One fine evening, Aesop was walking around his neighbourhood. He saw a group of children play in the playground. He went to the playground himself and started playing with the children. He made funny faces and laughed out aloud with the children.
Aesop’s friend was passing by as he saw Aesop playing with the children. He called Aesop and asked him, “Aesop, you are a grown-up man and also very wise. Do you think it is a good decision to waste your time playing with the children like this? You must find something better to do.”
Aesop calmly listened to his friend’s talk. He was patient and thought of an answer.
Suddenly, Aesop started walking back into the playground and started looking for something. His friend was curious to see what Aesop was doing.
Aesop returned after some time with a bow in his hand. His friend asked, “Why did you bring a bow?”
“To give an answer to your question,” Aesop said and continued talking. While he was talking, he tied a string around the bow. “A human mind is like a bow. If we keep it strained all the time, it is bound to get stretched and break. But if we keep setting out the mind free and enjoy like the little children, we will keep our mind fresh and free from stress.”
Aesop’s friend understood what Aesop wanted to say. He had learnt a lesson. He also decided to join Aesop and the little children in the playground for a game.
