Continuing to read from the Zhuangzi.  A few verses come as a calming presence when facing circumstances which present a likelihood of a weakened society, more violence, less solicitude for the unfortunate majority without power.  I need not say that “power” is shorthand for financial reserves.  A government shutdown over the coming weekend…  Likely.

I plan to be present at an Art Walk in Mt. Prospect on Saturday afternoon, and possibly a Wheel Standing Competition at a race track outside of Rockford for Sunday afternoon.

What will be, will be.  Language simply does chop everything into pieces, making distinctions.  Distinctions materialize for us, seeming as real as real can be.  The Tao accompanies, and meets all things.

This is the Tao;
– there is in It emotion and sincerity,
but It does nothing and has no bodily form.

It may be handed down (by the teacher),
but may not be received (by his scholars).

It may be apprehended (by the mind), but It cannot be seen.

It has Its root and ground (of existence) in Itself.
Before there were heaven and earth, from of old, there It was, securely existing.
From It came the mysterious existences of spirits,
from It the mysterious existence of God.
It produced heaven; It produced earth.

…(The Tao) is a thing
which accompanies all other things and meets them,
which is present when they are overthrown
and when they obtain their completion.

Its name is Tranquillity amid all Disturbances,
meaning that such Disturbances
lead to Its Perfection.

—Zhuangzi, The Great and Most Honored Master trans. by James Legge