The Art of Flow: How 'Wu Wei' Teaches Us to Lead and Work with Ease, Not Force

“Being good at making quick progress lies in not hurrying, and being good at reaching goals lies in not forcing one’s way.”

This insight comes from Wang Bi’s commentary on the Tao Te Ching (c. 250 CE), as translated by Richard John Lynn in The Classic of the Way and Virtue (1999). It reflects one of the core principles of the Tao Te Ching: “wu wei” — the practice of not forcing.

In his commentary, Wang Bi explores how “wu wei” harmonizes with the interplay of yin and yang, often symbolized as light and dark, mountain and valley, male and female.

These dualities remind us that every idea exists in contrast to its counterpart: up exists because of down, just as action exists because of stillness.

The metaphor of water, central to the Tao, beautifully illustrates “wu wei.”

Water flows naturally—without effort or contrivance. It seeks the lowliest places, fills cracks and crevices, and yet wields immense power.

Place your hands in water, and you cannot redirect its flow.

Swim against the current, and you encounter resistance.

But when you move with the current, life unfolds with ease.

So, ask yourself:

What happens when you try to control others or force outcomes?

Where and how are you swimming against the current and making everything more difficult?

What would it feel like to let go of holding on to obstacles and find your own way — the one that aligns with your nature and allows you to make progress with ease?