Positive change requires letting go of old patterns and taking a fresh approach.  It demands going beyond our preconceived ideas.  A story about the relations of a teacher and student illustrates this principle.

A student who thought he had it “all figured out” would visit his teacher each day for personal lessons about life.  Despite the teacher’s attempts to share her life experience, the student always resisted.  One day the teacher took a different approach.  When he arrived, the teacher asked the student if he would like some tea.  The teacher then proceeded to set the tea table and brought in a huge pot of piping hot tea.  She not only filled the student’s cup, but once the cup was full, she continued to pour.  Tea overflowed, covering the table and streaming onto the beautiful carpet; the hot tea ruined everything! The student was shocked.  He jumped up from his chair and started screaming at the teacher, “Stop! You must be crazy! You’re ruining everything! Can’t you see what you are doing?” The teacher continued her pouring as if the student wasn’t present until the entire pitcher was empty.  Only then did she look calmly at the student and respond, “If you want to receive my tea, you must keep your cup empty.”

Like a wise student, we can gain insight only if we are open to it. (Kevin Cashman. Leadership from Inside Out)

Wishing you peace and well being as you open your mind to new information and experiences