It can also be understood through the Taoist concept of wu wei, which literally means "without action," and commonly paraphrased as "action without action." In other words, the Taoist accepts the world as it is, understanding that there is natural energy and dynamism to everything. By appreciating the natural order and energy of the universe, the Taoist is empowered by it -- the Tao -- but equally important, the Taoist achieves peace. At least that's what's on the pamphlet.
I'm sorry to do this to you, but probably the most well known Western version of the Tao is the Force from Star Wars. Taoism purists will hate me for drawing such comparisons, but they should know better than to hate. Haters.
There is a religious Taoism, but that is not what I am describing. The Tao I describe is a philosophy, a way of life. Like stoicism or epicureanism, the philosophic Taoism is a way of understanding our universe and living in it. In fact, it has been said that Jimmy Buffet is not a singer but a way of life. If anything exemplifies Taoism better than Margaritaville, I don't know what it is. Then again, I don't get out much. Well, except to train for marathons.
In any case, if the concept of Taoism upsets your religious sensibilities, relax. I'm not trying to convert you. Hell, I'm not even a Taoist myself. I am a Christian, but I do subscribe to some of the basic tenets of the Tao, which by the way, can be found -- if you think about it -- in Christianity and other faiths. But I digress. This blog is about running a marathon. I have a way to go before I convince you of this. And by way, I mean Tao. A segue, perhaps?
