Recently, I came across a parable about two Zen monks, Tanzan and Ekido, traveling on foot down a muddy road.  Approaching a small village, they see a beautiful young woman struggling to keep her silk kimono from being ruined by the deep mud.  In a gesture of kindness, Tanzan at once picks her up and carries her across the road.  Much later that night, after walking many hours in silence, Ekido can stand it no more and challenges Tanzan saying  “We monks don’t go near women, especially young, beautiful women. It’s dangerous!  Why did you do that?”  Tanzan replies “I put her down hours ago.  Are you still carrying her?”

Time flies, lives change, relationships begin and end.   Have you spent valuable time carrying anger, grievances, and resentments?  Have you depleted your life force sustaining misery and pain?   In this moment, what excess baggage are you willing to relinquish?