We join spokes together in a wheel,
but it is the centre hole
that makes the wagon move.
We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want.
We hammer wood for a house,
but it is the inner space
that makes it liveable.
We work with being,
but non-being is what we use.
from the Tao Te Ching. Stephen Mitchell's version
I comprehend the English and the words. The meaning and profundity of the first 3 stanzas - gosh! But do I truly know what that non-being is. Nope. I am trying to enjoy being "mostly clueless". These are experiential things and not comprehension-based. Or not. Who knows, coz I certainly do not.
I found this touching and wanted to share.
The usefulness of the cup is in its emptiness.
– Bruce Lee
The quote from the Tao Te Ching brought this one from Bruce Lee to mind.
This is one I struggle with. Every conversation or meeting that I can go into with this mindset, I learn. Every time I am harried or too busy or not focusing, my cup is not empty, I am too busy trying to solve problems and come up with solutions and I never learn. I feel drained. I do a sub-par job.
People don't want what you make
They want what it will do for them. They want the way it will make them feel.
– Seth Godin, from This is Marketing
People don't want six-pack abs. They want what six-pack abs will make them feel. Confidence in your body and mind. Being comfortable with your body. The feeling of accomplishment, of making forward progress in a place where you thought you were previously doomed. The feeling of freedom, when you know this is under your control. It is your choice.
The first time I felt strong, my life changed. The first time I finished a CrossFit workout, I was transformed.
Thanks for reading. And keep sharing those quotes that you love.