Sitting With Fatigue Without Fighting It
“In the Taoist philosophy, a fundamental concept is wu-wei, or ‘effortless action.’ This idea encourages us to let go of resistance and align with the natural flow of life.”
– David H. Shapiro, Taoist scholar
In the realm of mythology and philosophy, we find valuable lessons that can guide us in our everyday lives. One such lesson, as mentioned by Taoist scholar David H. Shapiro, is the concept of wu-wei – ‘effortless action.’ This principle teaches us to let go of resistance and align with the natural flow of life.
The Mythology Connection:
- In Greek mythology, Atlas was tasked with holding up the heavens to prevent their collapse. This tale serves as a reminder of the futile nature of resisting or fighting against an unyielding force.
- Buddhist teachings also encourage mindfulness and acceptance of the present moment, which can be seen as a counterpart to wu-wei in the context of dealing with fatigue.
Applying Lessons To Modern Life:
When we find ourselves sitting with fatigue, it can be tempting to resist or fight against it. However, adopting the principles of wu-wei and mindfulness can lead us towards a more peaceful and effective approach. Instead of struggling against fatigue, we can learn to accept its presence, acknowledge our limitations, and rest when necessary.
“Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.”
– Sharon Salzberg, meditation teacher