Make Your Own Shoes
Priya Kumar
Author | Motivational Speaker | Screen Writer | Biography Specialist | Executive Coach with over 28 years of experience in the industry
The master was an evolved soul, they said. When he walked through the forest, the animals followed his trail. The villagers would see his footprints and find their way to the wise monk. It was a daily ritual. Animal and man alike, came to the master, who was often found meditating under a tree ??, to find their share of peace and warmth in his space.
The young monk, Abhi was fascinated by the phenomena. They said he looked like the master. He had the same height and built, and one could say, the same vibration of serenity. The visitors would often bow to Abhi mistaking him for the master. Abhi loved the attention. They said, he would grow up to fill his shoes ??.
One morning, the master had a nasty fall and sprained his leg. He could not walk into the forest for a few days.
Abhi decided to fill his shoes and take on the journey, to bring together man and wild, in his embrace of serenity, just like the master had done. He stood at the door ??, wore the master's shoes and started off for the forest.
His gait was faster. His footsteps were lighter. His shoes did not make the same angular footprint as did the masters. The mud was pressed deeper at the sole and lighter on the toes. The shoes were the same, the footprint ?? was different.
A few meters into the thicket, he heard a growl behind him. A fox ?? stood sniffing at his footprints and bared its teeth. Abhi was alarmed. This was not the following he had expected. He walked on ignoring the discontent he had caused amongst the wild, in getting to the tree the master meditated under. As he reached there, he realised none of the villagers had come to him.?
He had walked the same path in the shoes of the master. No one had followed him.
When he returned to the monastery, the master sensed his disturbance. Upon hearing his story, the master said, “You cannot fill anyone’s shoes. Its not just about what you wear in your feet—its the walk, its the gait, its the intention of every step, it’s the vibration you carry and the vibration you absorb from others. Your presence is unique. Don't dilute it by trying to be someone else. Don't waste your identity in trying to emulate someone else. Don't try to fill someone else’s shoes. Make your own.”
The next morning Abhi left for the forest, alone. As walked on, the animals came out to sniff his trail. A few villagers paused to take a look at him and whispered amongst each other. The footprints were not those of the master. The toes were wider, the indents of the soles were deeper. They saw someone different, someone unique, someone who was not the master. Curious, they followed him, discreetly. They saw him sitting on a flat rock ?? and they waited till his meditation was over. The lingered around the place he had sat, trying to feel his vibration. A fox ?? sat on the rock, curled up and gazed at the clearing, peacefully. The villager whispered to his companion, “Did you sense the calm? He is different. We should come back again tomorrow and get to know him better.”
Summary:
Rooting for your success,
Priya Kumar
Email me: [email protected]
Chartered Accountant (All India Rank - 26) | CFO & Director (Finance) | Finance Professional | Company Secretary (AIR 23)| B.Com (Hons.) St. Xavier's College Kolkata | LLB
1 年Dear Priya Kumar, your art of story telling and explaining life skills is amazing. I was intrigued in the story and really found meaning in each word it said. The Concept of uniqueness and identifying own potentials in life is so very important. Thank you for that reminder. As you always say...More power to you too dear gurumaa...
Corporate Trainer | Leadership Coach | Human Resource Consultant Enabling managers to transition into leaders, creating a culture of engaged & high performing teams
1 年It is impossible and futile to try being someone else. And disrespectful to the force that has created each one of us uniquely. While it's imp to learn from others, observe their good qualities, learn from their mistakes, our life isn't a puzzle where those pieces can fit in exactly, it's a garden where our learning serves as the manure to enable unique flowers to bloom and its fragrance to spread. A beautifully depicted message through this story Priya Kumar.
Automotive Enthusiast | Marketing Professional | Consultant | Lifelong Learner | Helping Solve Challenges | 5 Mn+ views ??
1 年That's what I wanted to read today…thanks ??
Senior Manager - Learning & Development @ Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Career Competency Development | Training Program Development | Learning Strategy | Performance Improvement | Research Supervisor | 28+ Years Exp |
1 年Balancing learning from others while maintaining self-respect can be challenging because imitation is a natural part of the learning process. It's important to find a middle ground where you learn from others without losing sight of your own worth and uniqueness. It can be difficult because our desire to fit in and be accepted often drives us to emulate those we admire. However, cultivating self-awareness and confidence can help you avoid excessive imitation and instead incorporate others' qualities into your own authentic self. Nice story Priya Kumar
Author | Motivational Speaker | Screen Writer | Biography Specialist | Executive Coach with over 28 years of experience in the industry
1 年Its great to be inspired by others - but to become like them, well, that's denying your own individuality and unique gifts. To want to "be like Dhoni" is an impossibly frustrating journey. Virat Kohli has his own talent, unique identity and persona and is appreciated for it. Imagine if he "tried to be like Dhoni". We would lose Virat Kohli and what he brings for Indian Cricket. Dont idolise people to the point you no longer appreciate and respect yourself. Your thoughts?