Wu Wang (Innocence) symbolizes the state of 'flow'. Thunder under heaven – energy moves in harmony with the law. 'Without intention' does not mean without a plan, but free of ego manipulation. It is acting from inner truth (authenticity). When you are 'genuine', the universe responds positively. When you put on an act, 'unexpected misfortune' follows.

AuthenticityFlow State

Innocence meets with exalted success. Persistence is beneficial. If someone is not 'genuine', misfortune befalls him, and it is not beneficial to undertake anything at all.

Flow State

Wu Wang is the art of surfing in harmony with the cosmos instead of swimming against the waves.

Operative Resources

Instinct. The innate ability to do the right thing at the right moment.

System Blocks

Compulsive Need for Control – The fear of the unpredictable and the attempt to micromanage everything.

System-Hacks

Be genuine.

Day Without a Plan: Spend a day completely without appointments/plans.
Truth: Say one thing today that you haven't dared to say until now.

Image

Beneath heaven the thunder moves: the image of Innocence. So the ancient kings, abounding in virtue and in step with the time, cared for and nourished all beings.

Shadow Challenge

Shadow: Manipulation – The attempt to force results or to outwit life. Quarreling with fate ('Why me?').

Strategy

Have no agenda. Act on the spur of the moment. Do the right thing because it is right (integrity), not for the payoff. Trust in chance.

The Lines

Beginning: Impulse (Initial Flow)Innocent conduct. Good fortune. Follow your inner compass without hesitating. The first thought is often the best.
Level 2: Process (Devotion)If one does not think of the harvest while plowing, then it is beneficial to undertake something. Do the work for its own sake, not for the reward. Love the effort.
Level 3: Chance (Acceptance)Calamity not of one's own making. The cow that someone had tied up is the wanderer's gain and the townsman's loss. Sometimes you are just unlucky. These things happen. Don't take it personally.
Level 4: Steadfastness (Integrity)Whoever can remain steadfast remains without fault. Don't let yourself be pushed off the path, even if others panic or don't understand you.
Level 5: Serenity (Self-Regulation)A mishap not of one's own making. Not everything needs intervention – some things resolve themselves. Overzealous activity ('improving' things for the worse) only does harm now.
Conclusion: Timing (Stop)Acting in innocence brings misfortune. Time has run out. Keeping still is better than charging blindly ahead with no sense of timing.

Reflection Journal

Where am I still trying to manipulate life instead of trusting my intuition?