Free Yourself

 Free Yourself

A young performing artist felt deeply troubled and decided to meet a monk to share his worries. Upon meeting the monk, the artist said, "I have been putting great effort into performing well in my chosen field, but I don't get the appreciation I need. I only face criticism."

The monk asked, "Why do you want to be appreciated?"

The artist replied, "When I work so hard, don't you think I deserve to be appreciated?"

The monk countered, "Do you perform for appreciation or for self-satisfaction?"

The artist was left blank and said, "Both."

The monk asked, "What happens if you are not appreciated?"

The artist said, "I become demotivated and lose interest in giving my best."

The monk asked, "Who is the loser when you don't give your best?"

The artist said, "It is me."

The monk continued, "Now, think of a situation where you don't worry about recognition, rewards, or appreciation, but you still keep perfecting and excelling in your art. Who is the beneficiary then?"

The artist said, "It is me."

The monk concluded, "When you expect appreciation and avoid criticism, you are a slave to others. You have mentally enslaved yourself and live with a constant hunger for recognition. This hunger drains your energy, removes your focus, and slowly detours you from your art. Life is not about being accepted by others; it is about improving and accepting yourself. Instead of brooding over a lack of appreciation and criticism, focus on giving your best. That is the only way to go to sleep with a sense of satisfaction."

M.L. Narendra Kumar