Being Relaxed

An important aspect of Taoist practice is cultivating the capacity to move through the world in a way that is relaxed, natural and spontaneous. The terms ziran and wuwei are both related to this core value. This is a kind of naturalness, however, that has great precision to it, and should not be confused with sloppiness or laziness. What we're relaxing from, or "un-clutching" from, are the various levels of our conditioning: the cultural, moral and philosophical overlays that prevent us from being truly present. As we learn how to relax, in this way that Taoist practice encourages, we become aligned with the rhythms and intelligence of the Tao. A great creative energy is then able to flow through us, even though (or perhaps because) it's not necessarily "we" who are "doing" any of it.

Here, Swami Nithyananda talks about how becoming free from our psychological conditioning does not mean becoming lazy ... just free to express ourselves in ways that are perpetually fresh and new. I found his perspective to be particularly inspiring and insightful, as well as being laced with his characteristic humor. Enjoy!