How to Groove Your Way to Taoist Bliss

Finding Flow in the Beats of Life

Every morning, I wake up with a singular mission —- finding rhythm and flow in the chaotic dance of life. It’s not just about getting through the day but about infusing every moment with purpose, with energy, with a beat that makes my soul come alive. 

I’ve found that music, particularly tracks like "The Groove Line" by the iconic 70’s and 80’s group “Heat Wave,” serves as the perfect catalyst for this daily quest. There’s something about those funky rhythms and infectious grooves that sets the tone, quite literally, for a day where I’m in sync with the universe.

The Taoists would call this effortless action "wu wei" — doing without doing. It’s a concept that resonates deeply with me, and it’s beautifully articulated by Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia  Edward Slingerland in his work on how ancient Chinese philosophy intersects with modern life. 

Slingerland’s exploration of how we can achieve a state of flow by aligning with the natural rhythms of the world has been a guiding light for me. He argues that by letting go and allowing ourselves to be carried by life’s currents, we can achieve a profound state of efficiency and creativity. This isn’t about laziness or passivity, rather it’s about being so deeply engaged in something that our actions become seamless, like a dance.

Imagine starting your day not with a jarring alarm clock, but with the smooth, sensual beats of "Groove Line." The moment that bassline hits, it’s like an electric current running through your veins, charging you up for the challenges ahead. 

You’re not just awake; you’re alive. And as those rhythms take over, you find yourself moving through your morning routine with an effortless grace. Breakfast is a symphony of sizzling sounds and tantalizing smells, your commute a choreography of purposeful steps and smooth transitions.

This is what flow feels like — being so immersed in what you’re doing that time ceases to exist. Slingerland’s insights reveal that this state isn’t just reserved for musicians or athletes, it’s accessible to all of us if we learn to tap into our own rhythms. 

It’s about finding those activities that make us lose track of time and become fully absorbed. For me, it’s not just music; it’s also meditation, a practice I discovered in the 1990s through NBA hall of fame basketball coach Phil Jackson’s "book entitled “Sacred Hoops." 

Though I struggle with the traditional cross-legged posture, I’ve found solace in Taoist meditation techniques that focus on breathing and visualization. These practices ground me, centering my mind and aligning my energy with the flow of life.

You might think this sounds a bit mystical or out of reach, but it’s not. The key is to start small. Find that one song that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world, and let it be the soundtrack to your morning. Or lose yourself in a hobby or task that you love, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. As you do, you’ll begin to notice a shift — things that once felt like chores become opportunities for joy and creativity.

Here’s some edgy wisdom for you: Screw the traditional routes. Forget the notion that you have to grind and hustle every moment of the day to be successful. Instead, embrace the flow. Find your groove. 

Life isn’t meant to be a relentless march; it’s a dance. So dance with it. Move to your own beat and let the world adjust to your rhythm. Dive into activities that make your heart sing and your spirit soar. Whether it’s the funky beats of Heat Wave or the serene stillness of meditation, find what makes you come alive and do more of it.

Edward Slingerland reminds us that when we align with the natural rhythms of the universe, we don’t just become more efficient; we become more human. We tap into a source of energy and creativity that’s limitless. So, go ahead — find your flow, live your rhythm, and watch as your life transforms into a masterpiece of effortless action.

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