영성, 몸-마음, 젠더, 생태, 평화 Scapbook: Taoism: How to APPLY the Philosophy of Flow

2023/08/08

Taoism: How to APPLY the Philosophy of Flow

George Thompson

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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’?...

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@nandozx3516

2 months ago

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

George Thompson

1 reply

@boden8138

2 months ago (edited)

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, ☯️🙏

George Thompson

1 reply

@AngryGeekling

2 months ago

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.

George Thompson

2 replies

@elizabethsplendor5225

2 months ago

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 💗

George Thompson

1 reply

@MarcDonders

2 months ago

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 🙏

George Thompson

2 replies

@jorgemanuelsilva7912

2 months ago

Os teus vídeos, são uma inspiração, para conseguir uma melhor qualidade de vida.

Obrigado, George ❤🙌

Adoro, as tuas sugestões.

Um grande abraço, 😃👏

George Thompson

@iridescentisaac3698

2 months ago

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.

George Thompson

1 reply

@woodspriteful

2 months ago (edited)

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.

George Thompson

1 reply

@leavywhite1607

2 months ago

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.

George Thompson

1 reply

@macronencer

2 months ago (edited)

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! :)

George Thompson

1 reply

@user-df3gf6wh1x

2 months ago

The jumping part is a wow factor for me honestly. There are these jumping actions as George did, we do not know whether we will succeed, but we still have to do that. I think the important thing here is to accept that there can be a failure and as the fourth part of George's suggestion, don't be harsh to yourself and have softness. Finally, we always have to appreciate the process of cultivating ourselves instead of focusing much on win and loss.

George Thompson

1 reply

@dianacasabar9545

2 months ago

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.

George Thompson

1 reply

@36degreesMars

1 month ago

I just discovered you. Going through hard times atm, trying to find strength in me. Too many things happening at once. Trying to keep breathing. Thank you for your content. I feel very attracted to this philosophy and life perspective and your way of communicating it, reaches out to me.

George Thompson

1 reply

@xiaomaozen

2 months ago

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.

🐱🙏

George Thompson

1 reply

@narellederuyter2443

2 months ago

Divine timing, another excellent video George, really appreciate your work! ❤

George Thompson

1 reply

@knochenonkel551

2 months ago

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!

George Thompson

1 reply

@vincentlearoyd4882

2 months ago

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.

George Thompson

1 reply

@courtney3779

2 months ago

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! 💯😊🙏

George Thompson

1 reply

@Mike-108_v_

2 months ago (edited)

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.

George Thompson

1 reply

@kieranoshea476

2 months ago

Fantastic video, George! You have such a gift for distilling this wisdom - thank you for sharing it with the world!

George Thompson

1 reply

@nickochioneantony9288

2 months ago

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!

George Thompson

1 reply

@kittywalker2944

2 weeks ago

‘Natural spontaneity’ is actually exactly how I manage to get so much accomplished, despite having adopted the Wu Wei philosophy. May have misspelled but it’s okay, you know what I meant.

George Thompson

1 reply

@AlexLawngtv

2 months ago

What a well timed Video, I've been meditating on this same thing for a couple weeks. Thank you for your input!

George Thompson

1 reply

@rosberg_

2 months ago

Thank you George! Much needed! How would you apply these principles as someone who has a lot of daily work and family tasks and is not yet so wise to just "flow"? Like, i don't know, using simple to-do-lists and choosing intuitively what do do, meditating every now and than during the day?

George Thompson

1 reply

@Birchpointpottery

2 months ago

My pottery forces me to go with the flow, and accept failure through the process when it arrives. Great video!🙏

George Thompson

1 reply

@cassandraarnold

2 months ago

What a lovely video, So full of playfulness and humor and yet very deep wisdom as well. Thank you.

George Thompson

1 reply

@Durzo1259

2 months ago

I'm going to be keeping this in mind when I do my calisthenics again tomorrow. I've been having trouble getting through workouts; crashing in exhaustion. Yesterday I managed to halfway clear my mind and I noticed I felt a lot stronger. I was just starting to notice that the more cluttered my mind, the weaker I seem to be.

George Thompson

2 replies

@Minimal_spaces

2 months ago

I really enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing ❤

George Thompson

1 reply

@pascalxus

2 weeks ago

this is great. how to apply these principles was missing from so many other videos. i'm glad you covered this!

George Thompson

1 reply

@sandraseeper

2 months ago

Thank you; teachings of wu wei has been a journey so deeply personal that I now understand intuition and instint

George Thompson

1 reply

@ChakraKahn

2 months ago

This is a great challenge when learning tai chi sword form. Each movement is algabraic and injuries come easily when older. But this video is a great reminder to relax.

George Thompson

@djroeable

2 months ago

Beautifully put. Thank you George

George Thompson

@louandbarb

2 months ago

Particularly beautiful video, George. I thank you for your insights. They are quite valuable.

George Thompson

1 reply

@martinwarner1178

1 month ago

Thanks for the practical video, loved it. Peace be unto you.

George Thompson

1 reply

@aeortiz2004

2 months ago (edited)

Great message held in this video!

George Thompson

@janiceroberts6727

2 months ago

Thank you, for helping me connect , at 75 I am learning to do this in so many ways. I am loving your emails and videos. THANKS So MUCH.

George Thompson

1 reply

@alleluiacone26

1 month ago

Flow well! I am in appreciation of your channel and mission, thank you. I am a new student to Taoism, and would be very interested in any insight or resources on introducing Tao to children.

George Thompson

1 reply

@runliguo1117

2 months ago

Love it, George! You looked so happy and at ease. A great example of 无为.

George Thompson

1 reply

@heimvegen5295

2 months ago

The clips from China are inspiring but it is also so good to see you being natural in your more native countryside/Nature 🙂For some of us it makes the Dao more accesible 😉😊

George Thompson

1 reply

@djaniunic2330

2 months ago

Thanx, for the Flow information...love your work and inspiration.Keep up the flow or Wu Wei😇🖖

George Thompson

1 reply

@nordicgardener

2 months ago

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.

George Thompson

1 reply

@bungorichardson8169

2 months ago

Brilliant! Great stuff George. Thank you🙏

George Thompson

1 reply

@ZenShawoom

2 months ago

I try to chant yin and yang in my thoughts all day. Two simple words in my mind. Sometimes I will see in my mind the words yin as black and yang as white. I try to make a deal with my mind asking. Do you want to think wild thoughts all day? Or do you just simply want to chant Yin and yang all day? I know if I chant yin and yang my mind will move into Wu Wei more easy. Then even better no thoughts. So Yin, Yang, Yin, Yang, Yin, Yang, Yin, Yang, Yin, Yang.......

George Thompson

1 reply

@-Daoji

1 day ago (edited)

"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

George Thompson

1 reply

@SuperLEEDS1972

2 months ago

Great stuff George as ever!!!

George Thompson

@dalelight8340

2 months ago

Beautiful George, appreciate you “effortlessness, “ and simplicity in all you share. The concept of time, how is that applying to the philosophy of flow?

George Thompson

1 reply

@dth92301

2 months ago

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...😊.

George Thompson

2 replies

@StimParavane

2 months ago

"The nondoing of intent is most difficult" - an ancient Zen master

George Thompson

1 reply

@valq10

2 months ago

When you crossed that river I audibly went 'WOAH' lol. This video was wonderful. You are wonderful George, your videos fill me with joy

George Thompson

1 reply

@Chickarina1

2 months ago

Thank you George. Always love when you laugh in your videos.

George Thompson

1 reply

@Serenity-nd7so

2 months ago

Beautiful ❤ thank you for the videos❤

George Thompson

1 reply

@jacopogianesini4154

2 months ago

What a wonderful, wonderful video. Thank you.

George Thompson

1 reply

@thomaspoisel6259

1 month ago

Your way is a very good example - how life canbe,- i am always learning from you....thank you so much, George. Tom.

George Thompson

1 reply

@user-bl8je7vq9p

1 month ago

George, lovely explanation of the Tao. You keep it simple. Enjoy the flow! Ps great jump! Was that the Ganges?❤❤

@josephfroton2339

6 days ago

Incredible! You have honed your skill! Excellent!

George Thompson

1 reply

@philliphart6327

3 weeks ago

When I turn mind toward listening, I find wu wei is revealed by the low-tide of thoughts. It is a form of practicing emptiness but when the tide is low, only intuition sticks out.

George Thompson

1 reply

@sdega315

2 months ago

Great discussion! I always thought the movie Forrest Gump was an exploration of Wu Wei.

George Thompson

1 reply

@tishducrot1979

2 months ago

Awwww what a wonderful video!

Thanks for the reminder to be kinder and softer, it's a great encouraging skill to have on a daily basis.

Also : nice jump ! XD

George Thompson

1 reply

@NReillee

2 months ago

Where is the ‘love’ button? This was so articulate, interesting and relevant. For me, sport is such a great way to get out of an overthinking rut. I imagine my mind and body communicating together without one dominating the other; so no ruminating, and no panic attacks possible, just a harmony.

George Thompson

1 reply

@candidagomes2774

2 months ago

I like very much the vídeo my friend George, very important this mensage to me in the moment of my life!!

Learn trust in me, my resilience, and to flow the same ritm of the TAO... 🤔🙏🌅💐

Thanks a lot!!🙏

Best wishes!! 🙏🌅💐🤗

George Thompson

1 reply

@nataliacimo

2 months ago

Thank you very much for your video 🙏🧘‍♀

George Thompson

1 reply

@hqprivat

2 months ago

Thank you George, nice explanation.

George Thompson

@dianesmith8183

2 months ago

Wonderful video, George. Thank you for the inspiration.

LOVE & HUGS

George Thompson

1 reply

@ToraSan

1 day ago

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

@tomass.8864

2 months ago

Fantastic video, thank you George.

George Thompson

1 reply

@stefanschleps8758

2 months ago (edited)

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.

George Thompson

1 reply

@johnbartley3563

1 day ago

Thank you things are not going my way - thank to remind me of Tao!

George Thompson

1 reply

@OldManGlitch

1 month ago

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?

@rowenachee6360

2 months ago

Thanks for sharing your excellent video on wu

wei

George Thompson

1 reply

@richardgillies9160

12 days ago

@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.

@allisonwebb8013

2 months ago

Love from Vancouver BC 🇨🇦🤙🏽 loving your channel!!!

George Thompson

1 reply

@barbaratubiolo9404

2 months ago

Success on the jump 😊wonderful talk one I will go back to thank you ☮️

George Thompson

1 reply

@markokane6486

1 month ago

Many thanks, George.🙏

George Thompson

1 reply