In Chapter 48 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu formulates one of the most cryptic principles of Taoism. He enunciates that, in our pursuit of wisdom, each day we should add something and let go of something.
In terms of harmony and flow, Lao-Tzu is recommending us to constantly remove obstacles (“let go of something”) and also improve our methods (“add something”). The latter may refer to improved thinking patterns, knowledge, or the ability to find asymmetric solutions to problems.
Why is this tenet hard to grasp for individuals unfamiliar with Taoism? Because it requires lateral thinking and constant shifts in direction. While the Western mind will automatically look for the shortest way between A and B, the Taoist will look first for flow, and then for speed.
It is a common misconception that we should look for flow in linear, symmetric, orderly situations. Aristotle (384-322 BC) called for integrated virtues and coherent action in his treatises “Eudemian Ethics” and “Nicomachean Ethics,” but what are we supposed to do when reality is messy, problematic and full of obstacles?
Taoists take constraints and disruptions for granted. Neither Lao-Tzu nor Yang-Tzu would have understood the Aristotelian expectations of an orderly reality. Natural environments always include some elements of randomness, and those will increase exponentially when we add human beings to the equation.
Taoist versus Aristotelian flow
Aristotle recommended to proceed logically and orderly in the pursuit of one’s goals, but forgot to explain how to proceed in hostile, chaotic environments. I wonder how well he would have dealt with economic problems, inflation, unemployment, and other issues that confront people today.
Taoism seeks to achieve flow, not by demanding logic and orderliness, but by developing realistic thinking habits. When direct paths do not work, we should explore indirect ones. If we are confronted with obstacles, we should figure out how to circumvent them.
I describe the Taoist mentality as asymmetric because of its willingness to accept disruptions as a normal part of life. There will be no anger, no despair, and disappointment when Taoists find their progress stalled.
Instead of getting all worked up, Taoists will automatically get down to looking for alternatives. If they cannot flow west, they will try east, north or south, or look for an underground passage, or for the possibility of flying over the obstacle.
Chuang-Tzu explains that wise individuals align their ideas and actions with the Tao. They have acquired good habits and practise them automatically. He employs the metaphor of shoes that fit our feet so perfectly that we never need to think of them.
Chuang-Tzu and the plants metaphor
Taoist regard flow as an outcome of harmony, not as a pre-requisite. When we are aligned with the Tao, we automatically achieve flow, enabling us to advance at a sustained pace and without exhausting our energies.
Why is it a misconception to think that Taoists are primarily in search of flow? Because that’s not how Taoists proceed. The idea of seeking flow before alignment is equivalent to putting the cart before the horse. In Aristotelian terms, it would mean mistaking the effect for the cause.
Taoists are not in a hurry to get to their destination. They do each day what has to be done in alignment with the Tao and let the future take care of itself. The flow cannot be accelerated in an artificial manner.
We cannot make plants grow faster by pulling their blades and telling them to speed up. Neither can we make time run at a higher or slower speed.
Wise individuals align themselves with the Tao and perform the actions required by the circumstances, not more, not less. If they want to increase their harvest, they might plant additional seeds, but they will not pull the blades in the hope of speeding up their growth.
In contrast to what some may think, Taoists devote regular efforts to maintenance activities in order to preserve harmony. They keep their homes in good condition to prevent damages during storms; and keep their courtyards organised and clean to prevent accidents.
It is a misconception to regard menial tasks as too lowly to be performed by Taoists. A wise individual has no problem doing what’s necessary to keep his household and his business running smoothly.
Taoists view maintenance tasks as prerequisites for keeping harmony intact and enabling flow. If a roof in disrepair breaks down during a storm, it will create disruptions for weeks. If a visitor gets hurt because of junk lying around in our courtyard, we will be confronted with the negative consequences.
The Tao Te Ching and alignment
Finally, I want to dispel the misconception that Taoists are always looking for flow and will devote constant efforts to this effect. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. When it is not clear what to do or how to proceed, the preferred Taoist approach is to relax and do nothing.
Lao-Tzu recommended to engage in relaxing, gardening or cooking in preparation for new projects. We need to bring our soul to rest before engaging in a major voyage or enterprise.
Similarly, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend some moments of relaxation before performing strenuous intellectual tasks. If we are studying for an exam, learning new skills, or absorbing new knowledge, it helps to align our thoughts with the Tao.
When I say “some moments of relaxation,” I do not mean to sit on the ground and blank out our minds. That may work for some people, but not for everybody.
Personally, I prefer to make a pot of tea, water the plants, or perform a gentle exercise routine. Those activities take several minutes and require no intellectual effort, but contribute to an overall feeling of harmony.
The worst we can do is to attempt to create flow when the conditions are not present. Lao-Tzu was adamantly opposed to exerting pressure on other people or on ourselves. If we do so, dire consequences will ensure.
Taoists often employ monkeys as metaphors for speed and effectiveness, but when monkeys operate out of their natural environment, they become slow and ineffective. Imagine how slow monkeys move when there are no trees. In those artificial conditions, flow becomes impossible.
Chapter 52 of the Tao Te Ching exhorts us to remain aligned with the Tao, that is, aligned with the universe and natural law. Flow is the outcome of alignment, not of engaging in debates, conflicts and impositions. Fish thrive in water, birds in open air, and monkeys in trees. Let us find flow in the Tao.
If you are interested in applying effective ideas in all sorts of situations, I recommend my book titled “Undisrupted: How highly effective people deal with disruptions.”