2Layla and the Café

In a small seaside town, Layla owned a little café overlooking the beach. She woke early every day to prepare coffee and pastries for her customers, and lived a calm, contented life.

One morning she went to her café as usual, but felt something unfamiliar: a pressure and tension she had never known before, as if something unexpected was about to happen. So she decided to try a relaxation method she had learned from a friend.

“Why do I feel under pressure today? Is something specific happening?”

Pause. She closed her eyes for a moment and took slow, deep breaths, until she had stepped a little away from the pressure she felt.

Assess the situation. She asked herself: “Why do I feel under pressure today? Is something specific happening?”

Set an intention. She decided to talk to a close friend, share what she was feeling, and look for the cause together.

Layla went to her friend Fatima, who lived next to the café, told her how she felt, and asked whether she knew what might be making her tense.

Fatima laughed gently and said, “Layla, today is the tenth anniversary of your café! Maybe you’re nervous about the celebration you’ve planned for your customers.”

Layla smiled and felt relief. She remembered the celebration, and her heart filled with gratitude for the beautiful days she had lived in that place.