The Farmer and Thy Neighbour

I would like to share one of my favourite tales. As fitting today as it is every time I read it!

Once upon a time, in a quiet village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a humble farmer. He was known for his gentle nature and his calm way of meeting whatever life brought him.

One day, the farmer’s horse ran away. His neighbours came rushing over.

“Oh no, this is terrible news!” they said.

The farmer simply replied, “Maybe. Who knows what is good or bad?”

A few days later, the horse returned — bringing with it three wild horses from the mountains.

The neighbours were amazed. “Wow, what wonderful luck!”

The farmer again said, “Maybe. Who knows what is good or bad?”

Soon after, the farmer’s son tried to tame one of the wild horses. He was thrown off and broke his leg.

“Oh, how awful,” the neighbours cried.

“Maybe,” the farmer said. “Who knows what is good or bad?”

A few weeks later, the army came through the village, conscripting all the able-bodied young men to go to war. But the farmer’s son, with his broken leg, was left behind.

The neighbours came again, “Oh, how lucky you are!”

The farmer smiled gently, “Maybe. Who knows what is good or bad?”

And isn’t that just the way of life?

I’ve been around long enough now to know that when life throws you a curveball, you don’t always need to jump out of your skin to try and catch it. Sometimes, it’s wiser to wait… to breathe… and just watch where it lands.

So with a full heart, I’m letting you know that I’m returning to Sutherland — to share once more this beautiful practice of yoga that has been so instrumental in shaping the person I am today. It has held me through every twist and turn, and I hope it might offer you something too.

May you join me on the mat soon.

Namaste,

Angela