Once upon a time, in a serene village surrounded by lush mountains, there lived a humble girl named Anaya. Each evening, the villagers would gather by the riverbank, watching the golden sun dip below the horizon. Anaya often joined them, but her mind would wander to her worries about the future and her fears of the unknown.
One twilight, as Anaya sat by the river, she noticed an elderly woman named Maaya, who often sat quietly, her eyes closed, seemingly in deep contemplation. Curious about her stillness, Anaya approached her and asked, “Dear Maaya, don’t you ever feel anxious about the future?”
Maaya smiled gently and replied, “Ah, my dear, the river has taught me many lessons. Let me share a story.”
She began, “Long ago, this river was wild and turbulent, rushing to find its way. It struggled against the rocks and bends, desperate to reach the sea. But one day, it met an old wise tree that stood firm by its banks. The tree, witnessing the river’s plight, whispered, ‘Dear river, do not rush. Flow gently. Embrace each bend and rock, for they are part of your journey to the sea.’”
“Confused yet curious,” Maaya continued, “the river took the tree’s advice. It began to slow down, noticing the beauty around it—the shimmering stars reflected on its surface, the cool breeze dancing through the leaves, and the joy of the creatures that came to drink from its waters. In that stillness, it discovered the essence of its being, each ripple a reminder of its vastness.”
“Over time,” Maaya added, “the river learned to flow with grace, embracing every twist and turn. It realized that by being present, it revealed the depth of its own beauty and purpose. And so, it arrived at the sea, not in haste, but as a serene embodiment of its journey.”
Anaya listened intently, feeling a warmth spark within her. Maaya concluded, “Just as the river found peace in the present moment, so too can you. In mindfulness, you’ll discover your inner self, unburdened by thoughts of the past or future.”
That night, as Anaya lay in bed, she practiced Maaya’s teachings. With each breath, she embraced the quiet of her surroundings, allowing her worries to drift away like fallen leaves on the river. She learned to cherish the present moment, knowing that it was the key to deeper self-discovery.
From that day forward, Anaya would often visit the river, drawing wisdom from its flowing waters, and she became a beacon of mindfulness in her village.
Lesson: Just like the river, when we embrace the present moment, we uncover the beauty of our true selves. Mindfulness allows us to flow gracefully through life’s journey.
A Collaboration with Chat Smith
The Mindful Leader and Coach 