There is an old Japanese story about a businessman and a Japanese monk:
An extremely successful CEO from an internationally acclaimed company went to visit a monk at a Japanese Zen Buddhist temple while on a trip to Japan. He wasn’t quite sure what he was seeking, but something had drawn him there. Perhaps he was in need of a blessing or a bit of wisdom.
After he entered the temple, he was shown to a room with very little furniture except for some big pillows for sitting and a small table. The CEO just stood and paced while waiting for the monk. After a period of time the monk quietly enters, bowed to his visitor in greeting, and bids that the businessman sit on one of the pillows while he sits on the other. The monk begins to close his eyes and is about to go into a meditation when the businessman starts talking. He pronounces why he’s there, what is so spiritually uplifting about the work, and all the good he’s done for people and the environment.
The monk listens for some time and then raises a hand to silence the man. He says, “I think we should have some tea,” as he rises and walks out. Several long minutes later he returns with a tray carrying a steaming pot of tea and two cups. He sets them down on the small table and again sits on his cushion. He says to the man, “This is Japanese tea ceremony; very ancient.”
He slowly bows to the man, reaches over with both hands to ceremoniously pick up the tea pot, and slowly begins to pour the tea into the man’s cup. The cup slowly begins to fill—a quarter of the way up, half way up, three quarters—and the monk keeps slowly pouring. The visitor anxiously notes that the cup is almost full and getting closer and closer to the brim. The pour continues. The brim is reached. The monk does not move a muscle to stop. He calmly keeps pouring. As the tea beings to overflow, the businessman begins to freak out. “Watch out! You’re spilling the tea! You’re making a mess! It’s going everywhere!” The monk slowly stops pouring. He gently puts the tea pot down and sits back on his cushion. He lifts his eyes to meet the man’s and quietly looks at him. Finally he speaks.
“You are that tea cup. You are so full of your own thoughts and beliefs; there is no room for any more. Before you can learn anything from me, you have to empty yourself of your preconceived notions, thoughts, and beliefs. With an open mind and open heart, let this be a new beginning.”
As 2014 comes to a close and 2015 approaches, ask yourself what you’re holding on to and what you can release to make room for new beginnings.
We at the Motivational Institute of Hypnotherapy want to let you know how honored we are to have you as a part of our community. Each one of you makes a difference.
Have a wonderful holiday!
To Your Success,
Peak Performance Coach