E-couragement: A Decision

“Knowledge is learning something everyday. Wisdom is letting go of something everyday.” Zen Proverb

Sitting in my sister and brother-in-law’s living room on a recent visit, I savored the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was a perfect spot to sip morning coffee and work on my book. As I was doing so, my niece, Katie, came over and sat beside me. Not yet inhibited by thoughts of “personal space,” she snuggled up next to me, leaned over my shoulder, and peered onto my computer screen. I was adding a quote to one of my chapters when she began reading aloud. Here’s what she read:

“In some Asian countries there is a very effective trap for catching monkeys. A slot is made in the bottom of a coconut, just big enough for the monkey to slide its hand in, but not big enough for the hand to be withdrawn when it’s clenched. Then they put something sweet in the coconut, attach it to a tree, and wait for the monkey to come along. When the monkey slides its hand in and grabs the food, it gets caught.” (Shambhala Sun Here, Now, Aware: The Power of Mindfulness by Joseph Goldstein—November 2007)

Once she finished, I decided to take on the role of teacher. I asked her:

“What do you think has the monkey trapped?”

She quickly replied, “The coconut.”

“Has the coconut really caught the monkey?” I questioned.

“Oh, the tree!”

“Katie, what really has the monkey trapped?”

I could see a look of deep concentration on her face. After a few moments of silence, intently studying the story on my laptop, she responded, “A decision.”

I paused…soaking in what I had just heard. Katie turned out to be the teacher that fall morning. Unlike some adults, Katie is smarter than a monkey. She gets it. Freedom and opportunity are merely a decision away.

At times I find people trapped by refusing to let go of the very thing that has them stuck. They create their own personal imprisonment, preventing opportunity for the freedom to grow, flourish, and develop. This occurs by holding on to past programming, thoughts, beliefs, habits, feelings, or people that should be turned loose and sent packing. This is not the way of the engaging leader. 2010 is your year. It’s time for “a decision.” What will you let go of? What will you release? Free yourself. Now with your hand open, you are able to receive new programming, thoughts, beliefs, and habits that await you and will serve you better going forward. Make the first move…a decision. Katie and I will be waiting for you.

Leave your comments: What will you release in 2010 that will allow you to grow and develop personally and professionally?