09/01/2024
One day an old hermit was asked:
- How do you not get tired of being alone all the time?
The old hermit answered:
- I have a lot to do: I have to train two hawks and two eagles, calm two rabbits, handle a snake, motivate a donkey and tame a lion.
- But we don’t see any animals near you. Where are they?
The hermit replied:
- We carry these animals inside of us. Two hawks rush at everything they see - good and bad, useful and harmful. I have to teach them to differentiate and be patient. These are my eyes.
Two eagles with their claws injure and destroy everything they touch. I must teach them to serve and help without causing harm. These are my hands.
Rabbits always jump back and forth, afraid and hiding. I must calm them down and train them how to deal with difficult situations and not run away from problems. These are my legs.
The hardest part is watching the snake. Although it is safely locked in a tight cage, it is always ready to attack, sting and poison anyone who is nearby, so I must discipline it. This is my tongue.
The donkey, as everyone knows, is very stubborn, always tired and does not want to do his job. This is my body.
And finally, I need to tame the lion who wants to be the king and rule over everyone. He is proud, vain and thinks that the whole world should revolve around him. This is my ego.
As you can see, I have a lot of work to do.
P.s.
I love this Taoist proverb. Goals for 2024! 🙏🏼🤗
