The Elephant And The Fly

This podcast features a ten-minute insight meditation practice followed by a short story that provides some insight into working with a restless mind. The writer of the story, Remez Sasson, uses the analogy of an elephant and a fly to bring home his point about overcoming restlessness.

Transcript

Welcome to We Are Home, The podcast. Hi, I'm Fimo. Let's meditate. Find in a position that is comfortable for you. Allow your eyes to close or simply lower your gaze and connect with your breath. Notice in your in-breath and your out-breath. Breathing in, I know that I'm breathing in. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Whenever you notice that your attention has left your breath, Take a moment to acknowledge wherever you are and gently guide your attention back to your breath. Do this with lots of kindness and without judging yourself. Breathing in, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Stay with your breath. Stay in the present moment. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out. Slowly bring your attention back to the room and when you feel ready, You can open your eyes. I'm sure you've noticed how when you meditate, The mind doesn't always do what you would like it to do. And this can often be discouraging and even frustrating. So today I thought I'd share a story written by Ramez Sassen titled, The Elephant and the Fly. It's a story that I feel really speaks to what many of us experience when we meditate and when we're going about our day to day life. One day, A disciple and his teacher were walking through the forest. The disciple was disturbed by the fact that his mind was in constant unrest. He asked his teacher why most people's minds are restless and only a few possess a calm mind. What can one do to still the mind? He asked. The teacher looked at the disciple, Smiled and said, I will tell you a story. On one beautiful day, An elephant was standing by the shade of a tree, Eating its leaves. Suddenly, A small fly came buzzing and landed on the elephant's ear. The elephant stayed calm and continued to eat, Not heeding the fly. The fly flew around the elephant's ear, Buzzing noisily, Yet the elephant seemed to be unaffected. This bewildered the fly and it asked, Are you deaf? No, The elephant answered. Why aren't you bothered by my buzz? The fly asked. Why are you so restless and noisy? Why can't you stay still just for a few moments? Asked the elephant and peacefully continued eating the leaves. The fly answered, Everything I see, Hear and feel attracts my attention and all noises and movements around me affect my behavior. What is your secret? How can you stay so calm and still? The elephant stopped eating and said, My five senses do not disturb my peace because they do not rule my attention. I am in control of my mind and my thoughts and therefore I can direct my attention where I want and ignore any disturbances including your buzz. Now that I'm eaten, I am completely immersed in the act of eating. In this way, I can enjoy my food and chew it better. I am in control of my attention and therefore I can stay peaceful. Upon hearing these words, The disciple's eyes opened wide and a smile appeared on his face. He looked at his teacher and said, I now understand. My mind will always be in constant unrest if my five senses and whatever is happening in the world around me are in control of it. On the other hand, If I'm in command of my five senses, Able to disregard sense impressions and able to control my thoughts, My mind will become calm and I will be able to disregard its restlessness. Yes, That's right, The teacher answered. The mind is restless and goes wherever the attention goes. Control your attention and you control your mind. This week, Notice where your attention goes. Notice who and what you give your attention to. And notice how you feel when your attention is on one person or one thing, One activity for an extended period of time. I'd like to end today's episode with a positive affirmation that you can repeat with your full voice or quietly to yourself. I am still learning and growing. I am still learning and growing. Thank you for being here. See you next time.

Reviews

I absolutely loved this track and the story at the end was exactly what I needed to refocus my thoughts and remind me that I'm in charge of my inner peace, my thoughts, my responses and what happens for me. So, thank you for this track. Much gratitude. 🥰🙏✨️🌟✨️

WOW, what an absolutely amazing story‼️Thank you, Fimo, for sharing this concept ..a truly much needed lesson for mankind ‼️🙏

Another great practice from Fimo! No spoilers, definitely worth a listen.

Thank you for this meditation and story!