Mindful Stories By Vandana (2)

STORY -2

1. The Pebble in the Shoe

There was once a bright student named Ayesha, known for her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. But over time, her energy faded, and her grades began to slip. Her teachers noticed that she seemed distracted and often looked overwhelmed. Ms. Nair, her kind-hearted teacher, decided to check in with her.

“Ayesha,” Ms. Nair gently asked one day after class, “Is everything alright? You don’t seem like yourself lately.”

Ayesha sighed and hesitated for a moment. “It’s just… I feel like I’m carrying so much inside me. I don’t know how to explain it, but it feels like I’m always tired, and no matter how much I try, I can’t seem to focus or do well.”

Ms. Nair listened carefully and nodded. She walked to her desk and picked up a small pebble. She handed it to Ayesha and asked her to place it in her shoe. Confused, Ayesha did as she was told.

“Now, walk around the room with it in your shoe,” Ms. Nair instructed. Ayesha reluctantly obeyed. After a few steps, she winced in discomfort.

Ms. Nair smiled softly. “That pebble is small, but it makes walking difficult, doesn’t it?”

Ayesha nodded. “Yes, it’s uncomfortable, and all I can think about is the pain.”

Ms. Nair sat down next to her. “That pebble is like the burden on your mind. It may seem small at first, but when left unaddressed, it makes even the simple tasks—like walking, or in your case, studying—seem impossible. Ignoring mental health is like ignoring the pebble in your shoe; it only gets worse.”

She continued, “But here’s the good news. Just like you can remove the pebble from your shoe, you can also learn to address the burdens in your mind. You don’t have to carry everything alone. Sometimes, talking to someone, taking a break, or seeking help can ease the pain. Mental health matters, and it’s okay to ask for help.”

Ayesha removed the pebble, and as she did, a sense of relief washed over her. She realized that her struggles weren’t something she had to carry alone.

With Ms. Nair’s guidance, Ayesha began to open up about her feelings, sought counseling, and gradually regained her focus and energy. It was a long process, but she learned that acknowledging her mental health and addressing her struggles were essential steps toward healing.

Lessons for Teachers and Students:

1.  Mental health is like the pebble in your shoe—small struggles can turn into big obstacles if left unaddressed. It’s important to acknowledge mental health and seek help when needed. A simple conversation or a small change can ease the burden.