I was reading this book called "Letters to Sam" by Daniel Gottileb. It is a book written by a grandfather for his grandson. A particular story from the book attracted my attention. It is based on zen tradition about a young student who is suffering so terribly that, he can't get a moments rest. So he goes to his master to ask for help. The teacher advised him to put a tablespoon of coarse salt in a glass of water, stir it around, and drink it down. The student did as he was told. Of course, the water tasted terribly salty.
Now, teacher indicates a spring that's bubbling from the ground, and tells his student, "I want you to pour tablespoon of salt into the spring water. The student is then asked to drink water, and he finds the taste of salt imperceptible. Teacher explains, "The problem is not the salt. The problem is the container you have. Try to make the container bigger".
Ever thought about some of the ways how we can all make our containers bigger?
Well here are 10 ways, the list is infinite, I have come up with a list which is best according to me:
- Get a pet home.No matter which one, it takes hell lot of a patience to keep them at home. Especially is you're expecting a baby, try get a "Pug".
- When you come across someone take initiative and greet them. Be nice particularly to those who aren't nice to you.
- Join community service. If you have a Gurudwara close by visit it on Sundays. You'll get an opportunity to serve others. (This is one example)
- Make food and share it with others - They say sharing is caring.
- Watch videos / read stories on heroes like these:
- Make a greeting card and send it to a friend on his / her birthday
- Learn a foreign language. It keeps your brain sharp and knowing different cultures will enlarge your vision
- Meditate / Pray - It has its own positives
- Meet your teachers, especially the ones who taught you at school. They wouldn't hesitate a second to tell you, how exactly you changed!
- Last but not the least: Proactively do things to others (socially and legally acceptable of course), which you would have liked if they would have done to you
Best wishes!
