6. Ignoring and Avoiding Action

This pattern refers to the mentality and behavior of knowingly or unknowingly allowing things to go in a negative direction or form a vicious cycle by ignoring or neglecting. 


Examples are: 

  • I know I have unhealthy habits and addictions. There isn’t much I can do about it. Life goes on. 
  • Many people are like that and they seem to be doing just fine. Why bother going to the trouble of tackling things that are extremely difficult to change? 
  • I know I have this unhealthy habit and I have attempted to change it, but with little success. I have given up and decided to just let it be. 
  • Often, when things are not going well, I immediately think it is someone else’s fault and feel angry. 
  • I have done enough work on myself. What is the point of continuing to try to change myself? Why not take it easy and ‘go with the flow’?

Related patterns include: Avoiding and Hiding, Fixed Expectations, Self-Centeredness, Double Standards, Laziness and Procrastination, Shirking and Shifting Responsibility 


This pattern will inevitably turn a small fault into a bigger fault or allow a problem to evolve into many problems. Furthermore, the person will be unable to truly face his problems, let alone change them. Eventually vicious cycles of all kinds will develop, taking life in a negative direction. This pattern can be detrimental to oneself, other people and the environment.

  • Whether we want to admit or not, every adult has many unhealthy patterns. These patterns will not just disappear by themselves if they are left unattended. More likely the number and intensity of unhealthy patterns will increase. 
  • ‘Ignoring and Avoiding Action’ is different from going with the natural flow. The latter refers to following the laws for healthy, natural and harmonious development, which leads to the opposite effect of this pattern. Seeing these very different behaviors as the same is itself a manifestation of the pattern of Avoiding and Hiding. 
  • Maintain awareness in every present moment so every thought and every action can be seen clearly. When noticing that there is room for adjustment or change, face the thoughts or actions seriously and make the necessary adjustment or change. This is how tomorrow can be better and where hope for the future lies. 
  • Facing oneself and making change is the beginning of taking responsibility for one’s own life. It is also a way to carry out our responsibility and obligation to others and the world. 
  • It is not a scary thing to face one’s problems. What is truly scary is not seeing one’s problems or pretending they don’t exist. 
  • Suggestion: Cultivate Wu Xin, especially trust, openness and love. Focus on working on the pattern of Avoiding and Hiding.