7 Steps to Following the Path of Least Resistance

In a world that glorifies work-addiction, and being in control, the concept of taking the path of least resistance can seem like a copout or a compromise – even though it’s your most powerful choice.

Pushing to achieve results or resisting the obstacles that stand in your way, in fact, limits your progress - only creating tension and inhibiting your growth.

In truth, taking the path of least resistance is the wisest option, which is the way of the Tao. Lao Tzu described the concept of Wu-Wei, meaning ‘without exertion,’ as a mental state in which actions are quite effortless. He talks of ‘action through non-action,’ in alignment with the ebb and flow of the natural world. The aim is to move in harmony with life rather than force an outcome. Resistance causes tension and stress, which incites an emotional and mental response that manifests itself as physical dis-ease. To quote Lao Tzu:

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

Freedom comes from letting go

The act of letting go, allows us to move into a state of flow – the energy stream where we are happily engaged with life, experiencing a sense of freedom. Once you line up with that resonance, you attract synchronistic events that enable you to progress swiftly. It’s when you resist change or are too attached to the past that life becomes a struggle. At which point, your desire to be in control takes precedence over receiving gracefully from life and opening up to love, support and new opportunities.

For your life to naturally flow, it’s important you are willing to yield and be detached. Detachment has nothing to do with not caring; it means taking an impartial position where you remain receptive. The trick is to be humble and stay open to all possibilities. That is the way grace manifests.

“If you realise that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.” Lao Tzu