Rohan & His Teacher, Ms. Kapoor

In the heart of a bustling city stood an urbane school known for its cutting-edge approach and high standards. Within its sleek, glass-walled classrooms, Ms. Kapoor taught her students with grace and wisdom. She was not just a teacher but a guide who always had a gentle way of making even the most complex lessons feel simple.

One of her students, Rohan, was a bright and ambitious young boy in higher secondary school. He wanted to excel in everything—academics, sports, music, and more. But Rohan’s desire to do it all at once often left him stressed and scattered. He was always juggling tasks, yet nothing seemed to get done well.

One day, after class, Ms. Kapoor noticed Rohan’s tired expression. She gently called him over, “Rohan, could we talk for a minute?”

Rohan, surprised but respectful, nodded and sat down with Ms. Kapoor.

“Rohan,” she began softly, “I see you’re trying to achieve so much, but it’s clear you’re feeling overwhelmed. Tell me, what’s on your mind?”

Rohan sighed, “Ma’am, I want to be good at everything—my studies, basketball, the school band. But I can’t seem to keep up. I feel like I’m failing at all of them.”

Ms. Kapoor smiled warmly. “Let me share a story with you, Rohan. Once, there was a Sufi who was asked how he could remain so calm and joyful despite the chaos around him. The Sufi replied, ‘I focus on one breath at a time. Each breath is a gift, a moment to cherish. When I give my full attention to this breath, everything else falls away. It’s the only way I know to be truly present.’”

Rohan looked at her, intrigued. “What does that have to do with my situation, Ma’am?”

Ms. Kapoor continued, “Like the Sufi who focused on one breath at a time, you too can find peace and success by focusing on one task at a time. In this busy world, it’s easy to get lost in trying to do everything. But when you give your full attention to just one thing, you find clarity, purpose, and ultimately, success.”

Rohan thought for a moment. “So, you’re saying I should focus on what’s most important right now and do it with my whole heart?”

“Exactly,” Ms. Kapoor said. “Prioritize what’s before you, and let go of the rest until its time comes. This is not just a way to be more productive; it’s a way to live with intention and peace, much like the Sufi who lives each breath fully.”

Inspired, Rohan began to change his approach. He started focusing on his studies first, then moved on to basketball and music. Slowly, he began to see improvements. His grades went up, he played better on the court, and he even enjoyed his time with the band more.

A few weeks later, Rohan approached Ms. Kapoor with a bright smile. “Ma’am, your story really helped! I’m doing better in everything, and I feel much more at peace.”

Ms. Kapoor smiled back, seeing the growth in her student. “Remember, Rohan, life is like the Sufi’s breath. When you focus on each moment, one at a time, you find joy in the journey. And in that focus, everything else falls into place.”

And so, Rohan learned a profound lesson: In a world full of distractions, true success and peace come from giving your full attention to one thing at a time, just as the Sufi gives his full attention to each breath.