When the internal dialogue stops, the world collapses and extraordinary facets of ourselves surface, as though they had been kept heavily guarded by our words.
— Carlos Castañeda, The Second Ring of Power
This practice develops a subtle, yet powerful aspect of inner work. It is an application of Wu Wei (无为), effortless action or action without interference. Based upon Carlos Castañeda’s idea of “not-doing” (no-hacer), it is one of the most misunderstood yet transformative practices in his teachings.
Both Wu Wei and no-hacer point toward stepping out of habitual perception and reentering the living mystery of the present moment.
1. Preparation
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Setting: Quiet, natural place (or a room with an open window)
Posture: Standing or sitting comfortably, spine relaxed, gaze soft
Without focusing on any one object, let your vision soften and widen. You’re not “looking at” something — you’re letting the world come to you. Notice that your surroundings start to shimmer slightly, edges blur, and you perceive space rather than objects.
This is Castañeda’s “seeing” beginning to replace ordinary looking. Stay here for a few breaths. Stay awake, relaxed, receptive.
2. The Peripheral Gaze
Some people have challenges listing (1) qualities they possess and (2) how/why they use those qualities. In this case, I recommend asking a close friend or family member for help. You will need two of each. Create a list. I generally ask students to list at least 5 – 10 of each, then, prioritize them.
Keep your purpose as short as possible. Every word must be needed. Eliminate any superfluous words. As long as the meaning is not lost–the shorter the better. This will help you remember it.
3. Shifting the Habitual
Now, break a small routine deliberately. If you’re sitting, stand. If you always turn your head to the right, turn it to the left. if you breathe through the nose, exhale softly through the mouth. Do something so small yet foreign that your habitual mind loses its footing.
Feel the momentary pause that crack in automatic doing. That opening is the gateway to not-doing.
4. Listening Without Center
Close your eyes. Rather than listening to sounds, let the sounds listen to you. Let the world happen without labeling: the hum of a refrigerator, the rustle of leaves, your own pulse, none of which need your commentary.
You’re no longer a doer. You’re a participant in the unfolding field of awareness.
5. Return Through Gratitude
After 10–20 minutes, gently return your focus to ordinary perception. But before you move, silently thank the moment for existing without you controlling it.
You’ve touched what Castañeda called the world as it truly is when the doing mind stops.
Integration
Practice not-doing once a day — not as meditation, but as a way of stepping out of the known. In time, you’ll begin to sense that reality continues perfectly well without constant interference. From this grows humility, energy, and a renewed sense of wonder.
The IMQC is dedicated to providing high quality Medical Qigong instruction for students all over the world. The IMQC is a federal non-profit public benefit corporation 501(c)(3) operating under the auspices of the Temple of Peace and Virtue.
