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Trouble Tree

The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job.  A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start.  While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family.  As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. 

When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.  Afterward he walked me to the car.  We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me.  I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. 

"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again." 

"Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there are not nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
 

There are times when we all have to struggle to get ourselves mentally prepared to come to the Dojo, but, once there many find peace and contentment. Over the years it has been said by many students, mostly adults, that after a long day at work or struggling with daily activities such as care for the home and children that they didn't much feel like attending class.  Much to their surprise they found that by coming to class they were able to put everything behind them that happened that day. By leaving your "troubles "on the doorstep as you enter the Dojo your mind will be capable of absorbing what you need to learn.  Your attitude will be refreshed and your body will be ready for a challenge.  Just as the story above tells of the man leaving his home the next day and finding "fewer troubles", many of us also find that after a good workout that these "troubles" are no longer on the doorstep when you leave, or if they are there most people don't even bother to take them. This is because of the new refreshed attitude that they have that the Dojo has given them.

45C Tosca Drive, Stoughton, MA - telephone: 781-341-1382 - email: stodojo@aol.com