REL 212_ Actionless Action (Daoism) and the Practice of Virtue (Confucianism) .

Briefly describe the Confucian Virtues. What would happen if America practiced the Confucian virtues?

Try wu wei. We should focus on the moment. “In doing mode our mind is so often preoccupied with thoughts about what is going on that we may be only vaguely aware of what is actually happening.” (Quote from The Mindful Way through Depression by Mark Williams et al.) In other words, we tend to plan our day while brushing our teeth. What do you think?

Can Confucianism work in your business? Are there any famous Confucian or Daoist celebs out there?

· Sources for Wu-wei

Wu wei is better described as self-less action, not action-less action as some texts call it.

For more info, see:

http://www.sacred-texts.com/tao/tgl/tgl008.htm

and,

http://www.jadedragon.com/archives/june98/tao.html

For a video on the science of wu wei check this out!

·

Mindfulness

Hi all, as you look at Wu -wei this week it is a lot like mindfulness. So, here are some pointers about mindfulness:

We live in autopilot mode. Think of driving down the road and thinking about things other than driving down the road. Think of washing dishes yet pondering what to cook for supper. Mindfulness is about experiencing the joy of driving or washing dishes, not mentally wandering about.

When you are in autopilot you can overly obsess about things, causing mental illness (I have that problem!)

Mindfulness involves observing things rather than thinking about them or thinking about other things than what you are doing.

Mindfulness means describing things: what does the fruit you are eating smell like, feel like, taste like?

Mindfulness is about enjoying the full moment of cutting the grass or fixing the toilet.

Mindfulness is about being non-judgmental. Do not evaluate experiences as good or bad or a waste of time. Accept your experience as is.

Mindfulness is about focusing on one thing at a time. Wash the clothes then begin supper. Do your homework then think about what to wear tomorrow. 

Mindfulness is not about having no goals. Instead, you work on each component of your goals fully as you get to them.

Mindfulness is not about having no direction. It is not about having no drive. It is about enjoying the journey fully and in the moment as you work toward your goals.

We all have to take out the trash. Just enjoy the moment of taking out the trash, then move on to the next task and enjoy that as well.

· 00:04:25 Confucianism Making a Comeback in China

The teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucius are becoming popular again in Communist China.

· Business and Confucianism

Read this article to see how Taoism can be used in today’s business world:

https://www.forbes.com/2011/01/24/china-america-business-lessons-leadership-managing-ccl.html