"La cisterna contiene la fuente se desborda"

When we dive into the saying "The cistern contains; the fountain overflows," its essence is about the difference between holding onto what you have versus sharing abundantly with others. Think of a cistern as a container—maybe like a water tank—that stores water. It holds it in, keeps it for later use. Meanwhile, a fountain is always in motion, continuously pouring out water, spreading it around for everyone to see and enjoy.

Historically, this saying can be linked to ideas about generosity, knowledge, and the difference between being self-contained and being a source of ongoing contribution. Picture it like this: a cistern might symbolize a person who keeps their talents, resources, or knowledge to themselves. They store it up, maybe out of fear of running out or just habit. A fountain, on the other hand, represents someone who shares freely, enriching the lives of others continuously.

Let’s ground this in a real-life example. Think of a teacher. There are some teachers who keep their knowledge to themselves, only doling out what’s necessary to get through the curriculum. They’re the cistern—they contain their knowledge, sharing just enough to fulfill their job. But then there are teachers who are like fountains. They go beyond the textbook, sharing personal experiences, encouraging questions, and inspiring their students to explore and learn more. These teachers overflow with enthusiasm and wisdom, impacting their students profoundly.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in daily life? Start by identifying areas where you might be a cistern. Do you keep your ideas to yourself during brainstorming sessions at work? Do you hoard your time and resources, rarely offering help unless asked? Shift your mindset. Think about ways to be more like a fountain—sharing your ideas freely, volunteering your time, offering help without being prompted. It doesn’t mean recklessly giving away everything you have, but rather being open and generous with what you can offer.

Imagine you're part of a community garden group. You have a knack for growing tomatoes, and your plants yield a bumper crop every season. You could be a cistern and keep the best of your harvest for yourself, maybe giving away the odd tomato here and there. Or, you could be a fountain—sharing your tomatoes with neighbors, teaching others your growing techniques, and maybe even starting a small weekly market where everyone shares their produce. The overflow benefits everyone, creating a sense of community and abundance.

This idea encourages us to think beyond our immediate needs and consider the broader impact of our actions. By being more like a fountain, you’re not only enriching the lives of those around you but also creating a legacy of generosity and openness.

So, next time you’re faced with an opportunity to share—be it your time, your knowledge, or your resources—think about the fountain. Let your contributions flow freely and watch how it transforms your world and the world of those around you.