“Dedicate yourself
to anything that
elevates
and
embraces your heart.”
from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (1.39)
FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS,
THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO.
Matthew 6:21
Have you heard the story of the two monks?
Two monks go for a walk in the woods. Now mind you, these are monks who have taken a vow of silence and celibacy.
They are enjoying the beauty of the trees, the birds singing, the rush of water, when they hear a young lady crying.
Soon they come upon her at the river’s edge.
Seeing her distress, the first monk asks her, what is the matter? The second monk is aghast, how could monk number 1 break his silence?
The young lady must cross the river, yet alas, she cannot swim and it seems impossible that she will ever get to her destination. Monk number 1, picks her up and brings her safely across the river. After much thanks to the monk, she goes on her happy way.
Monk number 2, is practically having a seizure. How in the world could his buddy have broken so many rules? He is righteous in his indignation. Now he must break his vow of silence and let monk number 1 know how wrong he is in ways!
For miles and miles, monk number 2 rattles on about the horror of it all! Finally monk number 1 turns to him and says, “You must be awfully tired.”
Surprised by the comment, monk number 2 says, “Excuse me?”
“Why I put that young lady down miles ago at the river’s edge. Yet you continue to carry her.”, replies monk number 1.
Who are you carrying? Is it worth the frustration?
Put down the unhelpful things, the thoughts, the emotions that are just dragging you down. You have the power to turn things around before it becomes a giant snowball of unhelpful emotions. Because if you hang out in the land of frustration and grumpiness, you’re certain to find many more things to be upset about.
Instead of hanging out in the “bad neighborhood”, become aware of those moments when you are saddened, angered, or wronged by someone. Will you let it ruin your whole day? Or will you leave it by the river’s edge and enjoy your day? And high tail it back to your happy place, where more joyous moments will make their way to you.
It’s up to you.
Know that the sooner you catch yourself carrying these unhelpful things, the easier it is put them down.
Remember, to preserve openness of heart and calmness of mind, focus on those things that lift your spirit. That make your heart sing. Or find something to laugh about. Laughter is great medicine.
Your Turn
Make this a game, be playful, don’t take it too seriously. Whatever pushes your buttons today try this on for size:
- Take a deep breath.
- Place the incident in an imaginary balloon.
- On the exhale, let the balloon float to the sun.
- Imagine golden light washing over your whole body.
- Focus on something that makes you smile.
Lots of love to you and great big hugs!
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