The Story of the Two Monks

“Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.”
                                                                 — Sonia Ricotti

So often, it’s not the events themselves that cause us the most pain—it’s the stories we tell ourselves about those events. It’s the judgments we make, the blame we assign, and the weight of resistance we carry that keep us stuck in suffering.

Life has a way of humbling us, stripping away the illusions we cling to so tightly—often just so it can rebuild us into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

I’ve experienced this firsthand.

The two most painful events in my life—losing my 11-year-old brother to a tragic drowning accident, and enduring the end of a 26-year marriage—brought me to my knees. I felt broken, uncertain if I had the strength to go on.

In those moments, I was angry. I blamed others. I blamed myself. I even blamed God.

But slowly, something began to shift. When I stopped fighting reality and started embracing what was—when I surrendered, not in defeat, but in openness—I found the doorway to healing.

I began to take responsibility. I chose to honor the pain, but not be ruled by it. I discovered how even the deepest wounds can hold the seeds of transformation.

And from that space of surrender, forgiveness, and gratitude… I began to rise.

This kind of breakthrough doesn’t come from denial or bypassing pain. It comes from accepting what is, and in doing so, freeing ourselves to step fully into what can be.

Let me share a story that beautifully illustrates this truth:

Two monks were making a rare journey down from their mountaintop monastery to visit the nearby city. Their order was devoted to spiritual growth, compassion, and service—but it held one strict rule: absolute separation from women.

As they approached a fast-flowing river, they came across a woman standing at the edge, too frightened to cross.

Without hesitation, the first monk gently lifted her and carried her across. She thanked him with a hug and kiss on the cheek, and they parted ways.

The second monk was silently outraged. Hours passed in tense silence until he finally exploded:

"How could you break our sacred vow?"

The first monk smiled and replied,

"My brother, I set her down hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?"

What burdens are you still carrying?

What resentments, judgments, or old stories are weighing you down and blocking your path forward?

Where in your life can you surrender—to release the past, reclaim your peace, and open to the possibilities ahead?

This isn’t just philosophy. It’s a practice. A choice. And it’s one I help individuals, teams, and leaders make every day.

If you’re ready to break through the limitations that are holding you back—and to rise into your next level of leadership, clarity, and purpose—I invite you to take the first step.

👉 Visit www.ChrisNatzke.com to learn how my speaking and coaching programs can support you in letting go of what no longer serves you—and embracing the greatness that awaits on the other side.

You don’t have to carry it anymore.

With strength and surrender,

Chris Natzke
America’s Breakthrough Sensei
Black Belt Leadership Speaking & Coaching