THE TIME TO LET GO THE POLE

 



“Stillness is the language God speaks,

and all else is a bad translation.”

— Eckhart Tolle

 

I met this doctor friend of mine after many years when I rejoined the Tai Chi classes. He is a gentle soul; and his presence and speech, always, have a  calming effect on me. Every Sunday morning, after our Tai Chi session, we both sit in a nearby Mani’s restaurant for a simple cup of tea… During those few minutes there, we discuss anything that is simple and light…

But, I don’t know if what we discussed this morning was simple and light…

One of the relatives of my doctor friend (Age 56) is at a terminal stage of cancer. She and her husband have come (from Dubai) to stay at the residence of my doctor friend for undergoing Chemotherapy in one of the hospitals in Mumbai.

“Presence of loved ones around can help the recovery process,” I said.

“That’s true,” said my friend, “However, one can be lonely even when surrounded by several loved ones around. Inner issues need to be resolved.”

I agreed…

“I, always, give the example of Pole Vault,” my doctor friend continued, “The running is our efforts; the pole is our knowledge; but, when we reach the peak, we need to let go the pole, so that we can land where we are supposed to.”

I could see the point my friend was trying to make… I could see how difficult for most of us to leave the pole when on top –- control, clinging, attachments… these are our obstacles to feel light… feel truly accomplished.  

Knowledge –- all kinds of it –- has to be dropped when we assume, that it’s at the peak…

“That’s the meaning of Vedanta –- the end of the knowledge,” my doctor friend concluded, as I wondered if what Steve Maraboli said was related to Pole Vault:

“Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on.

Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.”





GERALD D’CUNHA


Pic.: thesportsmag.org

Video: Tales by Monisha 2.0

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