The Power of Wu

Magic, mysticism, and the state of 'being' in-the-flow. How and where do we connect or disconnect from our personal and cultural belief systems, and how do these influence the way we live our lives?

"Corridor" – This woven labyrinth, dimple patterned map, nature's wisdom imparted. Artwork by Sid Dickens (Vancouver, Canada).

Recently, I engaged in a discussion with friends and colleagues about the language we use to describe our approaches to death practices and rituals within the Death Doula community. Several individuals referred to some of the practices and beliefs related to death care as "woo-woo" or "wu." We then talked about the meaning of this term and how it is often perceived as negative or as diminishing the value of alternative thinking in our North American/Western culture.

Words gain power when we infuse them with meaning and energy. It's not just the word itself, but also the intention behind it, the manner in which we say it, the tone, the context, and the person or group it references. Expletives or swear words, which are often used carelessly today, convey feelings of anger and rage more readily than peaceful words in difficult and intense situations.

The discussion about the word Wu has motivated me to explore its meaning and origins more thoroughly, and here's what I've discovered....

Wú is the pinyin ('spelled sounds') translation of a common Chinese surname in Mainland China. Even carried through Vietnamese and Korean cultures as well. In 2019 Wu was found to be the ninth most common surname in Mainland China. (more info here)

Wu is also a word to describe a shaman or sorcerer in Chinese culture. Originally practitioners of Chinese shamanism would also refer to it as Wuism. (more info here)

Another form of the word Wu can also be found in Chinese religious culture as "awareness of being". "According to scholarly studies, many practitioners who have recently 'reverted' to the Chinese traditional religion use the term juéwù or kāiwù to describe their initial insight into the interconnectedness of reality in terms of the cosmic-moral harmony. Translated, juéwù literally as 'awakening of awareness'." (more info here)

This led me to explore more deeply the power of other words I've been incorporating into my yoga practices, particularly the word and sound of Om, or Aum. This Sanskrit word is thought to embody the entire sound of the Universe. Its visual symbol represents the sleep state, the awakened state, the dreams arising from these states, and the veil (Maya) that separates us from enlightenment. Chanting this symbol produces a deeply calming and rejuvenating effect. I have utilized this in my own healing practices to relax and rejuvenate my body and mind. Being mindful of words and sounds has been essential to my way of engaging with the world, and now, discussing the power and use of words has inspired a deeper investigation into their role in everyday language.

I am captivated by the word Wu, in all its meanings and expressions. Even though some aspects of our culture perceive it as different from societal or belief system "norms," I aim to revive and enhance its power and healing potential, along with its possible ability to restore peace in the world.

Aum Shanti ~ Aum Shanti ~ Aum Shanti ( peace ~ peace ~ peace )