My theme for the 2017 AtoZ Challenge is "Daily Thoughts".
Each day I will post a thought that comes to mind. The first word of the thought will correspond with the letter of the day.
Flower from my garden
Inaction can sometimes be the best action
This post is inspired by verses of The Tao Te Ching and the concept of wu wei: "action without action".
For a long time this concept has baffled me. Action without action is a difficult concept to get your head around. But I'm hoping that the incident I'm going to narrate will help clarify my thinking on it.
Sometime ago an incident occurred where someone was so upset and angry that the person lost his/her composure completely. The behaviour was unacceptable but I know if I had admonished this person it would have inflamed the situation even more and probably broken this person completely. The best thing I could do was to keep quiet and allow this person to regain composure.
After about a half hour, this person calmed down and on reflection admitted that the behaviour had not been good and that he/she had overreacted to a situation. Then we could sit down and have a sensible talk.
I took an action that was inaction and it was the best action at that point in time.
Wu Wei is best described in a haiku I think.
No point hurrying
Nature will take its own time
Leave her alone now
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To the point. But sometimes they don't get their composure back and not at all feel sorry. But still inaction is the best action.
ReplyDeleteI had an experience of this just recently. I'm trying to organise a get together for my family when I visit the city where most of them live (1800kms from where I live). 6 of my 7 siblings live in or near this city. A month ago I suggested the meet up, asked for their input on where and when to meet. One sibling made a suggestion as to venue, 2 other siblings indicated they were looking forward to meeting up. A few days ago I wrote an email giving the date (my husband's birthday which was the reason we were visiting their city at this time) and venue (the one suggested by only sibling to put one forward). Then others started chipping in about stuff... not liking my choice, suggesting another one, wanting to change the date and time. I was so cranky I wrote 3 cranky emails to the group and to some individual siblings... and deleted them all. What was the point of writing whilst angry. Then a couple of siblings wrote back (to group or me individually) calming and sweet and I am glad I didn't go off ranting and raving. Now I will enjoy the get together (at the time and place of my choosing) with whatever siblings can make it.
ReplyDeletePhilipa (Ozzypip)
Quilter and blogger
Blogging her way through an A to Z quilt
Ozzypip Quilts
True Suzy. Inaction is definitely best in some situations. Action can only make matters worse, as it would have done your case! Well said.
ReplyDeleteIntrovert's Life
How apt that Haiku is Suzy! I loved it and though its true that one must step back from such a situation but sometimes this inaction can also lead to the issue going under the carpet and the situation taking a turn where neither one wants to bring it up!! Happened to me!
ReplyDeleteTheme: Peregrination Chronicles (travel)
I is for innovation or Jugaad which we Indians are very famous for #atozchallenge
Yes, in some situations, doing nothing is the best thing to do! When we think we are more emotional than rational, it's best to wait and see, rather than doing or saying something right away!
ReplyDeleteAh, this explains it so well! Do all the times we don't react to idiots on the road while driving count as Wi Wei?
ReplyDeleteReminded my about "if it aint broke, don't fix it" saying. So often you see people change things that do not need to be changed. I love change however inaction sometimes is better.
ReplyDelete#AtoZChallenge I for Instagram
Regards Fran from TravelGenee
Theme: Sharing Family History via #GenealogyPhotoADay
What a lovely haiku. You're right. Inaction is better than negative action.
ReplyDeleteIktsuarpok and Irusu: Exotic Words with no English Equivalent
Ever since reading the Tao of Pooh, I have started to add wu wei to my life. It is hard to let go of the incessant thoughts that try to drive you off the path though.
ReplyDeleteReally loved the haiku by the way!
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Good luck on the rest of your A to Z challenge
Sylvia @ The Creative Life
I think it's a great quote but I find it so hard to follow!
ReplyDeleteInverted Refrain - Numb
That was an interesting idea. I haven't heard about wu wei but is the most sensible thing I have read today. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLetter I: In Medias Res
Suzy, first up thanks for letting me know I goofed on my signature link up on the A2Z site. It's just too early I reckon. lol I'm learning no action is sometimes the best thing especially when others' behavior is uncontrolled and irrational. In fact, we're (DH & me) dealing with a situation such as this but the sad truth the person (DS) who got explosive doesn't see the error of his way and refuses to speak to us. All we can do is ask for God to soften his heart and calm his emotions to see that he did not handle the situation well. I know in time, I know this storm will blow over. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCurious as the Cathy presents Art Sketching Through the Alphabet Letter "I" for Iris!
I love this post! This reminded me of one of my favourite quotes "Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished"
ReplyDeletehttp://tropicalcolours.blogspot.com.au/
Oh this has happened soooooo many times with me, Suzy! I read your quote and instantly understood! Sometimes, there is just no point in reacting. You know it's not going to change anything at all. It will just waste more time. It's best not to react at all then.
ReplyDeleteWhat flower is that by the way?
Happy AtoZing!
Chicky @ www.mysteriouskaddu.com
Hi Chicky This is an azalea.
DeleteWell I first read the quote, I was puzzled, but after reading your post, it makes total sense now!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Yes and that is the best example of when inaction matters. When someone loses their cool. That is when we must know not to react and break a trust or friendship forever.
ReplyDeleteVery true. Sometimes it's best to leave well alone. After all, if you suspected a landslide was imminent you wouldn't be shouting and stomping your feet.
ReplyDeleteMuch of our lives is spent in reaction to others and to events around us. The problem is that these reactions might not always be the best course of action, and as a result, they can make others unhappy, make things worse for us, make the situation worse.
ReplyDeleteLaunching SIM Organics This April
*Menaka Bharathi *
*SimpleIndianMom*
So very true. And sometimes it's best to not say anything at all. Great post today!
ReplyDelete~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
#AtoZChallenge 1970's Billboard Hits
Hmmm - I have my reservations about this quote. I know a lot of people afraid to take action in their lives who quote this as wisdom. It makes me impatient with them but I suppose it just means they aren't ready yet to take the action required.
ReplyDeleteJustify #Lexicon of Leaving