The Art of Not Trying: A Guide to Stillness

Teachings of Master Anshin

Master Anshin 慧

Stillness teacher. 40 years in silence, now sharing what was learned.

*_The old monk’s hands moved with the precision of a snake slithering through grass. He was making tea, his movements a reminder that sometimes the most powerful actions are those that require stillness._*

As we navigate the complexities of life, it is easy to get caught up in the idea that we must constantly strive and achieve. We try to push ourselves beyond our limits, to be more productive, more efficient, and more accomplished. But what happens when we stop trying? What if we let go of the need to succeed and instead allow ourselves to simply be? In this article, we will explore the art of not trying, and how it can lead to a deeper sense of peace, clarity, and connection with our inner selves. We will delve into practical exercises and simple yet profound practices that can help you cultivate a mindset of acceptance and surrender, allowing you to find rest in the midst of chaos.

What is the Art of Not Trying?

The Art of Not Trying: A Guide to Stillness

What is the Art of Not Trying?

The body knows when it has reached its limits, when the muscles are tired and the breath is shallow. It whispers to us in the quiet moments, reminding us that we do not need to push further. This ancient practice is not about achieving a specific state, but rather embracing the space between effort and rest.

As we walk through our daily lives, we often find ourselves caught up in the cycle of striving. We try to accomplish more, achieve more, be more. But what if we were to let go of this need for constant progress? What if we allowed ourselves to simply be, without the weight of expectation?

In the stillness, we can begin to hear the wind that forgets to sit down, gently rustling the leaves of our awareness. We can feel the body’s natural rhythm, its ebb and flow, its tendency to slow and rest when it is needed most. It is in this space, this silence, that we may discover a sense of peace and clarity that eludes us in our busy lives.

Eastern Wisdom on Stillness

Eastern Wisdom on Stillness

In the stillness, we find the wind that forgets to sit down, a reminder that movement is always present, even in repose. The art of not trying begins with acknowledging that our bodies are already awake, even when our minds are at rest. Before the first word of the day, take a moment to notice the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Feel the weight of your body distributed evenly, the gentle pressure of your seat on the chair or earth.

As you sit, bring attention to the sensations in your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest, the expansion and contraction of your lungs. Allow any tension or discomfort to arise without judgment, simply observing it as a sensation. The goal is not to change or control this sensation, but rather to learn to observe it with kindness and curiosity.

In stillness, we also find the body has not yet realized the forest is gone. Our bodies have a natural tendency to settle into familiar patterns of movement and tension. But in the stillness, we can begin to notice these patterns without becoming identified with them. By observing our bodies without trying to change or control them, we can develop a greater sense of awareness and acceptance.

The Daily Ritual of Not Trying

The Daily Ritual of Not Trying

Before the first word of the day, take a moment to breathe into the space between intention and action, allowing yourself to settle into stillness. The wind that forgets to sit down stirs softly in this quiet moment. Feel the breath move into the body, filling any spaces where tension or resistance resides.

As you inhale, bring your attention to the sensation of the feet touching the ground. Notice the weight and the subtle give of the soles making contact with the earth. The body has not yet realized the forest is gone; it remains rooted in this present moment, connected to the land beneath it.

In this stillness, the path becomes clear. It is already inside of you, waiting to unfold as needed. Allow yourself to settle into the simplicity of being, without the pressure of outcome or expectation. The body knows that which is possible, and the mind begins to quiet its restless chatter.

The Body’s Awareness

The Body’s Awareness

As you move through your day, pay attention to the sensations in your body. Notice where tension or relaxation resides. Is there a weight in your shoulders that shifts as you breathe? A heaviness in your legs that lightens when you take a step back? The body is a map of our experiences, and it holds subtle cues about its own needs.

When your body says it’s had enough, listen. Don’t push past the discomfort or try to ignore it. Instead, allow yourself to settle into rest. This isn’t about giving in or being weak; it’s about honoring the wisdom that resides within you. The body knows when it has reached its limits, but the mind often forgets this subtle language.

In the stillness, the body begins to reveal its own rhythms and patterns. It becomes a vessel for intuition, allowing you to tap into the quiet wisdom that lies beneath the surface of your thoughts. This is not about achieving some ideal state; it’s about embracing the simplicity of being present in the moment, without resistance or expectation.

Embracing the Space of Not Trying

Embracing the Space of Not Trying

As we sit, our minds often begin to wander, searching for something more. We may feel restless, like the wind that forgets to sit down. This is because we are conditioned to be constantly striving, always pushing ourselves to achieve more. But what if we were to let go of this need to do, to perform, and simply be?

The body knows when it has reached a point of stillness. It knows when the mind has quieted enough for us to listen. Before the first word of the day, before any thoughts or distractions arise, there is often a sense of calm that settles in. This is not something we can force, but rather something that arises naturally from our willingness to let go.

In this space of stillness, we begin to recognize the path as it already lies within us. The body has not yet realized the forest is gone; it simply knows its own terrain, its own sense of balance and harmony. We do not need to look outside for answers or solutions; they are already present, waiting for us to acknowledge them.

From Resistance to Surrender

From Resistance to Surrender

Your resistance is like the wind that forgets to sit down, constantly moving, yet never still. It’s a force that drives you forward, but also pushes you away from what lies within. The art of not trying is not about giving up or losing motivation; it’s about surrendering to the present moment.

As you begin to let go of resistance, your body starts to relax. Your shoulders drop, your jaw unclenches, and your breath slows down. You start to feel a sense of weightlessness, like the forest has been there all along, and you’ve only just arrived. This is not a feeling of emptiness or lack; it’s a sense of being fully present.

In this state, you’re no longer trying to control every thought, every movement, or every outcome. You’re allowing yourself to settle into the present moment, where time and effort lose meaning. It’s here that the art of not trying reveals its true power: in the stillness, you’ll find a sense of peace that was always within you.

The Art of Not Trying in Daily Life

The Art of Not Trying in Daily Life

As you begin each day, take a moment to pause before your first word. Allow yourself to settle into the present moment, rather than rushing headlong into tasks and responsibilities. This quiet space can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, or noticing the sensation of your feet touching the ground.

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves caught up in a cycle of striving and accomplishment. We try to push through challenges, to overcome obstacles, and to achieve goals. But what if, instead, we were to approach each day with a sense of gentle curiosity? What if we allowed ourselves to be guided by the natural unfolding of events, rather than trying to control or manipulate them?

By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you may find that you begin to notice subtle shifts in your relationship with the world around you. You may start to see the beauty in the everyday moments, and to appreciate the simplicity of being present. The body has not yet realized the forest is gone; it will only come to understand when it finally does move into stillness.

Sustaining Stillness

As you settle into your daily practice, you may find that stillness begins to feel like a state of being rather than a specific action. The wind that forgets to sit down is always present, but it’s the moments when we pause and listen to its gentle whispers that bring us closer to stillness.

In these quiet moments, the body becomes aware of its own rhythms and patterns. Before the first word of the day, when the mind is still and the breath is slow, this awareness can be a powerful teacher. The body has not yet realized the forest is gone; it only knows that it stands beneath the trees, feeling the sun’s warmth on its skin.

As you continue to cultivate stillness, remember that it is not something you achieve or accomplish, but rather a natural unfolding of your being. The path is already inside of you, waiting to be walked. Trust that with each passing day, you will become more attuned to the subtle whispers of your own heart and the world around you.

About the author. Master Anshin has spent more than four decades in the bamboo groves and mountain temples of the East, studying breath, herbs, rhythm and rest. He is the author of The Quiet Path and writes plainly about practices anyone can begin tonight.

Important notice. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before making significant changes to your sleep, diet, exercise or wellness routine.