No man is free who is not master of himself. ~ Socrates
The more time we dedicate to observing the way we feel, think and move in the world, the more opportunity we have to overcome and master the old ways of being.
It does however, require self-discipline, patience, responsibility, and resilience; but most of all it demands humility, and a beginners mindset.
‘The swordsman had been practicing martial arts for ten years when a zen master called him for a test. When he entered the temple, the master reached inside a bag and threw an apple in his direction. The swordsman stood there, startled, as the apple fell inches away from his feet.
‘You don’t understand yet, the master said, ‘You have a long way to go to become a master.’
The swordsman spent the next ten years perfecting his technique, sharpening his body and mind to their limit. When he felt he had become one with his blade, he asked to see the master again. As soon as the swordsman entered the temple, the master threw another apple in his direction. He struck the apple in mid-air with his blade, cutting it in two perfect halves before it hit the floor.
‘You are a warrior and strong enough to defeat an army, but you have yet to master your mind.’
The swordsman then retreated into himself. He hardly used his sword or read the sutras anymore, but spent most of his days in sitting meditation. One afternoon, when his mind had reached a deep understanding of who he really was, he received a message from the temple. The master was on his deathbed and wanted to see him one last time.
When the swordsman arrived, the master gathered his remaining strength and threw an apple in his direction. The swordsman ignored the apple and let it fall on the floor, a few inches from his feet, without breaking eye contact with the master.’
‘You finally understand it. You have learned to tell true tests from mere distractions and to let life take its course when there is no need for intervention.
Over on the desk you will find the keys to the temple.
You can go in peace. You have become the Master. ‘
Zen Story 🌿
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Very powerful words kind lady, I spent my life too dodging apples…until one day one of them hit me in the head. It was then I felt just how sore my neck really was from dodging them all through my life. Great post 🤗❤️🙏
We need be careful of the apples being thrown at us Mark! 🍎 🍏 😉 But sometimes they are exactly what we need to move in a new direction. Thank you 🙏🏻 🤩
Indeed Karen, we just have to understand our stubborn bits first. Thank you 😂
A beautiful start to the week, Karen. Thank you. The Socrates quote is one of my favorites… and the words of mastering life/self is so important. Cheers to a beautiful week ahead.
Thank you Randall! Have a wonderful week ahead too and Happy Thanksgiving. 🌿🤩🌿
Thank you for sharing such a thought-provoking story, Karen. It isn’t easy to learn that simple attentive presence is often the wisest response to life’s challenges.
Sending gratitude and best wishes to you. 💜
I agree Carol. It’s a practice for life and is indeed the pathway to our freedom. Thank you for being here. 🌿💞🌿
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We humans have a long way to go. Thank you, Karen, for guiding us on this journey.
We do Michele, but everyday is a new opportunity to start again. Thank you so much. 💞🙏🏻💞