Don't Force Anything - Effortless Action Don’t Worry: The Art of Not Trying

Alan Watts often explored the concept of “wu wei,” or effortless action, an idea rooted in Taoism that suggests achieving goals without force or struggle. This philosophy, central to texts like the Tao Te Ching, teaches that natural action flows from alignment with one’s true nature and the rhythms of life, rather than from forcing things to happen.

Key Points of Wu Wei (Effortless Action)

1. Going with the Flow: Watts explains that resistance is often the source of tension and anxiety. By working with the flow of life rather than against it, we experience more peace, and often, better outcomes.
2. Trusting the Process: He argues for a kind of “cosmic trust,” where you don’t feel the need to control every detail. By letting go of unnecessary worry, you become more receptive to inspiration and creativity.
3. Naturalness Over Struggle: Forcing yourself to achieve something can cause strain and diminish joy, while acting in a way that aligns with your instincts brings harmony and ease.
4. Present Awareness: Watts emphasizes being rather than doing. When you’re fully present, you engage with the world authentically and often find that things fall into place without excessive effort.
5. Paradox of Non-Action: Wu wei doesn’t mean inaction but rather that actions arise naturally. By stepping back, solutions can emerge organically, often leading to more success than if one had tried to control every variable.

For Watts, learning to “not try” and letting things happen organically can be liberating and transformative. It’s about trusting that everything has its time and pace, and that peace comes when we cease trying to force what isn’t ready to happen.