Have you heard the story of the two monks and the heavy load? It is a Zen tale passed down for centuries in Buddhist teachings.

One day two traveling monks reached a town and saw a young woman waiting to step out of her sedan chair. There were deep, muddy puddles and she couldn’t step across without getting mud on her silk robes. She impatiently scolded her attendants, who were burdened with heavy packages.

The younger monk walked by the young woman without speaking. But the older monk stopped and picked her up on his back, carrying her across the mud. Not only did she not thank the monk, she shoved him out of her way when he put her down and scurried by him haughtily.

As the two monks continued on their way, the younger monk was brooding. After a long time, he finally spoke out. “That woman was so rude but you picked her up and carried her! She didn’t even thank you.”

“I set the woman down hours ago,” the older monk responded. “Why are you still carrying her?”

What are you holding on to today that is burdening you?

You might be playing a conversation or a past situation that upset you over and over in your mind. Ask yourself, is it happening now? When it happens again, how do I want to respond differently?

Perhaps you had a challenging parenting moment and are carrying guilt. Observe your child with curiosity; is she still upset about it? If so, acknowledge what happened so you both can move on. If she has already moved past it, let it go!

Remember that letting go is a gift to yourself. You will feel better and will be healthier and more present when you do.