Life is about learning, growing, celebrating our similarities and embracing our differences. These take many forms and are not always physical. During a recent conversation with a student in which we discussed a variety of topics, we eventually made our way to the well known idiom: A rolling stone gathers no moss.
The first time I had heard this idiom, it had been taught as to be meaning that it is good to always be moving. Always trying to advance and better oneself whether in our personal lives or in our careers—usually our careers. However, my student told me of the Japanese philosophy regarding the rolling stone idiom. I was amazed by the difference and it made me think. It made me realize that if one is always moving then one truly does not have the opportunity to gather experience.
I also began to think of how stunning moss on trees, monuments and stones can be. And the same way that the moss can enrich our natural surroundings, so can experience enhance our inner selves. Both views on this idiom are true, we just have to ask ourselves what we truly desire out of the short time we have in this life. Do we wish to do many things; some not very well, or do we wish to focus and find our calling. Like everything in nature, we also have a purpose, and when we find it, we will know the beauty of gathering moss.
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