Are you familiar with the story of the Farmer and the Horse?
I was first introduced to it during meditation, quite recently. It deeply resonated with me. Interestingly, I have run into this story multiple times ever since, in different formats and even languages. Here is the story:
The Farmer and the Horse
There was a farmer in a small village with a single horse who helped him earn a living for his family. The other villagers constantly told the farmer how lucky he was to have such a great horse.
Maybe, he would reply.
One day, the horse ran away. The villagers came to the farmer to express their sympathies.
How unfortunate! the villagers exclaimed.
Maybe, the farmer replied.
A few days later, the horse returned home, with ten strong wild horses in tow.
What good fortune, the villagers crowed.
Maybe, the farmer again replied.
The following week, the farmer’s son was riding one of the wild horses in the fields, when it kicked him off and broke his leg.
The villagers arrived to express their dismay.
What dismal luck, they said.
Maybe, the farmer replied.
The next month, a military officer marched into the village, recruiting able-bodied young men for the war. The farmer’s son, with his broken leg, was left behind.
The villagers were joyful: Your son has been spared. What beautiful luck!
The farmer simply smiled.
Maybe.
What the story teaches us
As a health and wellness coach, I find the message of this story priceless. Many times, as human beings, we jump into conclusions that limit and hinder our experiences. Or even before that, our own prejudices prevent us from seeing the full view and its potential. It’s not uncommon either to get too attached to things or circumstances, and when these change, because they will, we feel disoriented. The story teaches us how to deal with these common situations. It teaches us how an open mindset can set us for success better than a fixed mindset.
First and most evident, context is everything and all is relative: blessing in disguise, like they say, does exist, and so does the opposite.
Second, impermanence. This is one of the mindfulness foundations: that every moment is truly unique, and change is the only constant. Whatever the situation is, or one thinks it is now, it will surely change. Awareness of the impermanent nature of life can help us navigate uncertainty too.
Third, it’s best to avoid judgment. That’s what the neighbors were doing all the time, judging the events. And their judgment was not accurate in the end.
In summary, it’s about being receptive and adaptable. About having an open mindset.
How to use the story in your day to day
Here are some ideas:
- Next time you find yourself rushing to conclusions or judgment, withhold it for a little. See how things develop in the end.
- If you find yourself really enjoying a situation, go all in. Be mindful and in the present. But don’t get too attached to it or identify yourself with it. Because, one way or another, the situation will evolve.
- If you find yourself struggling, know that it will pass. Take it one step at a time, one day at a time. You’ll be at the other side of the hill, or the staircase, sooner than you think. I personally use this technique when I’m overwhelmed at work, or with life events in general.
- When interacting with people whose opinion might differ from yours, try to be receptive to new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge your initial belief or assumptions. Be curious and try to understand from authentic curiosity. You may realize that your ideas become even richer by incorporating other points of view.
Do you have a different learning from the story? How are you going to apply it in your day to day?
Be well,
Isabel
thrivebytheslice.com 