When the shoe fits, the foot is forgotten. When the belt fits, the belly is forgotten. When the heart is right, "for" and "against" are forgotten. No drives, no compulsions, no needs, no attractions: Then your affairs are under control. You are a free man.

― Zhuangzi

"When the shoe fits, the foot is forgotten."

• Effortless Functionality: This illustrates the idea that when something perfectly serves its purpose, we no longer need to consciously think about it. A comfortable shoe allows us to walk freely without being aware of our feet.
• Transcendence of the Tool: The focus shifts from the tool (the shoe) to the action (walking). When things are in harmony, the means become transparent, and we are simply present in the experience.

"When the belt fits, the belly is forgotten."

• Natural Integration: A well-fitting belt becomes a natural extension of our clothing, serving its function without causing discomfort or requiring attention. We are not preoccupied with its presence.
• Absence of Self-Consciousness: Similar to the shoe, a fitting belt allows us to move and be without being overly aware of our body or the constraints of our clothing.

"When the heart is right, 'for' and 'against' are forgotten."

• Inner Harmony: This is the core of the analogy. When our inner state, our "heart," is balanced and aligned with the Tao, the dualistic judgments of "for" and "against" cease to dominate our perception.
• Transcendence of Duality: Zhuangzi often emphasized moving beyond binary thinking. When the heart is "right," we see things with greater clarity and acceptance, without the need to categorize everything into opposing sides.
• Impartiality and Equanimity: This state of inner alignment leads to a more impartial and balanced perspective, where preferences and aversions don't cloud our judgment.

"No drives, no compulsions, no needs, no attractions:"

• Freedom from Internal Pressure: This describes the state of being that arises when the heart is right. "Drives," "compulsions," "needs," and "attractions" are all forms of internal pressure that can lead to struggle and attachment.
• Spontaneity and Natural Action: Without these internal pressures, our actions become more spontaneous and in line with the natural flow, rather than being dictated by desires or aversions.

"Then your affairs are under control."

• True Mastery: This isn't about forceful control, but rather a natural order that arises from inner harmony. When we are not driven by internal conflicts, our actions and interactions with the world become more balanced and effective.
• Effortless Management: When we are in alignment, things tend to fall into place more naturally, without the need for constant striving or manipulation.

"You are a free man."

• Inner Liberation: This is the ultimate outcome. Freedom, in Zhuangzi's view, is not about external circumstances but about inner liberation from the constraints of our desires, judgments, and attachments.
• Unfettered Being: When we are free from internal struggle, we are truly free to be ourselves and to move through the world with ease and authenticity.

In essence, this quote uses vivid analogies to illustrate the profound impact of inner alignment. When our inner state is balanced and "right," we transcend the dualistic way of thinking that creates conflict and attachment. This freedom from internal pressures leads to a natural mastery of our lives and an experience of true liberation. It's a powerful call to cultivate inner harmony as the key to navigating the world with grace and freedom.