Wisdom story: A travelers lesson about being mindful of your thoughts

Once upon a time, there was a brave traveler who had set out on a remarkable mission, to visit every corner of the world. From towering mountains to vast oceans, from bustling cities to the quietest villages, he had seen everything there was to see. He had met people from all walks of life, listened to countless stories, and experienced wonders beyond imagination. As he approached the final destination on his journey, a place he had never been before, memories of his adventures filled his mind. He recalled the countless times people had told him to give up, saying that what he was trying to achieve was impossible. He had engaged in many discussions, some friendly, some heated, about what could and could not be done. But through all his experiences, he had come to believe in one simple truth: “With a positive mindset, you will always find a way. Just be mindful of your thoughts, and everything will be okay.” He repeated this mantra often, not just to himself but to those he met along the way.

As he walked, thinking about where he might settle once his journey came to an end, he noticed a magnificent tree with broad, leafy branches that provided cool, welcoming shade. Feeling tired, he decided to rest beneath it. The soft grass beneath him was inviting, and as he lay down, a gentle breeze lulled him into a peaceful sleep. When he woke up, the first thing he noticed was a deep hunger. Without much thought, he wished he had something to eat. To his surprise, a delicious dish appeared before him. At first, he hesitated, but hunger soon took over, and he enjoyed every bite. After finishing his meal, another thought crossed his mind. “How nice it would be to have something to drink,” he mused. Instantly, a fine bottle of wine appeared before him. He poured himself a glass and drank slowly, savoring its rich taste. As he sat under the shade of the tree, enjoying the cool air, a new thought crept into his mind. “Where is all this coming from?” he wondered. “Could it be that some ghosts are playing tricks on me?” The moment he had this thought, terrifying spirits appeared before him, just as he had imagined. Fear gripped his heart. “Oh no! They will kill me!” he thought in terror. And as soon as this thought formed in his mind, the ghosts attacked. The traveler fell to the ground, struggling to understand what was happening. As he lay there, weak and bewildered, a voice echoed around him.

It was the tree. “Dear traveler,” the tree said gently, “from the moment you stepped into my shade, I have heard every thought you had. And as you saw, I made each of them come true. If you cannot bear the consequences, then perhaps you should be more mindful of your thoughts.” As the traveler’s vision faded, he realized the great power of his own mind. He had spent his life believing in the strength of a positive mindset, yet in one careless moment, his own fearful thoughts had brought about his downfall. The tree had not tricked him, it had simply made to life what the traveler believed to be true.