Each of us has a divine spark of strength within us; it stays with us at good and bad times. It is up to us to look inwards and use the strength within us to help us through life. Emotional turmoil, illnesses and failures occur commonly in each of our lives. Perhaps, these factors tend to block us from moving on in life and we feel drained and helpless. Hence, we need to use the strength within us to make constructive changes in our lives. Strength of spirituality within us, shall teach us not to fear failure. It teaches us to try harder in every aspect of our life, ideally it teaches us that wealth is just not counting cash but in counting our blessings in life. I believe that true wealth lies in leading an enriched life as we do the best we can for our peace, happiness and well-being. Generally, inner strength gives us a sense of self-discovery and wholeness, it teaches us what truly matters and what doesn’t.
I would like to share a story about an elephant and an fly. “One day, a disciple and his teacher were walking through the forest. The disciple was disturbed by the fact that his mind was in constant unrest. He asked his teacher: “Why most people’s minds are restless and only few possess a calm mind? What can one do to still the mind?” The teacher looked at the disciple, smiled and said, “I will tell you a story.” “One beautiful day, an elephant was standing by the shade of a tree, eating its leaves. Suddenly, a small fly came buzzing and landed on the elephant’s ear. The elephant stayed calm and continued to eat, not heeding the fly. He flew around the elephant’s ear, buzzing noisily, yet the elephant seemed to be unaffected. This bewildered the fly, and it asked, ‘Are you deaf?’ The elephant answered in negative. Fly asked “Why aren’t you bothered by my buzz?”
To this the elephant asked the fly why he is so restless and noisy and peacefully continued eating the leaves. The fly said “Everything I see, hear and feel attracts my attention, and all noises and movements around me affect my behavior.” Asked the elephant what’s his secret to stay calm and still. The elephant replied to this, “My five senses do not disturb my peace, because they do not rule my attention. I am in control of my mind and my thoughts, and therefore, I can direct my attention where I want, and ignore any disturbances, including your buzz.” “Now that I am eating, I am completely immersed in the act of eating. This way, I can enjoy my food and chew it better. I am in control of my attention, and therefore, I can stay peaceful.”
This story clearly teaches our minds to move from turbulence to tranquility as perhaps an uneasy mind cannot be calm and we must understand this obvious truth. Our mind is like an ocean therefore it is constantly moving, just like water, without ever coming to a rest.
Generally, our thoughts are restless just like waves on the shore, they don’t only disturb us, but they also prohibit us from finding peace of mind, hence if you are able to reduce the influence of your thoughts on your mind, you will create a calm sea.
