It could be confusing when we hear that instruction: the middle way between gentleness and discipline.  As if we’re trying to find some quality that’s halfway between discipline and gentleness.  That’s kind of a watered down discipline, or an insincere gentleness.  And I don’t think that’s what’s meant by that instruction.  The middle way between gentleness and discipline is fully gentle, and fully disciplined.  It contains both of those without holding on to either.