The Art of Effortless Living
Our modern age is polluted by tight deadlines, endless responsibilities, and constant distractions. The challenges of simple life can feel overwhelming at times. For many, Taoism provides the foundation stone for a more discerning and powerful being in the midst of chaos. The feature-length documentary, The Art of Ease of Living, examines these Taoist teachings, its list of life-enhancing benefits, and the ways we can incorporate its practice into our everyday lives.
Guided by the concept of wu wei, literally “doing nothing,” the practice teaches us how to give up the need to control the world, as if we could force it to bend to our will. This fosters a sense of oneness with nature, a trust in the natural order of the universe, and a new confidence that allows us to live in intelligent, spontaneous freedom.
These concepts are explained in detail in many chapters of the film. The first part of the film explores the belief in effortlessness and illustrates the importance of conserving energy and developing a stronger, more intimate sense of personal identity.
Chapters — or courses — build on this. There is a section comparing Confucian and Taoist practices. The other part deals with the conflict between our inner selves – altruistic on the one hand and selfish on the other. The hierarchy of power is the subject of the last installment, and true Taoists are often seen as enemies of the powerful because they cannot be controlled. Along the way, viewers will also discover valuable insights, including how to absorb the forces of the universe within the framework of mind and body, ways to live in the moment, embrace the world without selfish desires, and the keys to transforming individuals and societies. turmoil.
Presented with an abundance of soothing imagery and a soothing narrative, The Art of Easy Living resonates with even the loftiest philosophical concepts. This is the perfect introduction for those who feel overwhelmed by the realities of everyday life and want to explore Eastern philosophies to define a new reality for themselves.
Directed by: Jason Gregory
