eastwind journals – June 12, 2021
By Bernie V. Lopez, eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com
Share by sending this link – https://eastwindjournals.com/2021/06/12/the-secret-to-inner-peace/
Inside you is darkness and mystery. Out in the world, all is bright and clear because you see yourself reflected in it. The story of a bank executive.
Kirk was a young investment analyst in a bank, quiet, withdrawn, keeping to himself. He had a problem dealing with co-employees, who, seeing his weak personality, ignored him or stepped on him. He was the butt of jokes.
Developing acute insomnia and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Kirk sought advice from Raj, a Hindu guru noted for helping disturbed spirits to achieve inner peace.
RAJ – You need to learn to meditate, Kirk, to calm yourself. Let me explain quickly. Step 1. Find a quiet place. Step 2. Let your mind relax. Your spirit is like a swimming pool. If you think a lot, if you are disturbed, there are many waves. You have to stop thinking of the world, of your problems, until you have no more thoughts, no more waves. Step 3. Once the pool is like a smooth mirror, just relax and your true inner self will naturally come out. In the beginning, it may be hard. Why don’t we do it together daily for a week?
Kirk agreed. He followed Raj religiously. At first, his problems kept coming out. But with constant practice and Raj’s guidance, he began to learn to meditate. In two weeks, he was doing well. But this did not solve the problem at the bank. In fact, it worsened when he had a quarrel with Olga, an attractive popular girl, who started back-talking about him. The insomnia and depression returned, and Raj was helpless to guide him.
In his despair, he approached Father Peter, an aging priest in his parish. It was his last resort. He explained the problem to him.
KIRK – Father, I don’t know what to do. Please help me.
FATHER PETER – Raj is a good fellow, but he could not help you because he did not relate the meditation to your work, to your relationships at the bank. Kirk, right now, you are obsessed in self-analysis due to the meditation, in looking inside your soul for a solution.
KIRK – Is that wrong, Father? I am searching for a solution inside me.
FATHER PETER – The solution is not is not inside you. Listen well, Kirk. Go home and meditate tonight on what I am going to say – YOU ARE A MYSTERY TO YOURSELF. THE CLOSER YOU LOOK INSIDE, THE MORE CONFUSED YOU WILL BE. THE SOLUTION IS IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD, IN THE BANK. BY LOOKING AT OTHERS, YOU BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND YOUR REAL SELF.
KIRK – But how is that, Father?
FATHER PETER – Because THE OTHER IS A MIRROR OF YOUR REAL SELF. You understand yourself by simply understanding others. You see, Kirk, our nature is to love others. Love is the very essence of our existence. By loving others, we understand ourselves more. We become better persons by loving.
Kirk was silent because the words hit him like a lightning bold.
FATHER PETER – I can see you are totally shocked.
KIRK – (In tears.) It was right in front of my nose, but I didn’t see it, Father.
FATHER PETER – Go home and meditate on that, Kirk. Then, let’s talk again.
Kirk left quickly, reeling from his new insight to life. Sobbing aloud, he staggered to get home like a drunk. His depression vanished instantly. He went straight to bed, as he had not slept well for over a week. At the break of dawn, he went to the garden.
KIRK – (Shouting, unmindful of neighbors.) Lord, thank you for your gift of inner peace.
At the bank, Kirk was a new man. He went straight to Olga.
KIRK – Olga, I am sorry. I am such a selfish bastard and you can see right through me. Can you forgive me?
OLGA – (Shocked in seeing the new Kirk.) Did someone get into you? You look different. First time I see you smile. You actually look attractive this morning. I am sorry too for taking vengeance.
KIRK – Water under the bridge, Olga. Can we be friends?
Olga stood up and embraced Kirk. Others started teasing them.
KIRK – (Raising his hands.) Listen, guys. I was hit by a lightning bolt last night. I have to reach out to others, this old priest told me, otherwise, I become a nut case. You are looking at the new Kirk. (Loud applause.)
And so the new Kirk was born. It was a total change, from introvert to extrovert. He became the darling of many girls. But his heart finally went to Olga. He was quickly promoted, and in a few years, became Vice President. The Lord bestowed on Kirk the gift of inner peace.
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By Bernie V. Lopez, eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com
Share by sending this link – https://eastwindjournals.com/2021/06/12/the-secret-to-inner-peace/
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