Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft,
even so the discerning man straightens his mind
— so fickle and unsteady, so difficult to guard.
As a fish when pulled out of water and cast on land throbs and quivers,
even so is this mind agitated.
~Dhammapada 3:33-34
Fleeting thoughts that are fed and watered soon bear fruit in our words and actions. Every behavior begins as a seed in the mind that manifests after it is cultivated with attention. The Elephant is known for the strength of its memory, but this power can be gentle (as when it strokes the bones of other elephants) or horrific (as when its territory is cut off by human encroachment and rampage ensues). Every day, thoughts and memories fill the buckets of the mind. What bucket is about to overflow?
In books, a character often stifles inappropriate laughter. Yesterday I started to say something sharp to Rob and just caught myself in time, turning it into a coughing fit...I may have a new mind to mouth control tool!
ReplyDeleteNice save. :) I recently told R to pat his chest - heart side - when my tone moves away from being kind or respectful.
DeleteImpatience fills my bucket sometimes.
ReplyDeleteIt's cousin, frustration, tops the rim in mine often.
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