Huainanzi - Entry 23

Trey Smith

Those who have attained the Way change outwardly but not inwardly. Their outward changes are their means of entering human society; their inner unchanging is their means of keeping whole. Therefore, they have a stable inner life while they can outwardly adapt to changes in others.
~ a passage from The Book of Leadership and Strategy by Thomas Cleary ~

Another way to express the above sentiment is to say that we each need a foundation or an anchor. People who lack a mooring point can be so easily buffeted about by external forces -- pitched to and fro by the rough seas of convention and popular opinion.

The person with a deep foundation [of Tao] has a strong foothold that allows them to stand resolute, yet flexible, even in the worst storms. Individuals who lack this type of anchor are those who talk a good game, but seem unable to follow through successfully. Individuals who embrace the Way are the ones who walk their talk.

Which are you?

To read the introduction to this ongoing series, go here.