6 Lessons from the fisher folk

The humble fisher folk set us an excellent example of what do when you have time on hand. They are used to compulsory lock down and lack of income during the heavy monsoons and or when there is extremely inclement weather predicted. What is interesting is they do not rue this time but spend that time very wisely. One reason is that they anticipate these lock down situations and the second reason is that, like a wood cutter who spends more time sharpening the axe so that he spends less time and energy chopping wood, the fisher folk use the time to repair their nets.

For each of us, there is meaningful lesson to be learned from the humble woodcutter and the fisher folk. Use time wisely to ensure your life and your work are more productive, better managed and equally satisfying. As individuals what can each of us do to use the time give to us as bonus by nature, albeit as a reminder to respect nature to? It is important to keep in mind that our safety net in life is our blessings, the relationships, our goals, our values, our time and our own self worth. We need to repair those areas of our net that need mending.

Relook our priorities – One needs to look back at what one has achieved, look forward to what one aims to achieve and check if the price we have paid and the price we will pay are worth the end results. Check also if we are living in the present, living the moment and if we will ever have regrets of having misplaced priorities. Ask yourself if you taking care of our relationships, your health, your loved ones, are you being true to our values, do you take notice and do something about those around etc.

Respect the blessings given to us – In our pursuit of happiness which we often seek in the form of more money and power do we value the blessings that one has inherited, been gifted, been blessed with. Do we take what we have for granted? If you do not value the blessings you have, chances of you repairing the net you inherited are rather bleak because you see it as second hand, old and perhaps needing replacement.

Revive relationships – If we say that man is a social animal it simply means we need to have people around and ensure we engage with those around. Relationships need to be kept healthy if one has to have a positive, friendly, encouraging environment. Check if some relationships need more attention, if they require more effort to stabilize. Be open to nurturing healthier and happier relationships with existing circle and creating new circles of friends. Patch up those parts of the relationship net that are frayed or require additional strengthening.

Remember the less privileged – You need to ensure that the net is spread wide if you have to get a good catch. Spreading the net wide is not a one man job. You will need the support of all types of comrades. Hence it is in your interest that the net given to those around is not torn or frayed lest your catch gets less. Even the most humble companion in your journey of life has the power to be useful to one another. Carry them along as a valued companion who is also helping you cast the net wide.

Reward ourselves – While mending the net the fishermen also swap stories, sing songs, have fun too. Having fun is an important part of the process of repairing the net else it will become a chore, a burden, a millstone around the neck. Find ways and means of enjoying the process of repairing the net although it has been forced/ trust upon you at this point in time.

Remember to be grateful – Be grateful you have a net to repair. There are many who have nothing to really care for; no possessions; no income; no meaningful life; no hope. Pause and think of all the blessings you have, most of which you never earned but inherited. When you value your blessings you will be motivated to take care of your possessions even more carefully. The net of life is now has a new meaning; a fresh perspective and above all becomes your most valued treasure.

Try these:

Draw a simple fishing net. On each intersection on the net, write down one valuable thing in your life that the intersection represents/ stands for. E.g. family / income / friends / education / good health etc.
Can you list out a couple of songs that are typical of people who go fishing or which represents the fisher folks culture.
List out one thing you will do to repair the following