The Silent Monk
There once was a monastery that was very strict. Following a vow of silence, no one was allowed to speak at all. But there was one exception to this rule: every ten years, each monk was allowed to say just two words. After his first ten years at the monastery, one monk went to the head monk." It has been ten years," said the head monk. "What are the two words you would like to say?" "Bed... hard..." the monk replied." I see," said the head monk.
Ten more years passed, and the monk returned to the head monk’s office." It has been another ten years," the head monk said. "What are your two words?" "Food... stinks..." the monk responded." I see," said the head monk.
Another ten years passed. The monk once again stood before the head monk, who asked, “What are your two words now, after these thirty years?” "I... quit!" said the monk."
Well, I can see why," said the head monk. "All you’ve ever done is complain."
Food for thought
- What would you say if you had only two words every ten years?
- Are you using your voice to build up or break down?
- Sometimes, what we choose to focus on shapes our entire experience.
- Complaining is easy; being mindful and grateful takes strength.
Moral:
Be as thoughtful with your words as you are with your actions. Words carry weight use them wisely.
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