When we think about mindfulness and personal growth, we often explore ways to improve our body and mind to achieve our goals while uncovering new and unexpected ones along the way. Embracing the unknown often guides us toward the path we are truly meant to follow. I like to refer to it as “the art of becoming”—the journey to discovering who we are meant to be.
It’s like the transformation we witness in nature, where everything evolves over time, adapting to environmental changes and reflecting the shifts within ourselves, unveiling the timeless, universal essence of life beyond the individual. As we are to be reminded that we are here to explore the difference between having strength and knowing how to use it.
Embracing the unknown can uncover our strengths, not simply by standing alone but by learning to mold and adapt to change. Clinging to the fear of the unknown only traps us in the familiarity of our present circumstances. The commentary on “My Travels with Lieh” explores human nature, highlighting the significance of Confucius and others and their teachings that play a key role in shaping a way to blend our strengths and virtues with how we are meant to live.
The ability to adapt and embrace change, showcasing both character and strength, enhances our lives and impacts greatly those around us. It starts with embracing understanding how our natural tendencies align with the world we shape and inhabit. Key elements influence how we reach our goals, as our nature reminds us that we cannot escape who we are.
Why having an institutional memory and learning to live by cause and effect serve to guide how we are to live every day. That our natural wisdom seeks practicality in accomplishment, which means minimal energy in such a way that we obtain maximum results.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Four – Confucius
63. Showing your strengths
What is strength, but looking at things which others ignore and doing what others 
will not do? Confucius says there was a man referred to as the Earl of Kung Yi who was renowned for his strength. Although upon sight of him, he was weak and puny. When asked to appear before the King of Chou with great honors he was questioned closely and asked:
“Just how strong are you?” The Earl of Kung Yi responded that he could snap the leg of a grasshopper in Spring and pierce the wing of a cicada in Autumn.
The King clearly displeased responded that he had men who could rip the hide off a rhinoceros, drag nine oxen by the tail and was still displeased as they were too weak. How are you known everywhere for your strength? Ah! What a great question. My renowned teacher Shang Ch’iu Tzu’s strength was unrivaled throughout the world. But those close to him knew nothing of it because he never used his strength.
The Earl of Kung Yi continued by saying that he had braved death to serve Shang who had once confided to him:
“When other men wish to see the invisible; look at the thing’s others ignore. When other men wish to see the unattainable, be expert in things others will not do.
So that a man who is learning to use his eyes should begin by seeing a cartload of wood; a man who is learning to use his ears should begin by hearing the clanging of bells.
Whenever there is ease from within there are no difficulties from outside. The strong man meets no outside adversity or dilemma so that none, but his own family hear of him.
Now if my name is famous among the rulers of the state, it is because I have disobeyed my master’s teachings and disclosed my ability. However, I am famous, not because I am proud of my strength, but because I am able to use my strength. Is this not better than being proud of my strength?”
The King could now understand the difference between having and using strength and showing strength and was relieved. 3/19/95
Number sixty-three of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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