Black and White Stones

Years ago, my mother gave my brother and I a small book of Buddhist meditations in our Christmas stockings. This book has stayed on my night stand for years and is used as a reminder. A reminder of what I want to give and take from life.... remembering the importance of slowing down and taking time for life. I want to share with you one of my favorite stories in the book that has helped me find balance with thought:

A Buddhist monk practised meditation in front of two piles of stones, one of black and the other of white. As each thought arose in his mind, he analysed whether it was good or bad. For every good thought, he took a white stone and placed it on his right side; for every bad thought, he took a black stone and placed it on his left. Each night he checked the day's stones and renewed his reslove to eliminate the black stones altogether.

The first time this story crossed my path, I read it over and over again until I really grasped what every word was attempting to explain. How easy it really is to clear out the negativity... all we need is the desire, practice, and resolve.

Book: Buddhist Meditations; for people on the go By: Gill Farrer-Halls