You never know, underneath all that fat and fur is a Dragon Warrior

The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.

Their wisdom was unfathomable.
There is no way to describe it;
all we can describe is their appearance.

They were careful
as someone crossing an iced-covered stream.
Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapeable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water.

Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself;

The Master doesn’t seek fulfillment.
Not seeking, not expecting,
she is present, and can welcome all things.

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 15
Translation by Stephen Mitchell

The translator’s Zen Master Seung Sahn elaborates on this piece by further stating, “Our mind is like a glass of water. If we put salt into the water it becomes salt water; sugar, it becomes sugar water; shit, it becomes shit water. But originally the water is clear. No thinking, no mind. No mind, no problem.”

Lao-tse’s Chapter 15 applies more broadly than this, but I say resist the influences of others to shape your beliefs and values. And don’t let others define who you are.

And don’t be afraid to explore – your whole life – your identity and capabilities. You won’t know you can fight until you throw a punch… or take a punch.

Others may think they know who you are – until you prove them differently.

You may think you know who you are, until you test and stretch your limits.

You never know, underneath all that fat and fur is a Dragon Warrior.