Daily Taoism: How Letting Go Gives You Everything You Want

Modern society is obsessed with gaining status or material goods. Commercials often suggest our lives would be better if only we had this thing. One app could solve all your problems, and you are only clicks away from finally having it all "together" in your life. Society often suggests we need to constantly strive for more, whether this is more money, more friends, more activities, more productivity, or even more peace. This approach to obtaining more often leads to feelings of emptiness because we have not achieved some ambiguous goal or expensive purchase. Taoism suggests a simpler and more effective solution by letting go and not trying.

The Taoist Philosophy of Letting Go

Taoism teaches us that releasing attachment to outcomes and desires results in a more harmonious way of living. The ancient Taoist text, the Tao Teh Ching, illustrates how applying less effort to our daily lives often results in a happi

er existence. This philosophy suggests that when we stop forcing things to happen, we create space for natural growth and opportunities.

Embracing Wu Wei (Effortless Action)

Wu Wei, often translated as "non-action" or "effortless action," is a core tenet of Taoism. It promotes the idea we should align our actions with the natural flow of life rather than struggle against it. Taoism suggests any effort going against the natural flow of nature is wasted effort and can result in stress and anxiety. An example of this would be worrying about a possible promotion for days has no impact on whether you will receive it, but merely exhausts your energy and increases your stress level.

The River Analogy

Taoism relates Wu Wei to the dynamics of water. Water conforms to the shape of any container that holds it, but it also can carve canyons and erode stone. Imagine a river flowing effortlessly around rocks and obstacles. Instead of trying to force the water to go a certain way, it simply adapts to its surroundings. While this may seem like a passive approach to life, go look at pictures of the Grand Canyon. Water takes its time but can be a powerful force in nature. In life, when we embrace Wu Wei, we learn to navigate challenges with grace rather than resistance.

Reducing Stress through Acceptance

Taoism encourages acceptance of the present moment. This concept is so influential, it finds its way in various psychological theories, most notably in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which has Acceptance as one of its six goals. Being able to be at peace with how your life is currently reduces stress and anxiety by allowing us to appreciate what we currently have rather than focus on what we don't. This acceptance can reduce stress and anxiety, which often stem from trying to control every aspect of our lives. Acceptance does not mean relenting to various factors and giving up. Instead, Acceptance can find peace in the moment while still understanding there may be some work to do. Take this moment, for example. You are reading this article, but where is your mind? Are you planning your day or worrying about some upcoming event? Perhaps you are feeling stressed as you want incomplete or unfinished. Take this moment to breathe deeply and enjoy where you are currently. Acceptance gives you permission to be OK right now. Sure, there might be a list of tasks for you to complete now, but enjoy this moment and accept you are doing your best.

Letting Go of Perfectionism

In our modern hustle culture, many people strive for perfection, leading to dissatisfaction and burnout. What is perfection? Can it really be obtained? Taoism suggests the concept of perfectionism itself invites stress and anxiety as it can never truly be obtained. Imagine a perfectly clean shirt, no rips or poorly sewn fabric. How long will it stay that way? The moment you put the shirt on, it starts to get dirty and wrinkled. The only way to keep the shirt 'perfect' is to never wear it and keep it in a sealed box, but that isn't the purpose of a shirt. By adopting a Taoist mindset, one can learn to appreciate the beauty in imperfection.

Focusing on Inner Peace Rather than External Success

Taoism prioritizes inner peace over external achievements. This shift in focus can lead to a more fulfilling life. If you focus only on promotions at work, you never can fully appreciate where you are or even enjoy the work you do. Constantly pursuing external success or validations from others is a never-ending pursuit as there will always be a higher goal to achieve. There is a reason many individuals in the corporate world burn out after 15-20 years and pursue a simpler life. They have learned it is more important to be happy than obtain some vague status. Taoism suggests a more effective use of our time and energy to focus on inner peace and finding a prevailing sense of contentment, rather than find happiness in external things.

The Power of Simplicity

Taoism advocates for simplicity in life. By simplifying our desires and commitments, we can create more space for what truly matters. The modern movement of Minimalism suggests being happy with less results in an overall happy life. The pursuit of materialism is never-ending. I once worked with someone who felt he needed the newest version of a phone. Every year he would spend incredible amounts of money to have the newest version of a phone. While his purchase initially made him happy, this was short-lived as he would start reading about the new features on the next phone. Taoism would suggest finding contentment with your current purchase is longer lasting and ultimately, more freeing. This is also illustrated in many other philosophies and psychological concepts where too many choices result in diminished enjoyment.

Minimalism in Daily Life

Adopting a minimalist lifestyle, which aligns with Taoist principles, can lead to greater clarity and focus. For instance, decluttering one’s living space can create a serene environment that fosters creativity and productivity, contrasting sharply with the chaos often associated with too many items in one room. Finding joy in limited options is key to an overall healthy lifestyle. I, personally, only wear black T-shirts or black button-up shirts. I enjoy black and love the freedom which comes from having limited options. I often point out how little time each morning I need to spend picking out my outfit and how freeing it is.

Incorporating Taoist principles of letting go and not trying into our lives can provide a powerful antidote to the stress and dissatisfaction often found in hustle culture. By embracing effortless action, acceptance, inner peace, simplicity, and patience, we can achieve more by doing less. Ultimately, the Taoist way invites us to trust that life unfolds in its own time and that true fulfillment comes from within.