No one likes to suffer but...

Yet it's completely unavoidable, at least in the sense that regardless of what choices we make in life at some point in time we will find ourselves asking if we made the right choice. When contemplating our life choices and asking ourselves how we got here, its sometimes unavoidable to be upset and suffer.

Is it productive to do so? - Maybe that is a question we have been asked before and yet as much as we understand the obvious answer is not at all, we can't seem to let go at times.

There is a story I very much enjoyed listening to a few years ago from a friend who enjoys storytelling probably as much as I do. If the story is real or not is probably not as relevant as to illustrate in a powerful way the message it needed to convey.

Two monks were walking down their usual path when they came across a river, the older Monk was leading the way lost in thought when the younger kept on thinking to himself how much he wanted to be just like his teacher.

As they got to the river the found a young woman who had intentions of crossing to the other side but did not want to risk ruining her outfit and was patiently waiting for a gentleman to show up.

It's important to note that Monks have sworn a vow chastity, to them talking to a woman or really engaging on anything with a woman is let's say frowned upon. This common knowledge however did not stop the young woman from asking the Monks who where the only men around to help her cross the river.

The young monk knew better than to fall for this trap, he simply ignored her and cross as if no one needed any help. The wiser older monk however carried the woman on his arms and crossed the river with a smile. He set her down and continued his walk.

This confused the young monk in more ways than one, he did not understand why someone wise as his teacher would make such a choice. As they walked on the path his mind kept on going back to the events that transpired on the river crossing and his heart was filling with anguish and even anger.

I'm sure that if I had been the one to carry her I would have been expelled... He thought to himself, yet kept quiet for another mile or two. Finally the young monk could not take it any longer and in an act of rebellion asked his master.

"Master why would you break your vows of chastity and carry that woman... Can't you see that was horrible and shameful of you???? "

The master slowly turned around and replied with a smile... "Can't you see I'm not carrying her anymore? It seems however that you still are.... "

I guess the powerful message this story conveys is that sometimes by choosing to dwell on things we are effectively putting ourselves harms way, at least emotionally, and its sometimes better to learn to recognize when to let go, when it is us who are choosing to carry burdens that are long gone.

Hope everyone is having a beautiful Monday... much love

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