"Too many people are dreaming of some magical rose garden on the horizon rather than enjoying the one growing in their backyards, such a tragedy."
I mentioned sometime ago that I love listening to audio books because of the convenience they afford me. I can listen to it while pulling out weeds by the yard. I can be tied up with some household chores and I'd be listening. I could be hiking alone and an audio book can give me company. May it be indoors or outdoors, I read by listening to audio books. I read at times, especially when my hands are idle, but I can say that audio versions are my most preferred way of 'reading.'
One that I have been immersing my ears into is the audio version of the book "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma. I lost count of how many times I listened to it, but I just love the book. There is always something valuable that pops up every time. And for this reason, allow me to share some of the 'nuggets' that I have nibbled from it and I hope that it could do something good for you too, if you haven't already read it.
But first, the book's background
It's a beautifully written fable about a lawyer, Julian Mantle, who after reaching prestige, fame, money, material possessions, ended up selling them all, including his shiny red Ferrari, and went on to a journey toward changing how he lived his life and then coming back to share it to his friend, John. The story was interestingly told and would make one imagine too.
The audio book is 2 hours and 40 minutes and it was read by the author (Robin Sharma) himself. I like the author's voice, diction and the emotion he evoked while reading. Listening to him was like I was just right there, in front of him. The voice of the reader is very important for me when listening to an audio book. And if I don't like the voice, I tend to remove it at once from my playlist even when the book is really good.
And here's to share some of what I learned through my own understanding:
1. Our mind is our most extraordinary garden.
The mind is likened to a garden which we must cultivate, fertilize, water, take good care of and only plant good seeds on its soil that will eventually produce good fruits beyond our own comprehension. The author suggests that we should stand guard on the gates of our minds and not let any negative ideas to creep in.
2. We must face our fears.
The need to identify our weaknesses first and then work on to overcoming them. In my case for instance, I have always been afraid to trying new things and I always stick to what I know but I realized I have been crippling my own growth. Now, I try to keep an open mind to whatever is new and try to learn how to use them for my advancement.
And if I may add, we must also be bold and brave to take risks. Sometimes we get confined with the 'norm' and never really get to experience the thrill of life until it becomes too late.
3. We should have a "death-bed mentality."
In the author's own words, he said, "Stop thinking like you are going to live the next 500 years." and he was definitely right. Life is short so it is advised that we should enjoy the time we have and "live every day like it was our last."
And that phrase can mean different things to anyone. For me, it's appreciating life as it comes, being happy now with what I have but working on to improving it. Doing what I can today and not postponing them for tomorrow or the days to come.
And NOT worrying so much. I have been guilty about having many angst and worries until I found out from my own experience that most of the things I worry about don't happen at all, or when they happen, they don't really matter much. And it is quite funny when we realize and it's quite late because by then, we have had ourselves stressed out.
And lastly, spending as much time with people who matter most to me and telling them how I truly feel. If I am not happy, I say so and try to iron out things with them.
4. Having a life purpose.
The author likened goals to a "lighthouse that offers guidance and refuge when the seas become rough." (Quoted from Julian's conversation with John.)
This to me means having clearly defined priorities and goals in all of life's aspects (may it be in material, spiritual, physical, or emotional).
And if I may add, being genuinely kind too. It gives more meaning to life when we know that we are doing something for others too.
There are many more riches that the book contains but these are what I could share for now. And I can say the book has its own charms to anyone who reads it so I highly recommend it :)
Thank you and until next time!
