The Unlucky Farmer?
There is a classic story of a farmer who had tended his farm for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to express their sympathy: “Such bad luck,” they said.
“Maybe,” replied the farmer.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.
“Maybe,” replied the farmer.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses. He was thrown off and broke his leg. The neighbors came to again express their sympathy: “Such misfortune!”
“Maybe,” replied the farmer.
The day after, army officials arrived at the village to draft young men. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer: “What good luck!”
“Maybe,” replied the farmer.
There are a lot of lessons to be learned from this story, among them the meaninglessness and subjectivity of our stories, and the importance of non-attachment. As a psychiatrist, I value the lesson of impermanence. Whether it’s the apparent “good news” or “bad news,” the farmer remains disciplined and declines to commit to a powerful emotional response. He knows that even painful emotions can pass over us, sometimes enveloping us, but that different ones will always follow.
Spotlight on: Cari Betts, PMHNP-BC
“Mindfulness practice has provided for me a method of improving myself, my patience, and my self-awareness. Mindfulness is also a practice that I am able to share with my patients, helping them to lessen their anxiety.”
Cari is a skilled clinician, with extensive experience in treating depression and anxiety, as well as evaluating and treating adult ADHD.
Best wishes,
Brandon Gimbel, M.D.
Cari Betts, PMHNP-BC
Laura Carlson, M.D.
Rebecca Cho, M.D.
Lauren Howard, LCPC, CADC
Brandon Gimbel, M.D.
Owner, North Star Behavioral Health and North Star Kids
We'd like to introduce our two new psychiatrists: Adult psychiatrist Dr. Chadwick Yip Child & Adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Dongho (Damian) Gwak Both Drs. Yip and Gwak have immediate Northbrook, Chicago, and virtual availability to treat new patients - adults for Dr. Yip and children and adolescents for Dr. Gwak. For more information about our new colleagues, please visit our website: https://www.northstarbh.com/team Our team of clinicians can provide comprehensive care from childhood through...
During the Buddha’s travels, he once arrived at a small town where his presence was anticipated by many. While the Buddha spoke to the crowd, one person began shouting at him. The Buddha did not pay attention to the shouting and instead continued speaking, which infuriated the person. This man eventually approached the Buddha and yelled, “You have no right to teach others. You’re a fake!” The crowd began to turn on the man, reacting to his anger. The Buddha intervened, addressing the crowd:...