Hurricanes of Uncertainty: A Swirl of Taoist “Wu-Wei” Perspectives
Baked into the din of a busy coffeehouse, I recently heard a spirited conversation taking place between a barista and customer. While I could barely make out what was being said, there was one word that caught my attention…..
“Hurricane”
Immediately, I pulled out my phone to find out whether there was a hurricane building somewhere in the world. It was then when my “Google” search yielded the shocking details of a new storm that was brewing in Mexico, one that was headed our way here in Las Vegas.
Hurricane’s by the way are unheard of here in Vegas. It’s simply not on anyone’s radar screen. Yet, all of the weather forecasters were predicting its onslaught on Vegas in the proceeding 48-hours, a weather event it was predicted could lead to catastrophic flooding in the area.
With this I was reminded of how commonplace paradox and uncertainty are in our lives. While the hurricane effects ended up taking a course due West of Vegas sparring us of its impact, it offered a point of reflection for many in terms of the random nature of life.
In recent years there has been a growing interest in Taoism taking place here in the U.S. with the popularity of a book called the Tao Te Ching. For me, it makes sense that so many are flocking to the book’s teaching amid the immense paradox and uncertainty facing our world.
A philosophical and spiritual tradition originating in China, Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the natural order of life through an embrace of simplicity. It runs counter to the prevailing societal narrative of trying to force life to conform to our peculiar notion of how things should be versus what’s actually happening in the moment.
Taoists believe that when periods of uncertainty strike, which they will, it is incumbent upon us to find a grounding point of calm and clarity for the road ahead.
A big part of this involves honoring the random, paradoxical nature of life moment by moment as opposed to worrying about trivial things that we often have no control over. It’s here where Taoism’s principles of flexibility, balance, and acceptance offer insights into how to successfully navigate life’s unpredictabilities and precariousness.
The aim of Taoism ( pronounced Daoism) is to align with the natural flow and rhythm of life to foster inner ease and harmony. Tao is usually translated as the “way” or “path.”
Taoism’s core philosophy is embedded in a practice known as “Wu-Wei,” which translates as “effortless action” or “inexertion.” It’s here where Wu-Wei asserts that it’s best not to stubbornly resist whatever shows up in your path. Rather it’s important to honor its presence, realizing that in most cases it will resolve itself naturally.
One of my favorite thought leaders on this theme is Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s and his concept of “Antifragility” as explored in his book “Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder.” In it he suggests that certain systems, organisms, or entities not only withstand randomness and shocks but actually improve and thrive from them. This idea goes beyond mere resilience, which is simply the ability to bounce back after disruptions.
Taleb points to how some things in the world benefit from volatility, uncertainty, and disorder. The antifragile entities, he asserts, often become stronger, more adaptable, and better equipped to handle unforeseen events.
Randomness, he believes, is just a part of the natural order of our world noting the more extreme the imbalance ensigns from it, the more extreme the snap back to equilibrium.
Sadly, I see growing angst emanating among those I regularly have conversations with. Many of us are struggling to find our moorings in the face of societal normlessness, affronts to democracy, unexpected health issues, and growing cost of living demands.
It’s here where "Wu Wei" can offer insights into dealing with uncertainty. Again, while it translates to "non-action" or "effortless action,” this doesn't mean that we should do nothing. Rather it calls on us to act in alignment with the natural flow of events and circumstances we are facing
Dealing with life's uncertainties involves a combination of mindset, strategies, and practices. Here are a few bread crumbs of wisdom for navigating unpredictable situations with a Wu Wei mindset.
Embrace the Flow: Wu Wei encourages you to go with the flow of life rather than trying to forcefully control or manipulate outcomes. This can be especially helpful in uncertain situations where outcomes are unpredictable.
Swivel and Pivot: Just as water naturally adapts to the shape of its container, Wu Wei advises adapting to change and uncertainty with ease. By not resisting change, you can better navigate unexpected circumstances.
Let Go of Attachments: Wu Wei suggests releasing attachments to specific outcomes, your peculiar notion of how things should be. This helps reduce the anxiety that’s often associated with uncertainty, as you become less fixated on one particular result.
Observing and Responding: Instead of making impulsive decisions, Wu Wei encourages observation and thoughtful response. This can help you make choices that are in line with the circumstances at hand.
Trusting the Process: By practicing Wu Wei, you develop trust in the natural order of things. This trust can provide comfort in the face of uncertainty, knowing that life has its own way of unfolding.
Maintaining Balance: Taoism emphasizes balance and Wu Wei aligns with this principle. It promotes avoiding extreme reactions and finding a middle ground even in uncertain situations.
Incorporating Wu Wei into your approach to uncertainty can help you maintain a sense of calm and balance while navigating the unpredictable twists and turns of life. It is a valuable practice for boosting your presence, adaptability and openness during these times of intense global change.
