Empty Your Mind

Once upon a time, in a small village surrounded by mountains, there lived a twenty-four-year-old young man named Marco. Marco was very worried. His mind was always full of thoughts. Various thoughts kept coming and going throughout the day, which made him feel anxious and tired. He was always sad about his past and very worried about the future. Because of these thoughts, his mind was like a storm. He could not feel calm, he could not sleep well, and he had even forgotten to smile. One day, Marco heard about a remote village in the mountains. People said that there lived a wise old man. This man was a famous psychologist in the town. He had helped many people in his life and taught them how to find peace within themselves. Now that he had grown up, he had left the noisy city life and started living in a quiet village close to nature. He sometimes gave advice to visitors. Marco became curious and optimistic. He decided to go and meet this old man. He thought, "Maybe this wise man can help me find peace." After several days of difficult travel, Marco reached the mountain village. Upon arrival, he saw a small house covered in greenery. An old man was sitting quietly on the porch of the house. His eyes were closed and he looked peaceful. Marco approached him and said softly, "Grandpa, my mind is very restless. I can't stop thinking. I want peace in my heart. Can you help me?" The old man slowly opened his eyes and smiled softly. "So," he said, "You want peace? Come with me. I will give you a small task." He took Marco to the courtyard of his small house. Then he filled a bowl with water until it was completely full. The bowl was so full that even the slightest trickle of water started flowing. He handed the bowl to Marco and said, "Walk from here to the edge of the village and then come back." "But remember, don't spill a single drop." Marco looked at him in surprise, but wanting to do his best, he accepted the challenge. He carefully picked up the cup and started walking. The road was narrow and crowded. Some people were walking, some were running. Shopkeepers were calling out to customers and dogs were barking. But Marco didn't look around. He focused his eyes only on the cup. He walked slowly and carefully, step by step. People looked at him in surprise, but no one bothered him. They knew he was learning something important. Finally, Marco returned to the old man and said, "Grandpa, I did it, I didn't spill a single drop." The old man nodded and smiled. Then he asked, "That's good, but tell me, did you see the children playing on the side of the road? Did you hear the dogs barking?" Marco looked surprised and said, "No, I didn't see or hear anything. I was just focused on the cup." The old man smiled again and said quietly, “This is the secret, something that has always been inside you, but you didn’t know it.” When your mind lives in the present moment, there is no room for fear, confusion, or unusual thoughts.

You were just thinking about the water in the glass. At that moment, your mind was completely still. You were neither sad about the past nor afraid of the future. Slowly, Marco began to understand. This was the peace he was looking for. Peace is not something we look for outside ourselves. When we live in the present moment, peace is already within us. Marco lowered his head and said quietly, “Grandpa, now I understand. If I want to calm my mind, I must keep it in this moment.” Then, “True peace will come.” The old man smiled again. The sun was setting, the last light was touching the earth. The birds were returning to their nests. Marco started walking back towards his house. But now he was not the troubled young man he used to be. He had changed. He was calm inside because he now knew how to control his mind.