Elisabeth Fayt, Founder and Co-Owner of rnr Wellness.
I heard an old fable worth sharing, and it goes like this:
There was a monastery; a very unique monastery, in which the monks were allowed to speak only once every 10 years, and then, only two words. So a new monk joined the monastery, and after 10 years, he had his first opportunity to say his two words. So all the monks were gathered around the dinner table, and the head monk asked this young monk to speak. The monk said “Food bad.” So 10 more years passed (20 years now into the monastery) and the monk had a second opportunity to speak. So the head monk asked him to speak, and the monk said “Bed hard.” Ten more years passed (30 years now into the monastery) and the monk was given a third opportunity to speak, and the monk said “I quit.” And the head monk said, “I’m not surprised. You have been complaining ever since you came.”
This story is more than just an amusing tale. Its relevance to daily life is profound. We’re often alone with our thoughts, aren’t we? In fact, inside our mind is the one place no one else can dwell unless we choose to let someone in. And much of our time is spent thinking. So ponder this. If you had to remain silent all day, then at the end of the day, were allowed to share one thought, what would it be? For most people, it would be the one thing they needed to “get off their chest”, like the monk, right? It’s no wonder why some people want to “quit” after a while.
Analyze your thoughts. As much as you may think you are positive, honestly introspect. If you don’t like the trend of your current thoughts, only you can change them.
And if you ever feel like you’re about to complain about the food, your body, your job or your companions, stop yourself and inhale a long breath. This gets you to stop and be consciously aware of what you’re doing. Then release that negative thought with a long, slow, outgoing breath. And repeat this, until that negative train of thought is gone!
It really works. And this is the power breath can have in your life.
First we become aware of what we’re doing. Then we exhale what we don’t want. And when we’re ready to replace it with something new and positive, we breathe in that new thought with a new, fresh in-coming breath.
And…remember to be grateful that you have the freedom to speak every day. Use your speech for good. To inspire and uplift others. To share the wisdom that is inside of you, and the beauty around you. You will attract other people who practice the same, and then life becomes sweeter.
Inhale the future….exhale the past.
