By Ahsan
“It is not things that upset us, but our judgments about things."
Epictetus
In the heart of the wilderness, a group of hunters had set up camp and were eager to meet the next day to find deer. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they gathered around to boil water in a kettle, oblivious to the lessons nature was about to unfold.
Suddenly, the rustling of leaves interrupted their chatter and caused an alertness within them to stir. It wasn't long before a curious bear walked into their campsite, drawn by the dancing lid of the kettle.
The bear was determined to grasp the kettle, scalding its paws on the hot metal. Rather than releasing its painful grip, the bear’s instinct to hold on kicked in, and with each agonizing second, it only tightened its embrace. The tragic irony? This stubborn bear, in its struggle against pain, only sealed its own fate, ultimately becoming a victim of the very thing it clung to.
This illustrative tale, often recounted in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, serves as a powerful reminder to those in recovery: the boiling kettle symbolizes the burdens we hold onto—beliefs, fears, and regrets—that, if not released, can burn us from within.
Emmett Fox once said, “There is no greater sin than the sin of self-condemnation.” How often do we, like the bear, cling to our past mistakes or negative thoughts, convinced that letting go would be far more painful? We are much wiser than a bear, are we not?
If we touched a hot kettle, our instinct would cause us to pull back, to release our grip.
True wisdom lies in recognizing that we are not defined by our negative thoughts or the burdens we carry.
In Islam, this verse is beautifully articulated: “And He (Allah) will pardon them, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Qur'an 3:135). This verse encourages us to embrace forgiveness, not just from others but especially from ourselves. It underscores the freedom that comes with letting go of past grievances and negative beliefs.
So, as you navigate the ups and downs of life, keep this lesson from the bear in mind. The next time you find yourself caught in a cycle of unproductive thinking or overwhelming emotions, picture that boiling kettle and have the courage to let it go.
Reflect on the burdens you're holding onto—what boiling kettles are you stubbornly embracing?
Isn’t it time to let go? Embrace the wisdom within you, and like the hunters who learned from the bear’s fate, strive to liberate yourself from those self-imposed chains. After all, we are only human, and it is perfectly normal to experience a whirlwind of thoughts. Recognizing that these thoughts are fleeting empowers us to release them, just as the bear should have released the kettle.
Letting go is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our strength and resilience. So, drop those kettles and make space for the freshness of growth, lasting healing, and a brighter tomorrow.
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