A Professor’s story of lessons in life

The Mayonnaise Jar, or Jar of Rocks. They’ve been called both. This is an inspirational story and if you have never heard of it, you’ll enjoy it. If you have, well I have another takeaway to add at the end.

I’ve always called it the Mayonnaise jar even though I do prefer salad dressing. LOL

This is a wonderful analogy of life with a good lesson to boot taught by a professor to his students.

Mayonnaise Jar Story

The teacher cleared off his desk and placed on top of it a few items. One of the items was an empty mason jar. He proceeded to fill up the jar with rocks until he could fit no more.

He looked at the classroom and asked his students if they agreed that the jar is full. Every student agreed that the jar was indeed full.

The teacher then picked up a box of small pebbles and poured them into the jar with the rocks. The pebbles filled all of the openings in between the rocks.

He asked the students if the jar was full. Once again, they agreed.

Now the teacher picked up a bag of sand and poured it into the mason jar. The sand filled in all of the empty space left between the rocks and pebbles.

He asked the class again if the jar was full. The students agreed it was technically full.

Finally, the teacher pulled out two coffees from under his desk and poured both of them into the jar filling the empty space between the sand.

Now the students began to laugh wondering how far this was going.

The teacher until the laughter stopped. “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life,” he started. “

The rocks represent important things. Your family, children, health, friends, and passions. If everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles represent the other things in life that matter, such as your job, house, and car.

The sand—that is everything else. The small stuff. If you put the sand in first, there is no room for pebbles or rocks.

The same goes for life. If you spend all of your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are most important.

Pay attention to the important things in your life.

Enjoy time with family. Go to dinner with your spouse. Play games with your kids. There will ALWAYS be time to clean the house or take yourself shopping.

Take care of the rocks first—the things that really matter. The rest is just sand. You are dismissed.”

Before the students left, one shouted out. “You never mentioned what the coffee represents!”

The professor smiled and said, “Well I’m glad you asked. The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room to have a coffee with a friend.”

I love this story. I thought you might too. Sometimes the story ends with a beer, but if you know me, I love my coffee.

Speaking of coffee, check out the episode about mindfully drinking it.

Where does mindfulness fall in this story?

Mindfulness IS the jar.

It contains everything inside it. And just like glass, it can reflect your life back to you. It’s also the sum of all the parts.

Focus on what’s important, but don’t forget the little things because they will give your life interest and meaning. Be in gratitude for what you have, knowing that the rocks, pebbles, and sand are all part of the beauty of this one life you live.

Oh, and don’t forget to toss in a bit of glitter.

It takes up no extra space, it permeates everything and makes everything colorful and it will make your life sparkle even more.

Take a deep breath in and exhale

So, before I go, listen closely and remember this ONE thing.

Your future is a thought, your past has passed, but your now is always here.

Be mindful-one minute at a time.

Hugs, Cheryl