A flea decided to move with his family into the ear of an elephant. So he shouted, “Mr. Elephant, Sir, my family and I plan to move into your ear. I think it only fair to give you a week to think the matter over and let me know if you have any objection?”
The elephant, who was not even aware of the existence of the flea, went his placid way. So, after conscientiously waiting a week, the flea assumed the elephant’s consent and moved in.
A month later, Mrs. Flea decided that the elephant’s ear was not a healthy place to live in and urged her husband to tell the elephant that they were moving; in such way so as not to hurt the elephant’s feelings.
So, Mr. Flea put it to tactfully to the elephant, “Sir, we plan to move to other quarters. This has nothing at all to do with you of course, because your ear is spacious and warm. It is just that my wife would rather live next door to her friends at the buffalo’s foot. If you have any objection to our moving, do let me know in the course of the next week.”
The elephant said nothing, so the flea changed residence with a clear conscience.
Moral of the story: Relax — the Universe is not aware of your existence!
Author: Anthony de Mello
Anthony de Mello (1931-1987) was an Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist. A spiritual teacher, writer and public speaker, De Mello wrote several books on spirituality and hosted numerous spiritual retreats and conferences. He continues to be known for his storytelling, which drew from the various mystical traditions of both East and West.
Pic courtesy: Indiapics.com – Art on India Stamps. ‘Chained Elephants’ painting by Zainal Abidin