“The Bisy Backson is always going somewhere, somewhere he hasn’t been. Anywhere but where he is.” — Benjamin Hoff
The concept of the "Bisy Backson," introduced in Benjamin Hoff's epic book "The Tao of Pooh," serves as a powerful metaphor for our contemporary existence.
A Bisy Backson is someone who is constantly busy, perpetually on the move, and never truly at peace. These are the people who, like Rabbit in A.A. Milne’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh,” rush about organizing things, striving for a future reward that seems forever elusive.
As noted from an excerpt in the book:
“While the Taoist "water-like" approach emphasizes flexibility, presence, and harmony with natural forces, the Bisy Backson's rigid approach is characterized by constant striving, resistance to change, and attempts to control outcomes. The Taoist approach suggests that by becoming more like water - adaptable, present, and in harmony with our surroundings - we can navigate life's challenges with greater ease and contentment.”
In a world where such busyness is often mistaken for productivity, I've found myself deeply frustrated with society's craving for ceaseless activity over moments of deep connection and introspection.
My father was the epitome of the Bisy Backson, and it cost him his life. In 1996, while on what should have been a relaxing vacation in London, UK, he succumbed to a stress-induced heart attack. He was always on the go, even while "resting."
His tragic loss taught me the painful lesson that a life of constant motion without presence leads to burnout and, ultimately, to an untimely end. My father’s death shattered the illusion that busyness equates to a life well-lived. In fact, it often obscures the essence of living itself.
The Taoist philosophy I’ve come to embrace teaches a starkly different way of being. It reminds us to stop and listen, to become like water, adaptable and present, flowing effortlessly around obstacles instead of smashing through them.
In my own life, I've chosen to eschew the frenetic energy of the Bisy Backson, striving instead for a more intentional existence—one grounded in the principles of Taoism, where simplicity and stillness take precedence over relentless striving.
Living in this way has been both liberating and challenging. It requires a conscious rejection of the societal norms that define success through perpetual activity and accomplishment. It means saying “no” to the ever-present push to do more, have more, and be more.
It means embracing the wisdom of "Wu Wei," the Taoist concept of non-action or effortless action, where one aligns with the natural flow of life rather than constantly forcing one’s will upon it.
For me, this has meant embracing slow living—taking time to savor a cup of tea, wandering in nature without a destination, and being fully present in conversations without the urge to rush to the next thing.
There are days when I still feel the pull of the Bisy Backson within me. It's a difficult impulse to shed, given how deeply ingrained it is in the fabric of our society. But when I find myself slipping back into that restless state, I pause and remember my father—his life, his death, and what his journey taught me about the perils of a life too busy to be truly lived.
I remind myself that life is not about accumulating achievements or racing toward some undefined future. It is about being here, now, fully present in each moment, no matter how ordinary.
If you, too, find yourself trapped in a cycle of never-ending busyness, I offer these Taoist perspectives as a way to examine and recalibrate your life:
💥 Embrace Stillness Over Motion: Like water, learn to adapt and flow. Pause regularly, allowing yourself to simply be without the pressure of constant doing. Remember that sometimes, the most profound action is In inaction.
💥 Live in the Present Moment: Taoism teaches that true contentment comes not from striving for future rewards but from appreciating the now. Practice mindfulness in daily life—whether eating, walking, or even waiting in line. Notice the simple pleasures around you.
💥 Seek Simplicity: Strip away what is unnecessary and focus on what truly matters. Often, we fill our lives with clutter—both material and emotional—that keeps us distracted. Simplify your surroundings, your commitments, and your thoughts to find clarity.
💥 Align with Nature: Spend time in natural settings and observe how effortlessly everything exists in harmony. Nature does not rush, yet everything gets done. Allow yourself to be guided by these natural rhythms rather than imposed deadlines and pressures.
💥 Practice “Wu Wei” (Effortless Action): Trust that not everything needs to be controlled or manipulated. Sometimes, the best course of action is to let things unfold naturally. By doing so, you create space for intuition and serendipity to guide you.
In a world dominated by the Bisy Backson mentality, it takes courage to slow down, to resist the urge to constantly do more, and to embrace the quiet moments where life’s true essence reveals itself.
The Taoist path is not one of inactivity but of mindful, purposeful action rooted in awareness. It is a way of being that honors the ebb and flow of life, the importance of connection, and the richness of simply being present—wherever you go, there you are.
If this publication has been a source of wisdom for you then please consider helping me sustain it by becoming a monthly or annual contributor.
For just $6.00/month or $60.00/year, you’ll have the opportunity to share your lived experiences with fellow nomads, fueling fiery discussions that provoke, inspire, and challenge you to think differently.
So I hope you will take the plunge today and contribute to my mission of helping human travelers on this life journey.