Procrastination isn’t laziness — it’s a signal calling you back to stillness, clarity, and aligned action.

In this episode of Tao Dialogues, we explore the stillness before action — a Taoist approach to ending procrastination and perfectionism without force, pressure, or self-criticism.

Rather than pushing yourself forward, this teaching invites you inward — to the sacred pause where Shen (inner wisdom and clarity) aligns and true action is born. We uncover how procrastination often arises from the Inner Child’s need for safety, not a lack of discipline, and how wu wei (effortless effort) restores natural momentum.

You’ll learn how to:

• Stop fighting procrastination and listen to its message
• Release perfectionism without lowering your standards
• Use stillness as preparation, not avoidance
• Take aligned action that flows from truth, not fear

Read the blog post that inspired this episode: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/p/shifting-the-story

Our Tao Dialogues are powerful yet gentle teachings about authenticity, spirituality and finding emotional balance and flow in everyday life. These spoken-word episodes draw from David James Lees’ practice as a Taoist monk and teacher, and expand upon popular posts on ‘David’s Journal’, his Substack blog.

You can subscribe to David’s Journal here: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/

Discover David’s online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com

Other related teachings on our YouTube channel that will help you:

• TAO DIALOGUES PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICamFP2zMyey3KGTnfm2aUq&si=AW_ZOUeldKv3nHhF
• SHEN (THE SPIRITUAL SELF) PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIBmp50wYcmU7jCBLp1Qvl-j
• INNER CHILD PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qq

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Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.

Music by Earth Tree Healing