I heard this story many years ago and encountered it again in a recent workshop that I attended. I felt it was something I should share:

Two monks were traveling together when they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross the river, they saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman asked the monks if they could help her.

The younger of the two monks hesitated as they were not supposed to have any physical contact with women.  The older monk gently motioned the woman onto his back and proceeded to help the woman across the river.  Upon reaching the other bank of the river, the woman got down, thanked the monks and went away.

As the monks continued their journey, the younger monk became increasingly agitated and finally spoke out, "Brother, you know we are not permitted to have any contact with women, how could you carry that woman on your shoulders?"

The older monk looked at him and softly replied, "You are right, I did carry that woman.  But I have already put her down many hours ago after we crossed the river.  Why are you still carrying her?"

When we are insulted, criticized, wronged or hurt, it's natural to get angry or upset.  But as time passes, do you still hold grudges against the person who offended you?  Are you still carrying the memory of that person or situation in the back of your mind?  The situation took place in the past and no longer exist.  What's causing the pain is the memory of the situation.  These memories can be left back there as well.  Prayer, Meditation, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Psychological counselling are some avenues that help train the mind to behave and live in the present.  Consider attending one of the upcoming events or obtaining additional information through our store.

Someone once asked, if you could have the memory of all your negative experiences erased, what kind of person would you be?  Would you be more trusting? Loving? Happy?  I hope the answer finds you soon.