Wu Wei

Recently I have felt a bit unsuccessful and have found myself worrying too much about if I getting things done according to plan. Then I went my World Religion course at BYU and we had a discussion about Taoism, which I had never heard of before. Taoists believe in wu-wei or non-action. Happiness will come naturally if we don't manipulate, but instead go with the current of life. At first, it may seem lazy, but isn't when you take time to think about philosophy.

We had just learned about Confucianism and our teacher said they are more driven to set goals and do what's necessary to accomplish them. I was thinking that is what I believe and what I try to do. I set goals and do whatever I need to accomplish them. I figured that LDS perspectives would agree with this philosophy, but our wonderful teacher encouraged to take a more Taoist route in life.

Our discussion in class went something like this:
Of course we want to progress and should set goals, but our goals should not be concrete. We should have a goal to have a family rather than a goal to have three kids by the time we are thirty. It is difficult to include the Lord in all of your decisions if your ten year plan is set in stone. We should get guidance for each step of life and live by faith. Doubt and not knowing about the future gives us the opportunity to have faith and trust that the Lord will guide us. With this philosophy, Taoists are able to live in the present and enjoy it rather than waiting for something great.

As a planner and somebody who wants to know what is going to happen next, it may not be easy to accept, but it gives me so much hope! I know education is important so I have the goal to get my degree, but does it have to be in exactly four years and in a specific major for me to be successful? No! The Lord will help me know the direction that is best for me, and if I have to learn patience and take an extra semester to finish it will be just fine! Whew! I feel like I can breath much easier and be a bit easier on myself. It is a blessing to know that I can receive inspiration for each step I take as long as I do my part.

Now let's all try to be a bit more Taoist and go with the flow and accept whatever path the Lord wants us to take. Have a great day!

Megan