2 Stories For The Soul

Many times we live in difficult situations in which we do not know how to act or for which we do not find comfort in those close to us. Full of doubts and without any support to turn to, we immerse ourselves in the problem more and more… Did you know that some stories can help you see the solution or feel better?

Stories with which we feel identified can act as a lamp that gives light to the problem, as well as as a balm for our soul. Next, we tell you two stories that mean more than two stories. Enjoy them.

How much does a pen weigh?

“Kuri was one of the few inhabitants of the small region of Kamú. In winter, the days darkened early and Kuri’s black thoughts dawned with sunset.

“I can’t take it anymore,” he whispered as he made his way to the monastery. Rancor, Anger, Guilt and Anger had accompanied him for a long time, as inseparable traveling companions.

-What are you worried about? The monk asked him when Kuri asked him for help.

-Lately I feel very tired. I think a lot, especially in the past.

The monk instantly understood what was happening to him. He rummaged through the desk drawers and handed him an ancient inkwell.

-How much do you think this feather weighs? He asked.

Kuri pondered for a moment.

-2 grams, he risked.

Then the monk asked him, just as he was with his arm outstretched, to hold the pen a while longer, while he went to look for the book that indicated its exact weight. He explained that, on his return, he could change the answer if he considered it necessary. Kuri, although he did not understand what could make him change his mind, did not object to any phrase, simply shook his head affirmatively.

After five minutes, Kuri thought she would stick with her answer or, well, maybe add another gram. After twenty, his arm hurt considerably.

When the monk returned after half an hour, Kuri was about to give up. “I can’t take it anymore,” he whispered.

The monk sat opposite him and, after gesturing for him to rest, asked him again:

-How much do you think this pen weighs?

Kuri was confused.

-At first, I thought it hardly weighed. About three grams. After a while, its weight seemed to triple, and before you arrived, it seemed like a lump of lead.

-Dear Kuri, negative emotions are like this feather: if you only experience them and let them go, they weigh practically nothing. On the other hand, if you hold them for a long time, you end up feeling them like a slab on your heart.

Kuri walked the way back at a brisk pace, light as a feather … Or rather less. “

The way

“At that time, the drought had raged and it was very difficult for the women gatherers to get food for the community.

Abhigya, the oldest of the group, had located a mango tree on the border, so – despite the fact that it was a dangerous path – she sent two brave young women, Abhaya and Agrata, to gather its fruits.

Abhaya, whose name means “without fear,” walked ahead, determined, strictly following the directions on the map. Agrata accompanied her without honoring her name, which means “take the initiative”.

A few steps later, a tarantula stung Abhaya. Agrata helped her companion and, although she confirmed that it was not a fatal bite, she suggested to Abhaya that they change their path since it was infested with insects. “No, Agrata, this is the marked path to reach the tree, we must follow it in order to reach it,” replied Abhaya, hiding the painful cramps that still caused the bite.

The young women continued their march at a good pace, until Abhaya brushed against a nettle. Agrata helped her partner by extracting juice from the nettles themselves and spreading it on her rash. “Let’s try another path, Abhaya, one without nettles,” Agrata proposed again. Abhaya refused, reminded him again that this was the route that led to the tree.

After a few more calamities and Abhaya’s stubbornness in his efforts to follow the map, they reached the mango tree. Abhaya was exhausted and badly injured. Agrata offered to carry the basket, on condition that they return by another route. Abhaya, almost without strength, accepted.

The return was uneventful, the path that Agrata was choosing received them welcoming, free of insects and nettles. When the basket of mangoes was finally handed to Abhigya, she asked them:

-What have you learned today?

“Stubbornness and stiffness can be dangerous,” Abhaya replied.

“Whoever drew the map had never been to pick mangoes from that tree,” Agrata replied.

Being flexible and assertive , accepting that we have made a mistake, allowing ourselves to change our mind, trying new paths as well as accepting help and taking into account the advice of others can help us reach our goal without suffering. Do the test.

* Original stories by Mar Pastor.