Looking Back to 2008: Second Nature

Second Nature
Original post date: December 7, 2008

I realized, after finishing my last post, that comparing wu wei to being "in the zone" might lead some to ask, "OK Einstein, how does one get in the zone?" Taoist philosophy offers a very straightforward answer. It's not one bound up in secret rituals, contrived prayers, particular body positions nor specific bodily movements. It's far simpler than that -- It comes with practice.

Falling back again on a sports-based analogy, it's why athletes -- regardless of their level or proficiency -- practice the fundamentals over and over ad nauseam. You practice and practice and practice so that, whatever your discipline is, it becomes second nature to you. You want to get to the point in which you merely react to various situations WITHOUT the need to think through every step along the way.

When we first learn a craft or discipline, we often create checklists of the various steps needed to complete each particular task. Some people literally write this information down, while others keep a virtual checklist in their head. We move slowly, referring to the checklist every step of the way. Sometimes, when beginning step 6, we realize we skipped step 3 and have to start all over again.

As we slowly learn the steps involved, we are able to complete the task satisfactorily, but we do it in a start-stop-start again fashion. In other words, because we're still getting our feet under us, so to speak, the activity doesn't flow as intended. In time, if we continue to practice the steps over and over again, we get to the point in which the task becomes second nature and we no longer need to think about it -- we just do it!

For me, this is how I understand wu wei. It's the ability to complete tasks, duties and responsibilities in an effortless manner. Hence, the appearance of action through no action.

To read the intro to this retrospective series of posts, go here.