Listen to Your Inner Voice

Long ago, a wood carver named Matsugoro found himself gazing at The Tall One. Standing proud and almighty, this tree cast the longest shadow in the village. Because of its indomitable presence throughout hundreds of years, it became the hub of this village. With a sigh, he stared at it every day while carting his wares to sell on the streets.

As a child, Matsugoro used to climb every tree that he set his eyes on - all but The Tall One. He felt free and fearless. He was so daring that he was called the Monkey Boy. He didn't just think about doing things, he did them. When he reached the top of each tree, he yelled in a clear and loud voice allowing his spirit to soar.

Years passed. Adulthood took over and Matsugoro soon found that being so uninhibited was frowned upon by his fellow villagers. Family life and hard work were the expected routine. His own work absorbed most of the time and away he toiled. He turned serious and quiet. His dreams faded and he no longer felt like the Monkey Boy.

But every morning it never failed; The Tall One spoke to him with its silent defiance. He never voiced his dream of climbing it, for he never really said anything at all. Keeping to his usual way, he turned into a man of steady but boring virtue. But deep inside, the voice of the Monkey Boy was gently resonating.

One summer day, he awoke feeling the weight of discontentment sitting heavily on his chest. He knew that it was time to challenge The Tall One.

The first branch was easy to reach. The second and third seemed more spread apart. His body stretched and his hands strained with each grasp. His muscles shook and burned from exhaustion. Nevertheless, he kept looking up while imagining the almost forgotten taste of victory.

The sun grew hotter and hotter, whipping his back with its scorching rays. But still he kept going. The climb chipped away many minutes. Minutes turned into hours. Finally, when it seemed like his arms were going to break like the frailest of twigs, he looked up once more. He saw that he was almost there.

Matsugoro listened closely to his inner voice. He had to visualize that he had the ability within and remember himself as a child. Just as The Tall One once seemed so indomitable to him, he now felt like the one who was unconquerable.

He allowed a breath. It was such a deep, loving breath and let go of all fear and finally heard the voice.