Have you heard the "Farmer Wong" story?
No, this isn't the beginning of a joke. It's a story I heard as I first took T'ai Chi when I lived in St. Louis. I've loved this story, telling it to clients, to some of my classes and to my supervisees.
Over the years, I have felt comforted -- and tried to comfort others -- by the story and its message. When I told it today, I recognized the thread of Wabi Sabi in the fabric of its meaning.
THE FARMER WONG STORY
In ancient -- or maybe modern-day -- China, there was a farmer, named Wong. And like many farmers, he made a living from his land. It was just enough to get by.
On day, Farmer Wong, woke up to find that his only horse, a stallion, had somehow escaped from the corral. As in many small farms, the horse is important for transportation, plowing the fields, carrying items to market and is also often fondly cared for.
The news travelled fast in his small community, and soon neighbors were visiting him in an attempt to console him. "Oh, Farmer Wong, what a terrible misfortune this must be for you! We know how important your horse is to you. Whatever will you do?"
Farmer Wong's response was, "Who knows what's good or bad? We shall see."
A few days later, Farmer Wong again rose in the morning, only this time, there was a whole herd of wild horses in his corral, lead by his own stallion.
Again, news travelled quickly and soon neighbors were stopping by to congratulate him. "Oh, Farmer Wong, what great fortune you have! Not only do you have your stallion back, but you have a whole herd! How wonderful! Imagine how much money you can make and how much better off you will be!"
And Farmer Wong's response was, "Who knows what's good or bad? We shall see."
About a week later, Farmer Wong's oldest son, in his attempt to train one of the wild horses, fell off the horse and broke his leg.
News travelled swiftly and neighbors were again visiting to comfort Farmer Wong. "Oh, Farmer Wong, what terrible misfortune this is! We know how much you rely on your son! Whatever will you do?"
Farmer Wong's response was, "Who knows what's good or bad? We shall see."
The next day, the king's troops swept through the villiage, conscribing every able-bodied young man in the army... except, of course, Farmer Wong's son...
**************
There are a million different additions to this story. What's YOUR Farmer Wong story?
Suzan
No, this isn't the beginning of a joke. It's a story I heard as I first took T'ai Chi when I lived in St. Louis. I've loved this story, telling it to clients, to some of my classes and to my supervisees.
Over the years, I have felt comforted -- and tried to comfort others -- by the story and its message. When I told it today, I recognized the thread of Wabi Sabi in the fabric of its meaning.
THE FARMER WONG STORY
In ancient -- or maybe modern-day -- China, there was a farmer, named Wong. And like many farmers, he made a living from his land. It was just enough to get by.
On day, Farmer Wong, woke up to find that his only horse, a stallion, had somehow escaped from the corral. As in many small farms, the horse is important for transportation, plowing the fields, carrying items to market and is also often fondly cared for.
The news travelled fast in his small community, and soon neighbors were visiting him in an attempt to console him. "Oh, Farmer Wong, what a terrible misfortune this must be for you! We know how important your horse is to you. Whatever will you do?"
Farmer Wong's response was, "Who knows what's good or bad? We shall see."
A few days later, Farmer Wong again rose in the morning, only this time, there was a whole herd of wild horses in his corral, lead by his own stallion.
Again, news travelled quickly and soon neighbors were stopping by to congratulate him. "Oh, Farmer Wong, what great fortune you have! Not only do you have your stallion back, but you have a whole herd! How wonderful! Imagine how much money you can make and how much better off you will be!"
And Farmer Wong's response was, "Who knows what's good or bad? We shall see."
About a week later, Farmer Wong's oldest son, in his attempt to train one of the wild horses, fell off the horse and broke his leg.
News travelled swiftly and neighbors were again visiting to comfort Farmer Wong. "Oh, Farmer Wong, what terrible misfortune this is! We know how much you rely on your son! Whatever will you do?"
Farmer Wong's response was, "Who knows what's good or bad? We shall see."
The next day, the king's troops swept through the villiage, conscribing every able-bodied young man in the army... except, of course, Farmer Wong's son...
**************
There are a million different additions to this story. What's YOUR Farmer Wong story?
Suzan