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The Middle Way is not a state of extreme tension. Neither is it that of slackness. In the classic analogy of the Middle Way, the stringed instrument that plays beautifully is tense-but to the right extent. It is definitely not loose but just nice. (A bow can shoot an arrow only when there is appropriate tension in its string. Over-stretching the string with the arrow snaps it and the arrow goes nowhere.) The moment you fumble in your everyday tasks is an indication of your slackness (lack of healthy tension) in mindfulness, and thus in your spiritual cultivation. But of course, it would be near "impossible" to fumble if you are so slack that you don't even carry out your everyday tasks! Over-tension is easy to detect-you will be having a headache most of the time from overstrain! The key question: With your present tension, are you playing beautiful music with your thought, word and deed? Are you heading somewhere with your various crescendos and dimuendos? Is your symphony harmonious? Is it a masterful masterpiece? How is it to be composed and played if not?
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