One peaceful afternoon, Alex sat on the porch, watching Zorro gracefully clean his big paws.
“Zorro, can I ask you something?” Alex leaned closer to the cat.
“Of course, little one. What’s on your mind?” Zorro replied, his piercing eyes focused on Alex.
“If I had to let go of all the things I believe in… everything I think I know, what would be left of me?”
Zorro paused, then slowly stood and sat beside Alex.
“That’s a big question for a little boy, Alex. But let’s see what we can discover together.”
The Journey to Essence
Zorro led Alex to a forest on the edge of the village. Beneath the shade of an old oak tree, Zorro sat down and said:
“Close your eyes, Alex. Imagine letting go of everything you believe about yourself.”
Alex closed his eyes.
“Done, Zorro. I’ve let go of everything: that I’m a boy, that I like to run, that I’m good at drawing.”
“Good. Now let go of even more: all the things others have said about you.”
Alex took a deep breath.
“I’m no longer ‘smart,’ or ‘patient,’ or ‘restless’… I’ve let it all go.”
Zorro looked at him kindly.
“And now, Alex, who are you?”
Alex slowly opened his eyes and looked at the cat.
“I don’t know… It feels like I’m just… me.”
Zorro purred softly, like a proud teacher.
“Exactly, little one. Beyond all the beliefs, labels, and opinions, what remains is your essence – pure, free, and authentic. It’s not tied to anything. It’s simply ‘you.’”
The Lesson of Stillness
As they walked back to the village, Alex was quiet. He felt light, as if he’d discovered a secret no grown-up knew.
“Zorro, why doesn’t anyone teach us this?”
The cat smiled gently.
“Because people forget, Alex. They get lost in their beliefs and in what others expect of them. But now you know. And whenever you feel lost, just let go of everything and return to your essence.”
Alex looked at Zorro with admiration.
“Thank you, Zorro. You’re the best teacher.”
Zorro purred again and curled up at Alex’s feet.
“And you, little one, are a wonderful student.”
From that day on, Alex learned to always remember who he truly was, beyond any label or belief. And whenever he felt lost, he had Zorro to remind him of the power of his essence.
This is how Alex discovered that true freedom lies in being pure and authentic, exactly as you are.