Friar James watched his novice, Simon, who was stomping
and banging and clattering and showing all the signs of adolescent frustration.
"What
troubles you, Simon?"
"I want to be free."
"And
what is freedom?"
"Being able to do whatever I like. I'm tired of study, and chores,
and lessons."
"Come with me, then."
Friar
James took Simon to the Big Top of a circus, where he indicated the high wire act that was practicing.
"Are they free?"
"Yes. Look how they twist and somersault."
"Do you see their practice harnesses?"
"Yes."
"Do you see the net below them?"
"Yes."
"That is why they can be free to perform on the high wire. If they slip, the harness protects them. If
the harness breaks, the net protects them."
"But they do not use
a harness when they perform in front of an audience."
"Nevertheless, what
they do without the harness is because they have pratciced with one. And there is still the net. So you see, when
you yearn for freedom, remember that you cannot truly be free unless you recognise hazards and plan for them."
"But if those high wire performers wanted to avoid hazards, they would not be up there in the first place."
"A life worth living is full of hazards. To avoid them all, a person would have to avoid life. And
that in itself is a hazard. To learn how to deal with hazards is to be confident and free of fear. So we must
be willing to listen to those that have walked the path before us. What you perceive as limits to your freedom are the
very things that make you free."
