What's bouncing around in your backpack?

I'd like to share with you a story my hypnotherapy trainers from The Mind Academy told me. Oh yes, I get it. You might not be going on a physical journey soon. But you may be going on a journey of the mind or spirit. So before you go on that journey listen up, snuggle in and get comfy. Here we go.

Before setting out on any journey, it is useful to get ourselves prepared for what we are about to embark upon.

For some, this means gathering new resources most likely needed along the way, which is just as important as leaving out what will not be needed or is no longer required.

At times we pack and carry way too much…the just in case stuff, or the what if stuff.

Below I would like to share one of my favourite stories to take forward into the year that will be:

A senior monk and a junior monk were traveling together. At one point, they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross the river, they saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman asked if they could help her cross to the other side.

The two monks glanced at one another because they had taken vows not to touch a woman.

Then, without a word, the older monk picked up the woman, carried her across the river, placed her gently on the other side, and carried on his journey.

The younger monk couldn’t believe what had just happened. After re-joining his companion, he was speechless, and an hour passed without a word between them.

Two more hours passed, then three, finally the younger monk could contain himself no longer, and blurted out “As monks, we are not permitted to touch a woman, how could you then carry that woman on your shoulders?”

The older monk looked at him and replied, “Brother, I set her down on the other side of the river, why are you still carrying her?”

Something to think about...

“Do something today your future self will thank you for.”

- Sean Patrick Flanery