Seamus Anthonys last blog post..How To Meditate While You’re Doing Housework

Seamus Anthonys last blog post..How To Meditate While You’re Doing Housework

As a fencing coach, I was about to reply to the post with an example from that sport to show how this translates into concrete action, because sometimes the idea of the Tao and its principles seems so esoteric.

But perhaps I could even be more practical and use an example even more familiar to your readers: driving.

As a motorcyclist, I’m always aware of the space around me. When someone decides to come over on me–that is, they decide they come into my lane, I have the choice of staying put, or edging closer to them. And honking, waving, kicking out, etc.

Either choice is fairly obstinate, and could even be considered aggressive. And to be honest, sometimes one or the other could actually be necessary, depending on what’s going on around me.

However, usually, there’s a third option: retreat. And that’s not being passive or wimpy (which I think most people associate with this particular Taoist principle, and hence have difficulty with it). I’m actively, smartly, crisply, and calmly keeping space between us as they come over. It’s as if there’s a space buffer that I allow to push me safely aside, with no drama.

And I think that’s the key, is to allow that push, keep the space, and keep it drama-free. Often then, they see me (and this will happen even in my truck, so it’s not just a motorcycle issue–I always try to be “big” and be seen whatever I’m driving; people do get distracted so much these days), and they get this surprised, but slightly ashamed look to them, and we’re done.

I haven’t contested the space, and I haven’t been killed, nor killed anyone, yet. If anything, it’s a fun test of my skills. And I’m free to zoom off to my next adventure.

Anyway–I hope perhaps this “non-wimpy” example of wu-wei helps somebody out.

Cheers, mate, and keep up the good work!

Bills last blog post..Stoking The Furnace