We often believe our goal should be to build on our strengths, but the opposite is often true. When cultivating stillness, we should first reflect on who we aspire to become as our highest selves. Understanding ourselves and what that entails becomes the path we are meant to follow—it shapes how we live each day. There is a book called “Cultivating Stillness A Taoist Manuel for Transforming Body and Mind” by Eva Wong, that I follow and study almost every day.
There are many books by different authors that I look to for guidance and wisdom as a storyteller that I have learned to consider as mentors. Eva Wong is definitely one of my favorites that keep me on my own path. I encourage you to check out her many books.
Writing has become an enduring passion for me, something I truly love. Through reading and studying ancient texts, particularly those of Lieh, Chuang, and Lieh Tzu in Taoism, as well as others, I’ve learned that when you read in a way that captures the essence of the text for yourself, you become one with the words you write. Several years ago, as I was writing, the thought struck me: “What I write is who I am to become”. What’s important is not confining your reading to what you already know but expanding it to include what you don’t. Over time, you realize that your writing becomes a reflection of the path you’re meant to follow.
I am writing the below entry thirty years ago after moving to Florida and beginning a new job as the Assistant Planner in 
Boynton Beach. In thinking about our strengths and weaknesses, we often confuse the value of each failing to see beyond the present and that ability lies in our heart.
Living takes on a deeper meaning when we embrace a “paradigm shift” in our actions and thoughts. It’s about aligning what we do with who we are becoming. As Ram Dass reminded us, we use our actions as the vehicle to move further along our journey. I’ve also written about the importance of learning patience, understanding that there’s no need to rush.
In the end, we often overlook the value of our weaknesses. They remind us that we are here to learn about ourselves, our nature, and the world around us. They help us learn lessons far beyond what we imagine and remind us that we are connected to something much greater than ourselves. By working on what we see as weaknesses, we can learn to match our ambition and our eternal energy, maintain essential balance and keep our strengths in perspective.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Five – The Questions of T’ang
84. Matching ambition with energy
Two men Kung Ho and Chi Ying were ill and after much searching found a doctor named Pien Chiao to treat them. After 
helping them recover from their illnesses that were evident on the outside, the doctor informed them that they both suffered an illness that had been with them from birth. That these illnesses had grown inside them as they had grown to become men and he could find a cure for them if they wished him to find it.
The men then asked the doctor why he thought this was the case and he responded: “Kung Ho, your ambition is greater than your energy so that you are capable of forming plans but seldom come to decisions. Whereas, Chi Ying, your energy is greater than your ambition so that you rarely think ahead and come to grief by acting irresponsible. If I exchange your hearts, you both will benefit by matching your ambitions with your energy”.
Pien Chiao then drugged the two men with wine and they both lost consciousness for three days. He opened their chests, exchanged their hearts, and applied the appropriate medicine and they were soon as well as before.
When fully recovered they both set off for home. However, Kung Hu returned to Chi Ying’s house and took possession of his wife and children, who of course did not recognize him. 
Chi Ying did the same returning to Kung Hu’s house, took possession of Kung’s wife and children and of course they didn’t recognize him as well.
The two families went to court against each other and called on doctor Pien Chiao to explain. Upon hearing the explanation all parties were satisfied. Kung Ho and Chi Ying went back to their new homes and families.
As they all believed a person’s ability rested in their heart, Kung Ho’s new energy now allowed him to follow through on his plans and come to the right decision on things. And Chi Ying’s ambitions were now checked with energy to match them. Now understanding what had happened, both families were much happier and prospered greatly. 4/28/95
Number eighty-four of one hundred fifty-eight entries
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