From the mountains of Japan comes a story carried through centuries, waiting to share its wisdom with us today. It begins like this…
A student once visited a Zen master, eager to learn. As they sat together, the master poured tea into the student’s cup. He poured until the cup was full, and then kept pouring. The tea spilled over, running across the table.
The student exclaimed, “Stop! The cup is full — no more will go in!”
The master calmly replied, “Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and assumptions. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
The Wisdom in this Story
The parable of the empty cup reminds us that personal growth begins with openness. If we approach life convinced we already know, we block new wisdom from entering.
“Emptying the cup” doesn’t mean erasing what we know; it means setting aside ego, releasing the need to be right, and making space for fresh insights, perspectives, and healing.
In coaching and wellness, this often means stepping into self-reflection with curiosity instead of judgment. When we loosen our grip on old beliefs about ourselves – “I’m not good enough,” “I can’t change,” – we create space for something new to grow.
Pause and Ponder
Take a quiet moment with your journal and consider:
- Where in my life might I be “too full” to allow new insight or growth?
- What beliefs or stories about myself can I gently set aside to make space for the change I seek?
- What changes can I make to my schedule, my thoughts, my choice of words to create opportunities to be open, curious, and ready to learn?
A Gentle Reminder
Making space for the new often starts with a small change. Set down one worry, let go of one assumption, or soften one opinion. Each time you pause, it creates room for light to enter.
Stories can spark change. May this one ignite your evolution.
