Trying Not to Try Summary

Effortless action offers a secret path to happiness – can we embrace it in our modern lives bogged down by stress and overthinking?

1. Wu-wei: Effortless Action Uniting Mind and Body

The concept of "wu-wei" is central to ancient Chinese philosophy, referring to a state of effortless action or deep immersion in the present moment. It is the experience of being so engaged in an activity that thinking stops, and we glide through it with spontaneity and ease.

Wu-wei dissolves the boundary between mind and body, creating a harmonious union. When this happens, actions feel fluid and natural. For instance, a writer may find herself "in the zone," where creativity flows with minimal effort, and she loses track of time, fully absorbed in her craft.

Taoists illustrate this with stories like the woodcarver from the Zhuangzi text, who achieves mastery by fasting and stilling his mind. Once his conscious distractions fade, he perceives the perfect tree for his work, completing it with peaceful focus.

Examples

• An artist painting for hours, unaware of time passing, lost in creativity.
• A carpenter seamlessly bringing wood to life without pondering every step.
• A musician improvising, carried by the music rather than overthinking each note.

2. The Magnetic Power of De

People who embody wu-wei exhibit "de," a natural charisma and influence that draws others to them. This blend of virtue, ease, and authenticity creates powerful leaders and likable individuals.

De captivates because it resonates with others’ primal instincts. It stems from unconscious thought rather than calculated effort, making it trustworthy and appealing. Leaders with de command respect without needing to assert authority and inspire loyalty naturally.

For followers of The Way – the Taoist pursuit of a fulfilled life – wu-wei and de go hand-in-hand. They provide a guide toward harmonious living, untainted by rigid control or conscious striving, akin to a natural flow through life’s challenges.

Examples

• A teacher whose genuine passion inspires students, without need for strict discipline.
• A leader whose calm and authentic demeanor brings an air of authority and trust.
• A friend whose positivity and generosity consistently attract others.

3. Confucianism’s Structured Path to Flow

Confucius offered an alternative method to achieve wu-wei: strict rituals and conscious practice. Instead of pure spontaneity, Confucianism argues that effort and discipline are the keys.

Repetition helps transfer habits from the conscious mind to the subconscious. For instance, when learning to drive, deliberate focus slowly shifts to muscle memory, freeing the mind for multitasking. Similarly, Confucius believed that deliberately practicing rituals shapes one’s subconscious for wu-wei.

This structured path involves daily practices that make good conduct second nature. Rituals like inquiring about parents’ well-being or practicing proper etiquette foster natural harmony in social interactions.

Examples

• A pianist who practices scales daily, leading to effortless music performance.
• A novice driver who becomes an expert through repeated practice.
• Ritualized greetings that create ease and respect in social settings.

4. Laozi’s Philosophy of Letting Go

Conversely, Laozi, the Taoist founder, advocated for doing nothing – literally. To attain wu-wei, he urged people to discard societal teachings and connect with their raw, instinctual selves.

This "letting go" prioritizes gut instincts over external distractions like envy or ambition. Laozi taught that by following our belly's simple desires, such as food and shelter, we achieve satisfaction. He warned against "the eyes," which introduce needless wants and comparisons.

Far from passive inaction, this principle requires mental clarity. Meditation and riddles help quiet the conscious mind, fostering a natural, blissful state similar to a runner’s high experienced during intense physical activity.

Examples

• A hiker reveling in nature’s beauty, forgetting worldly concerns.
• Meditation helping a person free themselves from shallow desires.
• A runner hitting a “high” where physical effort feels effortless.

5. Mencius: Balance and Discovery

Philosopher Mencius blended the rigorous and the relaxed. He believed people already possess wu-wei but need guidance to nurture it.

Working closely with a teacher, individuals can improve existing strengths through patience and focus. Imaginative exercises help extend virtues. For example, someone empathetic toward animals could shift that empathy to people by visualizing shared suffering.

Additionally, Mencius recommended balance. Holding flexible, adaptable beliefs allows for emotional calm and steadiness even amidst change or challenge, avoiding extremes.

Examples

• A mentor guiding a writer to hone their storytelling over time.
• Visualizing shared feelings with a struggling friend to build compassion.
• Adopting flexibility in goals to adapt to life’s uncertainties.

6. Moving Beyond Right and Wrong

Taoism’s Zhuangzi asks individuals to abandon the duality of right versus wrong. Sticking rigidly to ideals causes stress and limits spontaneity.

Instead, those seeking wu-wei live neutrally, letting experiences unfold without judgment. This mindset permits adaptability and openness to life’s constant changes. By freeing oneself from strict values, one gains calmness and emotional flexibility.

Zhuangzi's sages encourage letting go of labels and expectations, which allows personal freedom. Without judgment, they navigate life with ease and spontaneity, welcoming transformation without resistance.

Examples

• A traveler adjusting plans after unexpected delays, finding joy in the change.
• Letting go of perfectionism for creative room to explore freely.
• A mediator helping both sides by avoiding bias or judgment.

7. The Role of Sincerity in Flow

Sincerity is a must for achieving wu-wei. Pretaining values or half-hearted efforts won’t make flow states sustainable. Instead, profound dedication is required.

For instance, living generously entails treating generosity as a way of life, not just seasonal acts. Deeply held intentions imbue virtues with genuine meaning, ensuring consistency.

When sincerity guides actions, they become authentic and natural, fostering wu-wei. Without true emotion, flow states are short-lived and hollow.

Examples

• A volunteer who makes helping a daily practice rather than a rare event.
• An athlete motivated by love for the sport versus superficial rewards.
• Generosity driven by empathy and connection rather than guilt.

8. Effort vs. Ease: Schools of Practice

The approach to wu-wei differs among Chinese philosophies. Confucians recommend effort and structure, Taoists stress ease and natural instincts, and Mencius proposes a middle ground.

Each school offers actionable strategies, such as practicing rituals, meditating on riddles, or combining reflection with daily practice. These methods aim to transform behavior until it feels intuitive and genuine.

Regardless of the strategy, all stress steady engagement with life’s physical and mental processes to unlock flow and balance.

Examples

• Combining Confucian practice (rituals) with Taoist philosophies (letting go) in creative work.
• A person meditating each morning but practicing deliberate generosity daily.
• Customizing a balance of structure and surrender for personal growth.

9. The Present Moment as Wu-wei’s Gateway

With our busy modern lives filled with distractions, staying present is one of the simplest ways to access wu-wei. Focusing on the here and now enhances connection, joy, and the flow state.

For instance, presence on a date or during family time deepens interaction and helps avoid overanalyzing. Similarly, runners focus on each step during a run rather than future worries, promoting flow.

Daily mindfulness allows individuals to fully engage with life’s moments, weaving prolonged joy and satisfaction into their experience.

Examples

• A parent attentively playing with their child, savoring the moment.
• Eating slowly and mindfully, fully enjoying each bite.
• Conversations where people truly listen instead of planning responses.

Takeaways

1. Practice mindful rituals like driving without music or distractions to foster flow.
2. Let go of judgment during challenges and focus on adapting with neutrality.
3. Find a mentor or teacher to guide personal skills, blending discipline and imagination.