Kerry's Story on Focus by Lyn Russell

A friend of mine spent some time in Northern Thailand studying Buddhism in a forest monastery.  The rules of this monastery required any visitors who wished to stay to physically partake in daily work.

While she was there an American journalist and photographer came to write a story on the monastery.  When the head monk explained that he was very welcome to stay as long as he did some form of work while he was there, the journalist complained and offered to pay instead so he could concentrate on his story.

The monk continued patiently to explain money was not required only an act of physical labour.

When the journalist reluctantly agreed to work he asked the monk what he had to do. In response he was told he had to sweep the leaves on the forest floor.

The journalist was shocked and responded:

“How can I even begin such a task? There are so many leaves!”

The head monk giggled and replied simply yet profoundly:

“ Not all of the leaves; only the leaves in front of your broom!!”

The lesson Kerry had at that moment and that is open to all of us still today is:

“Focus on what is before you, pay attention to the now and remind yourself not to be distracted or overwhelmed by all the other tasks in your life. This is the centre of your power, potency and effectiveness."