Chapter 22

To become strong, yield.
To be straightened out, bow down.
To achieve fullness, empty yourself.
To be young again, allow yourself to age.
To learn, forget.
The wise person seeks the darkness
and shines.
She doesn’t boast or compete,
so no one can compete with her.
There is an old saying that, like a tree, our survival depends
on flexibility, that the rigid snap when the wind rages.
That is a cliche. It is also true.
If you can let yourself go
you have already returned.

© 2003