Time to move on

My star sign today says:
“If you feel that you have been the designated runner in a relay race, it's now time to pass the baton to someone else. Even if you believe you are solely responsible for your work, surprisingly others may be willing to help. Sharing responsibilities will not only relieve some of the burden on your shoulders; it can also boost your self-esteem and make you feel better about what you have already accomplished.”

On the train to work this morning, I was listening to a talk by Ajahn Brahm on my iPod. He related a lesson that his teacher Ajahn Chah taught him when he was still a novice monk in Thailand about 30 years ago. It goes like this…

Early one morning, Ajahn Brahm bumped into Ajahn Chah while out on alms round. Ajahn Chah picked up a stick from the bushes and asked Ajahn Brahm, “Brahmavamso, how heavy is this stick?” Ajahn Brahm was pondering over the question but even before he could give an answer, Ajahn Chah threw the stick away and walked off.

The stick is as heavy as it feels only when you are holding on to it. The moment you discard it, it no longer has any weight.

Yes, it’s time to pass on the baton, time to throw the stick away.