practicing non-action: general 718

As the Taoist concept of non-action (無爲) does not mean to be totally passive, apathetic, and doing nothing at all, but refers to a certain mode of acting, i.e. acting in a holistic and sustainable way, an important aspect of dealing with this concept in a bodymind practice is the reduction of interference in the ways one moves. (1)

The later in life one begins with this reduction of interference through letting go (損), the more difficult it often becomes in one’s daily practice to determine which of one’s actions constitute non-action, which, themselves, constitute interference. Sometimes, this is not easy to distinguish because past interferences have established unhealthy alternative realities over a long period of time encroaching on all aspects of life. Interferences turned into realities make the process of dissolving interference sometimes appear to be interference itself. This can be confusing.  

Therefore, in the process of reducing interference, a concept such as the Tao Te Ching’s concept of caring (慈、生、長、育、畜、養) needs to play an essential role as a guide. It is important to take a patient, careful, and caring step-by-step approach to what might turn out to be a very long journey (千里之行始於足下) across many dimensions. Since we might be on the road for a long time, discipline is also important. Too much will control, however, is distorting and dangerous. Both patience and discipline are important to give the seeds the time they need to grow. Rushing it causes trouble. That is to say, without moderation (知足、知止), the desire to be free might itself turn into another form of interference. (禍莫大於不知足) Desire too easily breeds overshooting actions and reactions, and with them instabilities and vulnerabilities.

In bodymind practices following the tradition of the Tao Te Ching it is the combination of waves, pulses, breathing, and a caring attitude that create the tranquil (靜) regenerative atmospheres and foundations necessary for constructive processes of transformation (孰能濁以靜之徐清, 不欲以靜天下將自定). In (emotional) turmoil, it is difficult to take balanced steps. Instead, one more likely tends to make disconnected leaps. Sensitivity and sense-making suffer under turmoil. Processes of reconstruction, construction, and transformation become even more complex.

In one’s daily practice it is, therefore, helpful to focus on the existence of inherent constructive potential and (widely interrelated) self-assuring small steps (that one practically experiences), instead of longing for (unrealistic) giant leaps. Personally experienced small steps provide meaningful guidance and are important to avoid an over-reliance on external authority.

Another aspect of non-action relates to the spheres of sleep and their experiences, but also to the experiences  we gain between the conscious, the subconscious, and the unconscious worlds. As we extend our daily nei-kung practice to our sleep life, an important point to focus on while falling asleep is, while our eyes are closed, to have welcoming and “open” eyes, thereby radiating a caring attitude that extends and connects across boundaries.

(1) Regarding non-action and interference, also see:
“Initiating Arm Movement:” https://youtu.be/PahOepAnaGI
waking and sleeping: general #522   https://tao-moves.com/2023/08/29/waking-and-sleeping/
light liberating layers: general #537   https://tao-moves.com/2023/09/19/light-liberating-layers/