the TAO of TATTOOING 16

Foreword

In this series of blog entries I will offer my fledgling, humble interpretations of Lao-Tsu's 81 chapters of the Tao te ching, as it applies to tattooing.  I am in no way attempting to represent myself as a master of Taoist philosophy, however Lao-Tsu's teachings have inspired me for several decades, and I often look to them for inspiration in dealing with the many challenges of my chosen profession.
   I intend to find my way through each of the chapters, and compile them here in my blog until they are complete, at which time I will publish them in book form for my friends and colleagues in tattooing. I hope that my interpretations might assist and inspire my peers, my clients, my friends, to better understand tattooing, and the meaningful impact it has on all of our lives.  And if perhaps these interpretations lead anyone back to the original teachings of Lao-Tsu, well then I will have truly done something to enrich the world.

the TAO of TATTOOING



16

Cultivate serenity.
Seek inner quiet.
Observe the world in all its turmoil,
while imagining utopia.

Clients walking into the studio
may be students, or they may be teachers.
We must be open to either.

When you remember this,
you look at each new client,
with a gentleness, and openess,
that allows you to truly be present.
Grounded in this mindset,
you will have a meaningful career,
and at retirement, you will be prepared.