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Waiting your turn

The Passing Bowl

“Let the bowl come round.”

Part of the subscription

At a big table, the bowl comes round to everyone in time. A story about wanting your share, waiting your turn, and trusting it will reach you.

The real source

“Epictetus compares life to a banquet. When something is passed to you, take your share gently. If it passes by, do not grab after it. If it has not reached you yet, do not stretch your wanting toward it. Wait until it comes.”
Epictetus · Enchiridion 15

We adapt this idea honestly for a young listener, and the app always names where it comes from. Why real sources matter →

For grown-ups

This story is about ordinary wanting, not real need. If a child is hungry, unsafe, excluded, or unheard, they should ask for help and adults should respond. The lesson is not “do not want things,” but to notice wanting, wait when waiting is right, and ask kindly when asking is right.

A little practice: When wanting pulls you across the table, ask: can I let the bowl come round?

The line your child keeps in Pocket: “Let the bowl come round.”

Listen to The Passing Bowl.

The Archer and The Rainy Picnic are free to try with no card. This one comes with the subscription.