier we are.

Practising Wu Wei means accepting to let life work through us. This state of availability is characterized by an absence of effort, an ease that allows the right action to take place at the right time and in the right way.

It requires trust in life, in the intelligence at work within and around us, which the Chinese call the Tao.

Letting go of our conditionings and beliefs

This means letting go of our social conditioning and beliefs, and responding more spontaneously and intuitively to events, like a toddler who hasn’t yet been shaped by school and society. It also means putting aside our egotistical goals and desires, as well as countless social pressures.

Practising Wu wei means returning to a simpler life, reconnecting with our complete being, both material and spiritual. To do this, we have to give up certain aspects of our lives that are a source of stress, resistance and suffering.

Everyone has experienced this characteristic Wu Wei state at least once in their life. He/she has experienced that state of grace where events follow one another as if by magic, and we achieve unexpected results without having done anything special. Sometimes it can even seem like a miracle.

Flow or the magic of wuwei

Top-level athletes are familiar with this state of optimal functioning. They seek this state, which they call the flow or the zone.

“In a state of flow, athletes seem to be able to perform at their best in extremely favorable conditions, combining, for example, concentration, automatic movements, enjoyment, and a sense of balance between the challenge and their abilities,” explains researcher and author Jackson.

This is also the case for artists and scientific geniuses, who in moments of inspiration receive musical notes, words, recipes… even mathematical equations. They are then in a state of openness and connection with Nature and its intelligence, which allows it to penetrate them.

But experiencing Wu Wei in this way, from time to time, does not mean living in the spirit of Wu Wei. Living Non-action is a philosophy of life; it involves questioning our priorities and gradually transforming our state of being. In the second part, we will see which paths and practices can bring us closer to this state of Wu Wei.

For this state provides an incredibly pleasant sensation that makes our lives more beautiful and our actions more effective. It’s the perfect way to embellish our lives and those around us. Indeed, by connecting deeply with nature, we naturally respect all life around us.

Lao Tseu, the father of wuwei

 

According to Chinese tradition, Li Eul or Lao Tan, better known as Lao-tseu or Laozi (Old Master), lived in the 6th century B.C. He is considered the father of Taoism, and is one of the mythical figures of ancient China, like Confucius.

His life has given rise to many legends: after a miraculous birth, he is said to have lived for two hundred years, and to have given some teachings to the young Confucius. He was archivist and astrologer to the Zhou emperors. He then fled westwards, disgusted by the decadence of this dynasty. Before crossing the border into India, he is said to have entrusted the guard with his philosophical testament, the Tao-tö king (or “Book of the Way and Virtue”), a major Taoist text. We don’t know how he died.

Lao-tseu is considered by Taoists to be a god (太上老君, Tàishàng lǎojūn, “Supreme Lord Lao”) and their common ancestor. He is depicted as a white-bearded old man, sometimes riding a buffalo.

The tao aims to purify man and lead him to the right path and virtue. One of Lao Tzu’s main doctrines is that of non-action, which should encourage people not to expend energy unnecessarily, and to detach themselves from cumbersome desires. Taoist thought proposes meditation as a condition for opening up to the world.

Bā Duàn Jǐn : Supporting the sky

Bā Duàn Jǐn : Supporting the sky

by | 2929,Oct, 2023 | Healing Arts

Eight Pieces of Brocade Qi Gong, No. 1

This article is the first in a series of eight, each dealing with an exercise from the suite known as Ba Duan Jin or Eight Pieces of Brocade, one of the best-known and oldest forms of qi gong (see box below).

The form of Ba Duan Jin we teach is widely practised around the world today, and is accessible to all ages. It is an excellent complement to our therapies. Practised every day, it significantly improves health. To begin with, we recommend practising with a Qi gong master to avoid any energy imbalance. Qi gong is extremely powerful.

雙手托天 – Supporting the Sky with Your Hands

The first exercise of the Eight Pieces of Brocade is called Liǎngshǒu tuō tiān lǐ Sān Jiāo (两手托天立三交), which literally means “Supporting the Sky with Your Hands Regulates the Three Heaters.”

This exercise improves the overall circulation of Qi. Raising the arms helps to unblock the meridians and promotes a more fluid circulation of vital energy, which in turn contributes to improved health.

Trois foyers

By focusing on raising the arms, we open and stimulate the San Jiao (Three Heaters) meridian. Thanks to its action on this meridian, this exercise normalizes the functions of respiration, digestion, and elimination.

The three heaters, or three burners, that give this meridian its name are:

  • The upper heater, located in the rib cage, which includes the Heart and Lungs;
  • The middle heater, located between the diaphragm and the navel, which includes the spleen and stomach;
  • The lower heater, located between the navel and the pubis, which includes the liver, kidneys, large intestine, small intestine, and bladder.

Health benefits

Here are some of the medical aspects of this practice. Qi gong in general relieves physical fatigue and soothes the mind.

  • Strengthening arms and shoulders:
    By regularly raising the arms, this practice can help strengthen the muscles of the arms and shoulders, which can be beneficial for people suffering from pain or stiffness in these areas.
  • Relaxation and stress reduction:
    Qi Gong is known for its soothing effects on the nervous system. Controlled breathing and slow movements promote relaxation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Improved posture and alignment:
    This form of Qi Gong encourages upright posture and correct body alignment, helping to alleviate postural problems and associated pain. For example, it can help correct dorsal kyphosis.
  • Stimulation of the lymphatic system:
    The gentle, slow movements of Qi Gong stimulate the lymphatic system, promoting the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body.
  • Promotes blood circulation:
    By increasing the activity of the arms and shoulders, this form of Qi Gong can also contribute to better blood circulation.

“Supporting the Sky”: practice

Pratique 8 pieces -Soutenir le ciel

Preparation:

We recommend starting with simple movements and practising them regularly to learn to feel the flow of qi circulating in the body.

To practice Qi Gong well, you need to be regular, relaxed and not block the Qi. Breathing is slow, regular and abdominal. Loose-fitting clothing is recommended.

Legs slightly apart. Knees unclenched, arms hanging at your sides. The head is straight, in line with the trunk. This means that my posture allows me to remain relaxed on my feet, with the weight of my body distributed over the whole foot. I’m neither slightly forward nor slightly back. The gaze is frank and looks straight ahead, and far away (even if I’m in front of a wall).

Exercise:

  1. Hands cupped below the navel as you exhale.
  2. In a long, very slow inhale, the hands, palms up, rise in an extremely relaxed manner, as if they were being sucked upwards by themselves.
  3. Once at heart level, the palms turn to continue their upward ascent, as if pushing the sky. The shoulders remain relaxed.
  4. The gaze follows the palms without ever tilting the head up or down. Only the eyes move.
  5. Finally, at the end of the inhale, the hands support the sky, the arms remain slightly bent. Then the hands are reversed again, as if to bring Heaven’s energy back to the abdomen. All in a delicate, harmonious movement.
  6. Now begins a long, slow descent towards the abdomen, punctuated by the exhalation.
  7. Once again below the navel, the palms turn harmoniously to begin the next cycle. At no point is there a break, or a change of rhythm.

At the beginning, the practitioner can practice the ascent of the arms on an inhale plus exhale, and the same for the descent. Over time, the practitioner slows down his breathing and thus the rhythm of his routine. In Qi gong, slowness and harmony are the key to efficiency!

Ba Duan Jin, or the Eight Pieces of Brocade

Ba Duan Jin is one of the oldest and best-known forms of qigong. It consists of a series of eight exercises. There are around a hundred different versions, including the one practiced at the Shaolin Temple. Ba Duan Jin is also known as the Eight Pieces of Brocade, in reference to the long brocade coats—a silk fabric embellished with gold and silver embroidery—worn by dignitaries of the Chinese empire. These coats are a symbol of good health.

The exact origin of Ba Duan Jin is unknown, although legend has it that Bodhidharma developed it in the 5th century at the Shaolin Monastery. The northern form is known to have been practiced by the famous general, calligrapher, and poet Yue Fei (岳飛), who lived in the 12th century during the Song Dynasty. He developed the Eight Pieces of Brocade to strengthen the will, courage, and health of his soldiers. This practice improves immunity and develops inner calm and the strength to act in life. The horse stance, which is found several times in Ba Duan Jin, is particularly conducive to developing this strength, self-awareness, and determination.