Reading this metaphor is also about forgiveness. Imagine you are carrying a heavy stone on your shoulders. This is an analogy for holding on to a grudge against a person who has wronged you, and you are trying to hold on to it. You carry this stone on your head as you walk your way. You have to walk a very long distance. Initially, the load seems manageable. You don’t feel tired. You might also feel justified in carrying the load as it helps you initially to feel better about holding on to the weight. You might even be perky and don’t think about the load that much. Aftera few miles, the load becomes very heavy. It strains on your shoulders and hurts you physically. The stone you carry on your head now makes you tired and physically and mentally drained. This heavy stone is the only thing you can think of. You cannot think of anything else. You realise that this stone is taking a toll on your physical and mental health, not serving any purpose to you, and is making your life difficult.
You are unable to walk faster or do anything sheerly because this heavy load is hurting you physically. Your destination is far, but you have an incredible journey ahead. But you cannot go forward due to the heaviness of the stone. You have a choice. You can put the stone down, feel relieved and walk freely. Alternatively, you can hold on to the stone and crib about the weight and destroy your happiness and health. You know that the choice is yours when you have to stop, put away the load that is not serving a purpose, and walk away lightly, faster, free to think, and do what you want without anything holding you back.
But something is preventing you from unburdening yourself of that load. Reflect on what that is. What does it mean to you to keep holding on to that load? Does it make you feel justified? Does it feel right that you are taking revenge on the person, and it feels like the person is getting hurt?
Is this all true? Is that person getting punished or you?
Who is the person who is being hurt because you are carrying the stone on your shoulders? Who is the person who is unable to lead a fulfilling life as a result of the burden?
Can you keep the stone down and walk free? Overcome the urge to carry the stone. Get ready to be free. Being free of anger and sadness will heal you. Being angry and sad will hurt you. In the end, you will be the person who will benefit or suffer. Hence, choose wisely and act wisely.
Visualise setting this stone on the floor and walking away feeling light, energised, and ready to tackle life. At last, you have forgiven the person who hurt you, which has set you free.For the next few days,note how it feels to be free of the stone and grudge towards the person you forgave.
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