The Taoist Middle Way, or Wu Wei
A long, long time ago - more years than I’d like to remember - I noticed that if I did nothing else but pay attention to the awakening process of my awareness while I was “on a walk-about” in the world, everything else would just harmlessly come and go.
If I were taking a math test and I simply stayed within the awakening process, the questions and the correct answers would just come and go. Even in high school I was solving calculus questions at a Ph.D. level. That’s what my professor said. I didn’t really care about my grade, or the accomplishment. The only thing that I cared about was continuing to float within the river of expanding consciousness that was flowing through the middle of my awareness.
If I were giving a speech on any subject, if I stayed within this river of expanding consciousness, then the words would flow automatically, and in a very enlightening way.
The Ken Barrett Radio Show
About 2 weeks ago, Ken Barrett - another famous SubStack author - asked me to talk about the spiritual practice that I use to help me float through the chaos. Considering the current state of chaos in the world today it was an offer that I just couldn’t refuse.
So, without further delay, here’s the interview on Ken Barrett’s Radio Show.
How to Become a Silent Observer
I’ve been teaching meditation practices for decades; and one the most frequent questions that I get is “How can I learn to float throughout the day?”
It’s easier than it seems. It’s simply about learning how to relax for a few seconds while ignoring any new thoughts or emotions that occasionally float into your awareness.
It’s called the Silent Observer method. It’s also called the first stage of the Taoist Wu Wei, or middle way, practice.
It might be easier said than done when you first start this practice, but after a few days or a few weeks, it becomes easy.
The most important key is to practice this silent observer method, for 5-to10 seconds without letting your attention stray from your awareness. It’s OK if it happens. Just bring it back to your awareness and keep going. Don’t try to fight with your thoughts. Just lovingly ignore them.
The second most important key is to practice this silent observer method about 5 times a day. Do it when you wake up. Do it when you get to work or to school. Practice it at lunch. Practice it sometime during the afternoon. And practice it in the evening.
Eventually you’ll feel a noticeable aura of harmony, peace and clarity that lasts much longer than your small 5-to-10 second silent observer bubble. Over time, these bubbles of freedom will last for hours.
And when this happens, you won’t even notice the worldwide chaos!
Follow Up Questions
If you have any additional questions about the Silent Observer practice just reach out to me in the comment box below.
Even if you don’t have any questions, let me know about your progress.