A lot of what I like to write about is something that I call ‘the art of inner achievement’, meaning to do with something we consider lasting. What we do refining to how we cultivate and nourish our mind, preserve our vital essence, and vital energy. To what is it that connects us to the stars and cosmos. 
While we can stress the importance of proper drinking, eating, and physical exercise, the most important point lies within our mind as unified spirit.
In ancient cultures we think of Greece, Aristotle and Plato, and China, Lao Tzu and Confucius. In China this was call “Inward Training” and “Techniques of the Mind”, that became in popular usage “Techniques of the Way, or Tao”.
It’s always been about finding ways to cleanse both body and mind. After years of reflection and open-minded learning, it feels like arriving at a celestial home in the sky, filled with countless rooms and doors that connect the wisdom of the past with the possibilities of the future.
You move forward with your heart and mind drifting between the Tao of Lieh, Chuang, and Lao Tzu, while embracing the virtues of Confucius. Letting go of unnecessary attachments and ego, you try to grow more open-minded along the way.
Over the years your writing naturally gravitating toward what initially seems mysterious or even mystical, exploring ideas that at first feel hidden but are simply waiting to be uncovered. They transform into clear commentary and explanation, offering understanding that makes everything easy to grasp and simple to put into practice. Writing becomes a blend of the literary and the everyday, like an almost scholarly translation of ancient texts. 
When you’re so inspired by where the words take you, your next step seems never in doubt.
Writing with Lieh Tzu as your mentor, they are stories meant to convey the activities of everyday man whose exploits lead to events both in and out of one’s control as your own thoughts and words. Conjunctions often showing how our intent at what may appear to be innocent can often take on a life of its own beyond what we intended. Why when innocent thoughts of self-directed principles often lose focus once they extend beyond us.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Eight – Explaining Conjunctions
138. Lord Yuan’s largess
There once was a vagabond of Sung who was quite an amazing fellow. He could perform a certain trick and was summoned before Lord Yuan. Lord Yuan asked him about his special talent. The man’s trick was to fasten to his legs a pair of stilts twice as long as himself and juggle seven swords which he threw in the air at the same time. Lord Yuan was astounded and gave the man a present of gold and silk.
Word got out to other drifters and wanderers of the Lord’s domain of his largess and his willingness to share his fortune with those who had some special talent. Soon others began to appear at Lord Yuan’s Court to show off similar abilities and talents.
The Lord became furious saying:
“Not long ago there was a man who came to me with an extraordinary trick. There was no point to the trick, but as I happened to be in a good mood, I gave him a present of gold and silk. Now others have heard of this fellow’s good fortune and come to my Court in hopes for rewards as well.
If I throw the one who happens to be at my doorstep in prison for a month as lesson, others will soon get the message, and I will be without any entertainment whatsoever. However, if I bring him in and shower him with gifts, my stores will soon be empty from my good will”. 
Lord Yuan continued:
“This man should be punished as he is here, I am told, not because of some extraordinary talent. But is simply the local acrobat who dances in the air at all the fairs in the vicinity. I shall have him punished as he is not really that good.”
Lord Yuan had him bound and punished and did not let him loose for a month. The word soon went out the while those with special talent could come forward and may be rewarded, they should be careful. Because if they failed to impress the Court, they could find themselves wishing they had learned their tricks and honed their skills a little better. 8/15/95
Number one hundred thirty-eight of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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