Let it Go

There is an ancient teaching story about two Buddhist monks walking along a river in silence. They have a vow of chastity which requires that they never speak to or ever touch a woman.

As they were walking up the river, they came upon a woman who was desperately trying to get across the river because her child is on the other side. It's a fast-flowing river and she is frightened to cross it by herself.

One of the monks walks over to her and offers his help. He picks her up and with the strength that he carries in his legs that walk mountains, valleys and streams, he carries her across the river, sets her down, comes back to join his fellow and they begin again to walk in silence.

About two hours later, the second monk says to the first, "I can't believe you carried that woman across the river. I can't believe you touched her. I can't believe that you broke your vows..." The other monk simply looks at his companion and says, "I put her down two hours ago. You are still carrying her."

Today, let's consider what are we still carrying that really isn't happening anymore. Let's put it down. When we put that down, we now have our hands heart and our mind available to what's here --right now.
-From Mary Morrissey's Daily Dream Builder