Taoism is a philosophy placing an emphasis on Wu-Wei, which means 'Non-Action'. This concept is often difficult to understand, but Taoism believes a great deal of life's stress comes from fighting against our nature or fighting against our environment. Non-Action means we are to take a step back from the struggle and allow things to progress in a more natural manner. Through Non-Action, we are reducing the amount of personal energy we are struggling with and allowing a natural flow to occur.
How many times have you worried about an upcoming event only to have it work out? Did it work out because you worried? Unlikely. More often than not, situations have a tendency to work out in a way we could not predict and often not due to any action we took. Worrying is the mind's way of trying to be active towards something we cannot change. Worrying feels like we are doing something productive, but in reality, we are only exhausting our personal resources and causing more anxiety. Taoism would suggest stepping away from worrying and only focusing on the present moment, not some aspect in the past.
Psychology is prone to trends, one of which is currently the concept of Mindfulness. This concept emphasizes being in the present moment as much as possible. There are various techniques such as mindful eating, where we are taught to deliberately slow down our eating and enjoy the flavors of the food. This involves not worrying about what is to occur after the meal or dwelling on other aspects of life. (This also means not eating while you scroll the Internet.) Mindfulness is a core concept in Taoism, as the belief is that the only thing that exists in life is the present moment. There are various other Mindfulness techniques, but another one of interest is the concept of FLOW.
Flow is a state of being where you are 'locked-in' to what you are doing, and the activity itself becomes effortless. Many athletes talk about being "In The Zone," which is another phrasing for Flow. During Flow states, time almost ceases to exist, and the mind enters a relaxed, focused state. Think of a situation where you "lost time" because you were so focused on an enjoyable activity. Research has shown the longer a mind can stay in Flow, the healthier it is. Taoism suggests Flow is the ultimate goal of being in the present moment, a state where we perform a task perfectly while not being bothered by other tasks.
Taoism also focuses on eliminating placing judgment on situations, as those judgments tend to cause stress or despair. Losing a job could be seen as a very negative event, which could elicit feelings of depression or fear. Some optimists would suggest looking at this event in a positive light, as it now gives you the opportunity to explore new interests. While both of these judgments could have merit if they help motivate you, Taoism would suggest having no judgment of this and simply letting it be. This would save emotional energy and keep us focused on the present moment.
So, how can Taoism reduce anxiety? Imagine being able to take your current feelings of nervousness and tension and have them melt away like ice under the warm sun. Anxiety, a common emotional state that many individuals experience, is largely focused on the future, often bombarding your mind with relentless "What If?" questions that can spiral into a cascade of worries and fears. These questions can create a mental loop that makes it difficult to focus on anything else, trapping you in a cycle of apprehension about what lies ahead. However, by consciously redirecting your attention to the present moment, you can not only reduce the grip of future worries but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the experiences you are having right now.
Focusing on the present moment serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety, as it allows you to engage fully with your surroundings and the sensations you are experiencing. This practice of mindfulness, a key element in Taoist philosophy, encourages you to calm the mind and center your thoughts, effectively pushing away the nagging worries and nervousness that often cloud your judgment. By being present, you create a mental space that enables you to scan your body for areas of tension, allowing you to become more aware of physical discomfort and work on techniques to relieve it. This could include deep breathing exercises, gentle stretching, or simply acknowledging the sensations in your body without judgment.
Moreover, anxiety may manifest in various forms, such as worrying about an upcoming social event or feeling apprehensive about how others might perceive you. This concern often stems from a fear of judgment or a desire for acceptance, leading to a heightened state of anxiety regarding your behaviors or words in social situations. Taoism offers a unique perspective on this issue through the principle of Non-Action, or "Wu Wei," which suggests that by embracing a state of effortless action, you can allow yourself to simply be who you are without the burden of external expectations. This approach encourages you to let go of the need for approval from others, fostering a sense of inner peace and self-acceptance.
By practicing Non-Action, you can cultivate an attitude of detachment from the opinions of others, which can be incredibly liberating. Instead of becoming preoccupied with how you might be judged or perceived, you can focus on being authentic and true to yourself. This shift in mindset not only alleviates anxiety but also enhances your overall sense of well-being. In essence, Taoism offers valuable tools and perspectives that can help you navigate the complexities of anxiety, guiding you toward a more peaceful and fulfilling existence.
The teachings of Taoism provide a holistic approach to managing anxiety, emphasizing the importance of being present and embracing your true self. By applying these principles, you can cultivate a greater sense of calm, reduce the weight of future worries, and ultimately lead a more harmonious life. Through mindfulness and the practice of Non-Action, the burdens of anxiety can be transformed into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
