Holding on to the past directly blocks expression of The Intuitive Self. In Increasing Executive Productivity, Phil Nuernberger concludes this story with the observation:

The mistakes and failures that we continue to carry in our mind inhibit the spontaneous expression of joy and optimism that are a natural part of our mind.

My reactions are enclosed in a box: (Note 101)

In ancient times, two monks, an old and a young one, were walking together. In this order of monks, any contact with women was strictly forbidden. The two monks came to a stream, swollen by the spring rains.

A beautiful young woman stood on the bank crying her heart out. "Why are you crying?" the old monk asked. She replied that she wanted to go to her father's house to attend her sister's wedding, but that the stream was too high to cross.

"No problem at all," said the old monk, and he picked the young woman up and carried her across the stream. When he sat her down on the other side, she thanked him profusely, and went on her way.

The two monks continued their journey. But the older monk could see that his young companion was becoming more and more disturbed. "What's troubling you, brother?" he asked.

The younger monk exploded in anger. "You know we're not supposed to have anything to do with women, and you picked that woman up and carried her across the stream!"

"I picked her up and set her down," replied the old, wise monk, "You have been carrying her all this way."

Ruminating on the past or fantasizing about the future distract the mind from the intuitive moment. His obsessive mind prevented the young monk from connecting with the inherent intuitive action. Allowing The Intuitive Self full expression not only evokes the appropriate action but invites joy and optimism as companions.

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