Short Story - Firing The Mind

The trusted friend and employee of The Spirit, the mind turned up for work one morning as usual, but today The Spirit did not seem interested.

"You can have the day off today" said The Spirit, "I fancy a quiet day..."

But the mind insisted: "But Sir, we have so many jobs to do, don't you realise, we're so very busy at the moment! Let's get back to work, we can rest later..."

The Spirit trusted the mind and felt that he had a point - "Okay, okay, you're right, let's work a little."

Of course The Spirit and the mind then tirelessly worked away all day, as usual. Their work was dull and by nightfall they were both exhausted and were glad to part company for sleep.

The next morning the mind turned up again, telling The Spirit of the day's busy schedule ahead. The Spirit had only just awoken and was a little irritated to be hassled out of bed so early in the day - he was having such a heavenly rest. "Come back later," Said The Spirit. "I'm resting."

"But Sir! You must remember, we have 101 jobs to do today, it's essential that we start immediately!" He reminded The Spirit of the promising goals that they were working towards and of the public reputation that they must maintain.


The Spirit groaned and rolled out of bed - "Alright", the Spirit agreed - but let's take it easy this time!"

Once again, from the point of The Spirit's agreement to work, they slaved away ceaselessly, completely lost in their labour.

When nightfall came and they parted company once more, The Spirit fell into a deep sleep and had a very profound dream. Whilst swimming in the emerald ocean, thick fog came down and he completely forgot which way he'd come from or where he was going. He began to panic and swam ferociously round and round in circles! Eventually, completely exhausted, he gave up swimming and surrendered himself to the ocean's currents.
He awoke gently on a sandy beach with the sun shining down on his face, warming his body and illuminating a strangely familiar and beautiful island. The island's name was Peace, and here there was no work to do, for everything was already being done, with great creativity and joy. "What a heavenly place!" Said Spirit, to himself.

The Spirit awoke gently from the dream to the sound of the birds singing - there was an angelic echo in their song and he realised that it was the first time he'd truly listened for a very long time.

It wasn't long however before the mind came charging in again to spoil the symphony. "Right! Come on! Time for work! Let's go!" He Declared.

But this time his words were not to be believed. The Spirit just lay there, rolling about laughing.

"What on Earth are you laughing at?" Demanded the mind, sounding panicky. "Don't give me any more of your nonsense - if we don't get started now, how will we survive?"

The Spirit, now in tears of laughter calmly replied to the mind: "Who is the boss here again? To think that all this time I have faithfully followed your every word, without question! Now I have seen the Truth, I have no use for you any more. Leave me alone now and never show up for work again!"