I like this perspective. I've been reading a lot about the tension between productivity/focusing on work and being "useless" in the present.
I know happiness lies in the present but I also think there is something to be said for work that can make change. Feelings will die with us, but actions will ripple into the future, right? So if only there was a way to find that sweet middle spot. To hold both in our awareness - maybe focusing on the process of work? Do we really have to be so focused on the outcomes of our work to be effective at it?
I don't expect you to answer, these are just some thoughts I've been pondering as I find my way through life :) Keep writing! Your work is valuable.
You've changed my mind on feelings. Being attuned to our feelings is what affects our experience, actions, and all of it. And real change (at least with humanity) is arguably a connection of feelings.
I guess I was thinking that if you are isolated in a setting where you only feel your own feelings but do not do anything to show or share them, your feelings will not last. The value is in the connection, and feelings are transmitted through little actions (not directly).
But still, feelings create ripples.
I love your explanation of the archer. The real work is done when it captures all of our attention - when we get lost in the process. We function in cycles of work and rest, not endless work (even if you are deeply focused on the present moment and not outcome). I think I'm finally starting to grasp that.
If you'd like to elaborate on anything please feel free to continue the discussion! I enjoyed this, it got me thinking in new ways.
The empty space of the bowl is what makes it useful. The emptiness, the uselessness, are relative. We need to idle time to think. Being productive means having the willingness to be unproductive first.
then the natural question is how did your dad end up interested in Asian culture? what was his childhood like? and how has he influenced you growing up?
Have you visited Hong Kong or anywhere in China? If not, do let me know if you have a plan anytime in the future. I am more than happy to travel around with you😊
Wow cool! I look forward to reading it! I grew up in Hong Kong where we were used to learning about Taoism among other ancient Chinese philosophy but we were too young to understand most of it. As I get older, I look back and realize this treasure that has been right there all along. I guess I heard this concept of uselessness from reading the work of Bruce Lee, plus i was raised in the Buddhist community where emptiness is at the core of it.
on a side note, Mohism 墨家 is another fascinating school of thoughts during the Spring and Autumn, and Warring States Period (春秋戰國), u might have studied about it as well throught the years. sometimes, I wish I could go back to that period, live, and see how come all these incredible people all appeared in that time in history.
Wu Wei 無為, ya man, it has been a journey for me to appreciate it, where it is not about literally doing nothing, but to understand the flow, like being on the river, and you go with the tide instead of against it. this preserve our energy and focus on the things that truly matter. this is some deep stuff Lao Tzu has already figured it out some two thousand years plus ago.
I guess those of us growing in Asian or to be precise, Chinese culture might not appreciate how luck we are. LIke us growing in Hong Kong we all learned English as a second language but I can't imagine how hard it would be for most westerners like someone from the US or Europe to learn Chinese. and a lot of the meanings ain't easy to be translated and inevitably there will be something got lost in translation. So indeed I know I am lucky to be able to read the original pieces.
And I see myself as someone who love studying Buddhism but also all philosophy and religions. I joined two friends today at their Sunday church service and had a long chat about their journey growing up as Christians. meanwhile, I think I am more drawn to Seneca and Marcus Aurelius these days.
I like this perspective. I've been reading a lot about the tension between productivity/focusing on work and being "useless" in the present.
I know happiness lies in the present but I also think there is something to be said for work that can make change. Feelings will die with us, but actions will ripple into the future, right? So if only there was a way to find that sweet middle spot. To hold both in our awareness - maybe focusing on the process of work? Do we really have to be so focused on the outcomes of our work to be effective at it?
I don't expect you to answer, these are just some thoughts I've been pondering as I find my way through life :) Keep writing! Your work is valuable.
Wow, thank you for this comment!
You've changed my mind on feelings. Being attuned to our feelings is what affects our experience, actions, and all of it. And real change (at least with humanity) is arguably a connection of feelings.
I guess I was thinking that if you are isolated in a setting where you only feel your own feelings but do not do anything to show or share them, your feelings will not last. The value is in the connection, and feelings are transmitted through little actions (not directly).
But still, feelings create ripples.
I love your explanation of the archer. The real work is done when it captures all of our attention - when we get lost in the process. We function in cycles of work and rest, not endless work (even if you are deeply focused on the present moment and not outcome). I think I'm finally starting to grasp that.
If you'd like to elaborate on anything please feel free to continue the discussion! I enjoyed this, it got me thinking in new ways.
Nice article! I like your clean, clear, calm writing. Resonating with your idea of finding balance.
The empty space of the bowl is what makes it useful. The emptiness, the uselessness, are relative. We need to idle time to think. Being productive means having the willingness to be unproductive first.
How about you Zhenya? Where does your curiosity to Asian culture and philosophy come from?
then the natural question is how did your dad end up interested in Asian culture? what was his childhood like? and how has he influenced you growing up?
Have you visited Hong Kong or anywhere in China? If not, do let me know if you have a plan anytime in the future. I am more than happy to travel around with you😊
Wow cool! I look forward to reading it! I grew up in Hong Kong where we were used to learning about Taoism among other ancient Chinese philosophy but we were too young to understand most of it. As I get older, I look back and realize this treasure that has been right there all along. I guess I heard this concept of uselessness from reading the work of Bruce Lee, plus i was raised in the Buddhist community where emptiness is at the core of it.
on a side note, Mohism 墨家 is another fascinating school of thoughts during the Spring and Autumn, and Warring States Period (春秋戰國), u might have studied about it as well throught the years. sometimes, I wish I could go back to that period, live, and see how come all these incredible people all appeared in that time in history.
Wu Wei 無為, ya man, it has been a journey for me to appreciate it, where it is not about literally doing nothing, but to understand the flow, like being on the river, and you go with the tide instead of against it. this preserve our energy and focus on the things that truly matter. this is some deep stuff Lao Tzu has already figured it out some two thousand years plus ago.
I guess those of us growing in Asian or to be precise, Chinese culture might not appreciate how luck we are. LIke us growing in Hong Kong we all learned English as a second language but I can't imagine how hard it would be for most westerners like someone from the US or Europe to learn Chinese. and a lot of the meanings ain't easy to be translated and inevitably there will be something got lost in translation. So indeed I know I am lucky to be able to read the original pieces.
And I see myself as someone who love studying Buddhism but also all philosophy and religions. I joined two friends today at their Sunday church service and had a long chat about their journey growing up as Christians. meanwhile, I think I am more drawn to Seneca and Marcus Aurelius these days.
I've discovered that I have 3 invisible lists in my head:
1) Useful - e.g. paid employment
2) Maybe Useful - e.g. exercising
3) Useless - e.g. playing videos games
Then, I constantly analyze every activity and assign it to the list (1 thru 3).
Based on the % of my day devoted to each is how I decide whether today was useful or not.
I don't need time tracking apps because my brain is already passing enough judgment.
(please note: this is an example of how NOT to live)