Wu Wei Wisdom – Thinking With A Big Mind
NOT THINKING – Paradox Wisdom
A young disciple, eager to learn, approached his Master with a burning question, “What should I think about when cultivating wisdom?”
The Master, with a knowing smile, simply shook his head and replied, “You don’t think.”
This seemingly paradoxical answer left the disciple bewildered. How could wisdom be attained without thought? The truth lies in understanding the different minds we tap into: small and big.
Wu Wei Wisdom and the Big Mind
We navigate our daily lives primarily with the small mind. It’s our analytical workhorse, constantly assessing situations, weighing decisions, and planning for the future. It’s invaluable for making a living in the world. Yet, the small mind can become restless, overthinking, and even stuck in repetitive patterns.
Cultivating wisdom requires tapping into the big mind. This isn’t about shutting down all thoughts—that’s not quite possible. It’s about achieving a state of open awareness. You become present, observing your surroundings, inner self, and even the fleeting thoughts that arise from the small mind.
Here’s the key: the big mind is spacious, allowing for calm and ease. It helps you gain a fresh perspective by stepping back and observing the small mind’s chatter. This allows creative solutions and those coveted “aha moments” to emerge.
Have you allowed a big mind to play a role in life? Pay attention to moments where you feel particularly insightful or at peace. Chances are, you’ve tapped into the power of your big mind. Here are some ways to cultivate it further:
For those who practice meditation and mindfulness practices, this is probably not unfamiliar to you. The big mind offers far more than just tranquility. It helps you dispel fear, trivial concerns, and other intrusive mental patterns. This allows you to embrace the world without analyzing every fleeting moment of your experiences. As you disentangle yourself from this cycle of incessant thinking, your mind gradually relaxes, paving the way for profound insights to emerge.
This state of being aligns perfectly with Wu Wei.
In this serene state, free from the chatter of the small mind, you establish a profound connection with the universe itself, becoming receptive to the silent language of existence. You begin to see the world with fresh eyes, understanding the interconnectedness of all things.
Have You Tapped into Your Big Mind?
At least spend some time every day quieting your small mind and allowing your big mind to nourish you. You don’t think and allow wisdom to enter.
