Seeking: Sand

“Wu wei" is an important concept of Taoism (Daoism), that involves knowing when to act and when not to act. Another perspective to this is that "Wu Wei" means natural action - as planets revolve around the sun, they "do" this revolving, but without "doing" it; or as trees grow, they "do", but without "doing".  Thus knowing when (and how) to act is not knowledge in the sense that one would think "now" is the right time to do "this", but rather just doing it, doing the natural thing.” – Wikipedia 

I have been reading Stephen Prothero’s God is Not One, which I have greatly enjoyed as comparative religion reference tool.  Each chapter focuses on a major religion – and a couple of belief systems that we in the West would consider minor, such as the Yoruba religion of Western Africa, which has millions of adherents. 

One chapter focuses on Daoism (Taoism), and in particular, its integral concept of “wu wei” – natural action.  It basically means this:

Riding a wave, instead of struggling against it.

(Ancient Chinese secret, huh!?)

This is so against everything we are taught in Western society.  You are to "grab a hold of your life" and direct it as much as possible in order to be successful, prosperous, respected and happy.  Anything less, and you are classified as a "hippie" in the worst sense of the word:  an aimless dreamer with no value, no worth.  And some of us struggle to live up to a high standard even thought we aren't "built" for it.  No letting go and letting God - that takes way too much, well, faith.

Are you like me?  Do you struggle against the waves in your life?  Do you try to micromanage every last detail to prevent an undesired outcome?  Are you exhausted from all this!?  So am I.  It is ultimately a losing battle, since life will unfold as it will unfold.

In order to overcome this constant floundering, as Billy Joel would say – it’s a matter of trust.

I am reminded of Peter being urged by Jesus to focus on Him in the middle of the turbulent sea; to stop trashing about, worrying, struggling against the ebb and flow, and as a result, sinking.  Just focus on Him.  And trust.

Ironically (or is it?), Daoism is translated as “The Way.”  I believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  So it’s time for me to stop struggling.  I need to catch a wave and ride it out, trusting that the ocean’s Maker will eventually place me on the correct sand bar. 

Any other surfers out there?  How do you ride the wave?