In the busy clearing of the forest troop, Aron the young adolescent monkey was full of restless energy. He loved to play rough, often forgetting that the world around him included much smaller, gentler babies who couldn’t quite keep up with his lively style. One sunny morning, Baby Ariana toddled around near the roots of a wide fig tree, exploring leaves and twigs with her usual curiosity. She had just learned to balance on her tiny hands and feet, and every movement was still a new lesson for her.
Aron spotted her and, in his excitement, rushed over hoping she would join his wild game. Before thinking, he grabbed hold of her arm and tugged her backward quickly, dragging her across the soft dirt. To him, it was just a burst of playful enthusiasm. But Ariana, much smaller and still learning the world, was startled by the sudden motion. Her little feet scrambled, her soft squeaks filled the air, and she looked up with wide, confused eyes.
Thankfully, an older female monkey nearby saw what happened and immediately stepped in. She gently pulled Baby Ariana close, brushing off the dust and offering comforting pats. Aron froze, realizing he might have gone too far. He didn’t intend harm—he simply treated Ariana as if she were another rough-and-tumble youngster like himself, not understanding how fragile a baby truly was.
The troop’s elder female gave Aron a firm but patient look. Instead of punishing him harshly, she guided him through slower, gentler interactions. Aron watched as Baby Ariana calmed down and clung softly to her helper. He understood then that babies were not toys, and his energy needed direction and care.
From that moment, Aron learned to play with mindfulness, discovering that true strength often lies in gentleness.
