Skip to Main Content
Bringing It Home – The Saint Rose Blog

Go with the flow

Okay, I swear I’m not a nerd, but in the short time I’ve been in college I’ve begun to realize that in fact not all classes are a waste of time. Now don’t get me wrong I’m no fan of math, however, this semester I took a “Parables” class. Just to give you an idea of how I’ve progressed,  I didn’t even know what a parable was until I sat down for the first lesson. Just to give you an idea, a parable is basically a simple story used to portray a lesson, and or moral. It may be hard to believe but these parables have shaped our natural morals we practice on a day-to-day basis.

Now, I bring this up because this morning in class we were covering Zen parables, which although I don’t agree with some of their beliefs, they make great sense, and relate to not only my life, but to everyone. I just wanted to share with you two particular Zen’s because It truly relates to us college students, and how to survive each day.

.

.

picture

Click to enlarge image

.

This is basically telling us that in order for progression and sanity we need to constantly look forward and understand that things happen, there are ups and downs in everything we do. 

Set backs? Well those are just passing road blocks that in the whole scheme of things, tend to be insignificant. So, next time you mess up a play, or a game, or a practice, or even a homework assignment, or say you get a poor grade on a test, just remember “It will pass.”

.

.

flow

Click to enlarge image

.

.

This one also applies to the college lifestyle in many ways. We’re told time and time again to just “go with the flow” but what does that really mean? The zen parable above can be interpreted in an endless amount of ways, but what I got out of it was not to conform to society, but to “act like water.”

Now, you may be thinking I’m crazy right about now, but stay with me for a second….

Okay, so water goes through it’s natural course, taking on any path thrown its way, it falls of cliffs, goes up stream, and flows over, and through many obstacles. So when I say “act like water”, I mean to take the cards that you’re dealt, and use them to your advantage. If your friends suddenly change plans last second, instead of getting frustrated, just accept it, there is nothing that can be done so why stress over it? On the athletic side of things, if your coach suddenly throws you in the game, or signs you up for an event, don’t freak out, take what you have and use it to your advantage. It’s too easy to freak out under pressure, and when you step up to the plate, and use the “cards in your hands”, amazing things can happen!

Good Luck Golden Knights!

Sources:

~”Zen Stories to Tell Your Neighbors.” Zen Stories to Tell Your Neighbors. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2014.

~”Spiritual Inquiry . Com.” » 160 Zen Stories. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2014.

What do you think?

Comments posted on this site are held in moderation until approved by a site administrator. Vulgar, profane, obscene, offensive terms or personal attacks will not be tolerated.

Loading