Sara is a storyteller, Montessori consultant, and a children’s book author. She is also a naturalist, doing her doctoral work in eco-consciousness in childhood. She has been practicing Heartfulness for eight years and is a certified trainer.

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Sara Bubber

This is a story by MUNSHI PREMCHAND (1880-1936) about two brothers. Munshi was one of the most popular writers and social activists of India, who wrote poignant stories about the exploitation of the vulnerable and of disadvantaged communities. SARA BUBBER has translated the story from Hindi into English and added an activity to go with it.&nbsp;<h4>My Big Brother</h4>My elder brother was five years older than me but only three classes ahead. I loved to play and he loved to study. I made paper butterflies, climbed walls, and pretended wooden logs were motorbikes. My elder brother, on the other hand, was a perfectionist. He took important subjects seriously and spent two to three years in one grade. I sought opportunities of escaping my hostel and he waited for me to get back and ask the same question every day, “Where were you?” I don’t know why I could never answer him and my silence spoke of my grave offence.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite4_e83a4580c6.webp" alt="kite4.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_kite4_e83a4580c6.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_kite4_e83a4580c6.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite4_e83a4580c6.webp 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;My brother told me English is hard, he himself spends years in the same class to build a good foundation. How could I expect to pass when I played as much as I did? Days rolled by and I tried to give studies a try. I made a plan and tried to stick to it. But when I went into the park, I couldn’t bring myself back. I realized, I couldn’t give up my love for play. Finally, in the exams, I passed with flying colors and my brother failed.&nbsp;I wanted to tease my brother, but I gave up the idea. I became prouder and more confident and continued doing what I wanted to. My brother sensed that he didn’t have a hold over me anymore. He gave great examples of what ego did to Ravana, a very learned and strong demon. He told me luck works once, but in higher grades the concepts of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, the eight Henry’s, freedom in France can give anyone a breakdown! I listened with visible disinterest and prayed for the lecture to end soon. As luck would have it, once again I passed and stood first. My elder brother had failed once again.We were only one grade apart and I thought it would be funny if he were to fail again and have no base for scolding me ever again. Hard work never worked for him and for me, my fortune was strong. Yet I felt like a thief scuttling about to leave the hostel to play. Why would I be bothered if my brother complained about my interests? Would I give them up? In fact, I found a new interest, kitesurfing.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite3_bf7a8868b1.webp" alt="kite3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_kite3_bf7a8868b1.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_kite3_bf7a8868b1.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite3_bf7a8868b1.webp 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure>Every evening I would be out flying and collecting fallen kites. I entered tournaments and doled out the reels, I cut kites and ran behind kites gliding onto the floor. One such evening, I saw a beautiful kite playing with the breeze, doing acrobatics in the air, gently turning and twisting when I slammed into my elder brother. I was far away from my hostel; maybe my brother had gone to the market.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite2_74ca13490e.webp" alt="kite2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_kite2_74ca13490e.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_kite2_74ca13490e.webp 603w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite2_74ca13490e.webp 603w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;He held my hand and asked me how could I be playing like a street urchin. He reminded me that I was in the eighth grade, and that a few years back, eighth grade pass outs could be clerks, sub-magistrates, and tehsildars (collectors). He continued in a calm voice that he knew I was smart and had a lot of knowledge, but he had a lot more experience. If he fell sick, I could only sit and cry, but our parents who have studied very less could do much more about it. That is because they are wiser and more stable than us. Behind every successful person, even if I were to do an M.A. or Ph.D., there would be people behind my success. The headmaster of our school is able to do his work well because his old mother at home takes care of everything. He raised his voice and said, “So if you think that you have become older and you can be independent of me, and that I won’t take care of you, you are mistaken because I am always there…”&nbsp;I realized my brothers tactics of taking care of me, and I was filled with tears and gratitude. I hugged him and he placed his hand on my hair. At that moment, a kite glided down and some children were running behind it. It was much higher than them, but my elder brother, who was much taller, caught it with ease. He grasped it and ran into the horizon with it, followed by the giggling boys and the pink yellow kite fluttering in the air.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite5_c929363545.webp" alt="kite5.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_kite5_c929363545.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_kite5_c929363545.webp 603w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite5_c929363545.webp 603w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite6_4d52a46882.webp" alt="kite6.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_kite6_4d52a46882.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_kite6_4d52a46882.webp 603w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite6_4d52a46882.webp 603w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;Kite flying is part of the festival that falls on January 14 (January 15 in a leap year) in various parts of India. It is known as Makar Sankranti in Hindi, Uttarayana in Gujarat, Bihu in Assam, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Lohri in the Punjab.Sankrant falls on the same day every year to mark the solstice, signifying that the days become longer and the nights become shorter.The winter crop is harvested close to Makar Sankranti and so it is a joyous occasion. A good crop calls for a good celebration and food for all!&nbsp;<hr><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite7_9ffa1049b5.webp" alt="kite7.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_kite7_9ffa1049b5.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_kite7_9ffa1049b5.webp 678w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kite7_9ffa1049b5.webp 678w," sizes="100vw"></figure><hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Illustrations by LAKSHMI GADDAM</h4><hr>&nbsp;

The kite of affection

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">SARA BUBBER shares a story from AUDREY LIN of ServiceSpace, and then offers us some reflective questions and an experiment to do for a month.</h4>Once there lived a joyful man called Julio and he helped anyone he could. He dropped people to places without charging them, he anonymously paid off people’s debts, and regularly bought food for homeless people. He played games with young children and regaled them with stories.One night he was taking the Metro to his favorite restaurant, and he and a young man were the last ones in the cabin. He reached his station and both got off the train. Julio began to walk to the restaurant, eager to meet his friends. Suddenly the young man sprang in front of him, pointing a knife at his stomach, and said aggressively, “Stay quiet and hand me your wallet.” Julio was a little confused, but he took out his wallet and handed it to the young man. The young man maintained his menacing look and pointed at his beautiful gold watch, saying “That too! Be quick.”&nbsp; Julio took off his watch and gave it to the young man. Julio smiled, took off his jacket and gave it to him, saying, “Probably you are cold. Here, please take this also.” The young man was surprised, but any gifts were welcome.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:70.45%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/the_power_of_love2_07bb68d2ef.webp" alt="the-power-of-love2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_the_power_of_love2_07bb68d2ef.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_the_power_of_love2_07bb68d2ef.webp 600w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/the_power_of_love2_07bb68d2ef.webp 600w," sizes="100vw"></figure> The young man was about to disappear into the darkness of the lonely street when Julio stopped him. He put his hand on the young man’s shoulder and asked if he was hungry. Now the young man was perplexed. He brought out his knife and his angry look again, and said, “Are you trying to pull a swifty? Because if you are…” Julio smiled and said, “No, don’t worry, I’m going to a restaurant. Come join me.”&nbsp;The man followed Julio to the restaurant and watched everyone greet him joyfully. “Hello Julio! How are you today?” “Julio, I thought I would catch up with you, glad we met here!” The young man thought he would meet his end. Everyone knew the man he robbed and he would tattle. He was surprised when Julio walked to a table, pulled a chair for him and invited him to sit. Julio recommended his favorite hot soup and asked the waiter to bring a couple of hot dishes for his young friend. Stunned, the young man ate but really didn’t know what was happening.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/the_power_of_love3_095603bd0d.webp" alt="the-power-of-love3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_the_power_of_love3_095603bd0d.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_the_power_of_love3_095603bd0d.webp 800w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/the_power_of_love3_095603bd0d.webp 800w," sizes="100vw"></figure>After a hearty meal, Julio asked him how his evening was.&nbsp; The young man had no words. He managed to splutter “excellent… warm food.”&nbsp; Julio then said, “Now, I would be happy to pay the cheque, but my wallet is with you.”&nbsp; Tears streamed down the young man’s face and he hugged Julio. Out came the wallet, the gold watch, and the coat, along with a sheepish sorry. Julio gave the coat back to him and said, “I think you need this more than I do.”The young man walked away into the darkness, whistling a lullaby his mother had sung to him, and smiled, finally feeling warm in his heart.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/pg80_81_1b1254c732.webp" alt="pg80_81.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_pg80_81_1b1254c732.jpg 245w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_pg80_81_1b1254c732.webp 508w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/pg80_81_1b1254c732.webp 508w," sizes="100vw"><hr><h4>An experiment of love</h4>Think of five people you love the most and write their names down._____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:33.39%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/the_power_of_love4_bf0b604094.webp" alt="the-power-of-love4.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_the_power_of_love4_bf0b604094.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_the_power_of_love4_bf0b604094.webp 400w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/the_power_of_love4_bf0b604094.webp 400w," sizes="100vw"><figcaption>&nbsp;</figcaption></figure> Now that you have identified the people you love the most, try to extend that feeling to a wider circle. It may be difficult to be like Julio and feel love and compassion for everyone, so this experiment from the Heartfulness practices will help.&nbsp;At 9 p.m. every day, for 5 to 10 minutes, pause your activities and think that everyone is being filled with love and devotion and that real faith is growing stronger in them.Try it for a month and see what happens. Let the magic of these words unfold over time!<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/pg80_81_1b1254c732.webp" alt="pg80_81.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_pg80_81_1b1254c732.jpg 245w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_pg80_81_1b1254c732.webp 508w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/pg80_81_1b1254c732.webp 508w," sizes="100vw"><hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Illustrations by LAKSHMI GADDAM</h4><hr>&nbsp;

Love's power

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">SARA BUBBER brings us a story based on the famous Japanese tale “The Stonecutter,” followed by a fun coloring activity from the story.</h4>&nbsp;Once upon a time in Japan, a poor stonecutter was hard at work. He used his inefficient tools and a lot of breath to cut part of the mountain to sell and earn his bread. He was happy and content with a life that had no unfulfilled desires.One day, he saw a rich man enjoying the cool shade of a silk umbrella held by servants. At work, while hammering away, sweat beads formed on his head. He said aloud, “I wish I was that rich man who had shade over his head.” The spirit of the mountain heard him and granted his wish. He had many servants around him to take care of his needs. He said, “Now I will be truly happy!”&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be2_81af9d9b44.webp" alt="who-should-i-be2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_who_should_i_be2_81af9d9b44.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_who_should_i_be2_81af9d9b44.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be2_81af9d9b44.webp 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure>A few days later, as the stonecutter was walking in the market, a procession made its way with the king sitting on the back of an elephant. The stonecutter was now a rich man, but he remarked, “I wish I were king. I could move around on an elephant instead of my feet and everyone would have to make way for me.”<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be3_f4aa52bd29.webp" alt="who-should-i-be3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_who_should_i_be3_f4aa52bd29.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_who_should_i_be3_f4aa52bd29.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be3_f4aa52bd29.webp 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure>The spirit of the mountain heard him again and granted his wish. The stonecutter was a king with a palace, and never had to set foot on the ground. He was carried in palanquins, on horses and elephants, and in golden and silver carriages. “Now I will be truly happy. I have everything I could hope for.”But alas, his happiness was short-lived when one day in the heat his head began to hurt and his eyes began to close. He wished aloud, “The sun is so powerful. I wish I were the sun.” Once again, his wish was granted by the spirit of the mountain.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be4_f524380699.webp" alt="who-should-i-be4.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_who_should_i_be4_f524380699.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_who_should_i_be4_f524380699.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be4_f524380699.webp 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure>Now the stonecutter had become the sun, he thought, “Now I will be truly happy.” He shone down so hard on all the poor people, but he forgot that after intense heat comes joyful rain. The water began to heat and evaporate, forming fierce gray clouds which covered the sun. “I wish I were a cloud that has dared to cover me. The cloud is more powerful!” The spirit of the mountains fulfilled his wish. As the cloud burst and poured, he felt happy. People ran to take shelter and the cloud moved along dropping its rain. “Now I will be truly happy.”<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be5_14fdeab6e3.webp" alt="who-should-i-be5.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_who_should_i_be5_14fdeab6e3.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_who_should_i_be5_14fdeab6e3.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be5_14fdeab6e3.webp 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure>“Bang.” Try as he might, the cloud could not move past a mighty mountain. He looked at how grand the mountain was and thought he wanted to be the mountain, stoic, unaffected and great. The spirit of the mountain heard his wish and the stonecutter was now a mountain. He stood still for many days, not affected by the sun, rain, or cold, until one day something pricked him again and again. He looked down and saw a tiny stonecutter.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be6_9bd90f6bdc.webp" alt="who-should-i-be6.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_who_should_i_be6_9bd90f6bdc.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_who_should_i_be6_9bd90f6bdc.webp 648w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be6_9bd90f6bdc.webp 648w," sizes="100vw"></figure>“A stonecutter? Inflicting so much pain? Surely, there is no one more powerful that a stonecutter.” The spirit of the mountain granted his heart’s desire and he once more became a stonecutter. To this day, the stonecutter can be seen around different mountains of Japan, whistling tunes of his journey as a king, the sun, the cloud and the mountains.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be7_ec908c96be.webp" alt="who-should-i-be7.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_who_should_i_be7_ec908c96be.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_who_should_i_be7_ec908c96be.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be7_ec908c96be.webp 500w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4>Activity</h4>Do you remember how many forms the stone cutter took in the story? Can you color every form the stonecutter took in the image below?&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be8_9775b0638b.webp" alt="who-should-i-be8.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_who_should_i_be8_9775b0638b.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_who_should_i_be8_9775b0638b.webp 1000w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/who_should_i_be8_9775b0638b.webp 1000w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;“You are you. Now, isn’t that pleasant?” —Dr. Seuss<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">AI generated illustrations</h4><hr>

Who should I be?

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">SARA BUBBER shares a Buddhist story on moderation, in honor of World Health Day on April 7. She also offers some easy tips we can start applying to live a healthier and happier life.</h4><h4 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h4><h4 style="text-align:justify;">The king who tamed wild horses</h4>Once upon a time, there lived a king who was fond of chasing wild horses and taming them. His fellow soldiers enjoyed joining him in this activity. It was fast, strategic, and fun. Some of the soldiers, along with the king himself, enjoyed training the horses after their capture. People from far and wide joined the king’s services to watch this exciting event twice a year.But lately the king had started feeling lethargic, and the chase was no longer exciting. He would finish the chase just as it began and took no interest in running behind fast horses. One time, the king’s nephew was riding close to him when the king ordered them to stop. The nephew asked him why and the king took it as a personal offense, questioning his orders. He considered it a snide comment on his health and body.As the king was having lunch, his nephew Sudassana walked in and reminded him that the great teacher, Gautama Buddha, would be delivering a lecture in his kingdom. The king wanted to listen to the teachings of the Buddha, so he finished his lunch and left for the grove with Sudassana. As the Buddha preached on, the king kept pinching himself to stay awake after all he had eaten.As the crowd cleared after the lecture, the king approached the Buddha, who asked after the king’s well-being. The king complained of his ill health, his inability to do fast activities, and his persistent lethargy throughout the day, more so after meals. Buddha admonished him, saying that if one overeats like a hog, he will never be free from the birth cycle on this Earth, and proceeded to give him a verse to recite whenever he asks for more servings.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation2_d96f3ea834.webp" alt="tale-of-moderation2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_tale_of_moderation2_d96f3ea834.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_tale_of_moderation2_d96f3ea834.webp 298w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation2_d96f3ea834.webp 298w," sizes="100vw"></figure>The king expressed his helplessness to learn new things due to his poor memory. Gautama Buddha offered to give the verse to his nephew, Sudassana. Every time the king ate a meal and started to overeat, Sudassana would recite the verse given by the teacher, and the king would restrain himself from taking more food. As time went by, the king stopped overeating and Sudassana did not need to recite the verse.The king began to enjoy his horse chases again, to remember all the things he had to do, and to discharge his duties well. He even stopped getting angry at small things and stopped misinterpreting people’s comments.A few months later, Gautama Buddha was in his kingdom once again and the king went to listen to his sermon. Afterward, he met the Buddha, who asked after his well-being, and the king thanked him for helping him to be a healthy man. Gautama Buddha was very happy, and explained to the king that health is the greatest acquisition, and contentment is the best happiness one can ask for. The key is to be moderate in all that one does.Based on a Buddhist story: https://www.ancient-buddhist-texts.net/English-Texts/Buddhist-Legends/15-06.htm<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation3_911e4ecd50.webp" alt="tale-of-moderation3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_tale_of_moderation3_911e4ecd50.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_tale_of_moderation3_911e4ecd50.webp 298w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation3_911e4ecd50.webp 298w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Tips to maintain your health</h4>On April 7, we celebrate World Health Day, because the World Health Organization (WHO) had its first meeting on that day in 1948. WHO spreads the message of good health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”How can we maintain good health?Health is the greatest wealth we have. We are able to do so many things because our bodies and minds run smoothly. How can we make sure they continue to run like this for as long as possible?Here are some tips for your daily routine:&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation4_f72049abe3.webp" alt="tale-of-moderation4.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_tale_of_moderation4_f72049abe3.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_tale_of_moderation4_f72049abe3.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation4_f72049abe3.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:center;">Eat well</h4><h4>Food is the fuel for our body. Give your system a light, simple, and balanced diet to keep it effective.&nbsp;Of course you can eat out, but the number of times you eat simple meals should be much more than eating junk food.</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation5_990c90467c.webp" alt="tale-of-moderation5.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_tale_of_moderation5_990c90467c.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_tale_of_moderation5_990c90467c.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation5_990c90467c.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:center;">Sleep well</h4><h4>Your body needs lots of rest. It repairs itself as we sleep.&nbsp; Therefore, giving yourself that eight hours of sleep becomes necessary to stay alert and healthy.</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation6_e2f16b881d.webp" alt="tale-of-moderation6.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_tale_of_moderation6_e2f16b881d.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_tale_of_moderation6_e2f16b881d.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation6_e2f16b881d.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:center;">Keep your mind engaged</h4><h4>Keep yourself busy with activities you enjoy: &nbsp;learning new things, playing new games, and engaging in hobbies keep the neurons firing in your brain and keep your mind active.</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation7_70e7d4e432.webp" alt="tale-of-moderation7.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_tale_of_moderation7_70e7d4e432.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_tale_of_moderation7_70e7d4e432.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation7_70e7d4e432.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:center;">Stress-free and time-out practices</h4>Include some practices to manage the stress you gather during the day. &nbsp;Journaling, playing music, meditating, and reading for fun are activities that reduce stress. Even simple quiet time can help you recharge and re-enter the world with a fresh outlook.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation8_a4d0518184.webp" alt="tale-of-moderation8.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_tale_of_moderation8_a4d0518184.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_tale_of_moderation8_a4d0518184.webp 300w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation8_a4d0518184.webp 300w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:center;">Exercise</h4>Your body is designed for movement, so put on those running shoes and go for a run, play that much-needed game of basketball, or jump into the swimming pool in summer. Even playing tag and catch are good games to keep your body fit and healthy.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Activity: What is your healthy word?</h4>Find all ten words related to health and well-being in the following crossword:<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation9_c178ed2d87.webp" alt="tale-of-moderation9.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_tale_of_moderation9_c178ed2d87.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_tale_of_moderation9_c178ed2d87.webp 956w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation9_c178ed2d87.webp 956w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tale_of_moderation10_b155064282.webp" download="file" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to see the solution.</a></h4>

A tale of moderation

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">SARA BUBBER tells a story about a king who set a challenge in order to find an assistant. The outcome teaches us the value of time. She also gives us a thoughtful heart activity, and tells us some fun facts about time.&nbsp;</h4><h4>The king’s advisor</h4>Once there lived a king who was looking for an assistant: a man of virtues like hard work, respect for time, commitment, welfare, and many more good qualities. When the king announced it, the people of his kingdom were very excited. Who didn’t want to work for the king himself? Not only did he receive hundreds of applications from within his country, he received thousands from neighboring areas as well. As he began to sort them, he didn’t know how he would choose the best candidates for further rounds of interviews.His wise chief minister made a list of people who could be shortlisted. He made his selections by screening the applicants, then by a series of tests on being kind to strangers, the willingness to learn new skills, alertness, and other things the king would want in an assistant. Finally, the candidates were narrowed down to three.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/time_precious_resource2_690465370a.webp" alt="time-precious-resource2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_time_precious_resource2_690465370a.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_time_precious_resource2_690465370a.webp 800w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/time_precious_resource2_690465370a.webp 800w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;The king finally met them and congratulated them for reaching so far in the process of selection. He told them that the next task was the best and a challenge everyone should be up for. As the tasks so far had been exciting, like horse riding, finance, presenting talents, playing games, everyone looked forward to it.The king announced there was a tank that held a thousand liters of water, which had to be drained into various water holders for the people of the kingdom. The candidates were ready and asked the king for hoses to transfer the water, but the king said there would be no hoses used, only a pail that was as small as their little finger. The men were stunned at the enormity of the task.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Giving anyone your time is the most valuable gift you can ever give them.</h4><hr><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/time_precious_resource3_8a0fdeacb9.webp" alt="time-precious-resource3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_time_precious_resource3_8a0fdeacb9.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_time_precious_resource3_8a0fdeacb9.webp 600w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/time_precious_resource3_8a0fdeacb9.webp 600w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;They began to work. With the first few pails, one of them men left thinking it was too much work. The update was sent to the king. The other two men continued. For two days they slogged in the sun. The second man finally gave up and went home. The third man continued and his hand touched something made of glass. He brought the bottle out and it contained a note. As he opened the note, it read, “This is the reward for persevering when you know the task is impossible. Impossible tasks can overwhelm you in the beginning, but you may move into them, pail by pail, just like today. Congratulations on assuming your new role as the king’s advisor.” The man wondered why he was being made the king’s advisor when the job was for an assistant.The king came over and told the man he had offered his most precious asset, time. “Giving anyone your time is the most valuable gift you can ever give them. Welcome aboard!”<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Heart activity&nbsp;</h4>We are all unique, we come from different backgrounds, have various qualifications, and speak diverse languages. But there are two things that are the same for everyone—the heart and time!Heart and time go together. When you put your heart into something, you will give it your time.Inside this heart, write the names of people, animals, things or passion projects you are going to take more time for this month.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/time_precious_resource4_91b112092f.webp" alt="time-precious-resource4.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_time_precious_resource4_91b112092f.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_time_precious_resource4_91b112092f.webp 600w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/time_precious_resource4_91b112092f.webp 600w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;<h4>Fun facts about time</h4><ul><li>The concept of “time” in English comes from the Greek “chronos,” which means chronological or ordered.</li><li>In ancient times, there were various ways to measure time including sun dials and water bowls.</li><li>Both the Indian and Greek societies made use of sundials to tell the time using shadows of the sun.</li><li>All cultures experience time differently. Some feel it is linear, some feel time moves from left to right, and some feel that time is cyclical.</li></ul>

Sara Bubber

Sara is a storyteller, Montessori consultant, and a children’s book author. She is also a naturalist, doing her doctoral work in eco-consciousness in childhood. She has been practicing Heartfulness for eight years and is a certified trainer.

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