The DART
"Wild Bull"
by Jay Larsen
9/24/00
Thought I would continue my Zen/bovine theme. I have been managing with some success to keep my personal iron cow balanced on top of the hundred-foot pole, though it has yet to give birth. But my struggles reminded me of one of my favorite Zen sayings.
"To control a wild bull, give it a large pasture"
I have been reminded recently that the source of most of the bull in my life is my own thinking. But rather than try to contain all that bull in a small mental stall, I have much better days when I remember that my mind is limitless and let the bull run free. Then the wild things swiftly run themselves out and calm is restored.
This works when dealing with other people too. Instead of trying to control and manage every thing they do, give them space—let them run.
Freedom is an amazingly calming thing.
Until next time, give yourself some space. Let the bull run wild. And enjoy the ensuing calm.
Jay Larsen
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