Hello, this is Ditto.

The world constantly teaches us to add and to fill. It whispers that we should accumulate more knowledge, build flashier resumes, and own bigger houses. But why is it that the more we add, the heavier and more exhausted our lives become?

When asked for the secret behind sculpting the statue of David, Renaissance master Michelangelo replied: "The angel is already trapped inside the marble. I simply chipped away the unnecessary stone so that the angel could be free."

Great art does not come from continuously slathering on clay. The most perfect form is born only when all that is unnecessary has been taken away. Our lives are like a giant block of stone. When we boldly take a chisel to the vanity painted on by our consciousness of others' gaze, the relationships we force ourselves to hold onto out of anxiety, and the heavy boulders of greed, the true silhouette of our authentic 'self' finally emerges.

Laozi also said, "To pursue learning is to add something day by day; to pursue the Way is to subtract something day by day."

Let us briefly set aside the anxiety of not having more. What piece of your life are you willing to chip away today?

[Today's Poem]

Simply, Solidly, Elegantly / Park No-hae

Simple work makes a person strong In a complex world, practicing restraint and leaving space empty Throwing my whole self into even the smallest tasks first Pushing forward simply through the hardest challenges A solid life makes a person strong Not swaying to the times, like a deep-rooted tree Never losing a smile, even in a fierce storm Making no excuses in the face of any trial An elegant person is a joy just to be near Never losing dignity in the face of any desire Illuminating others rather than shining alone Walking calmly onward, unattached to the outcome.

The satisfaction of filling is fleeting, but the abundance of emptying lingers long by our side. I hope you take some time to quietly meet the David—the angel—inside you, who can finally breathe after chipping away the heavy stones.

This was Ditto.