Two young men tried to trick a wise old man by catching a bird and asking him if it was alive or dead. When they asked the old man, he responded "It's in your hands", avoiding their trap and teaching them a lesson about wisdom and clear thinking. A farmer remained calm and said "May be" when faced with changing fortunes - his horse running away but then returning with more horses, his son getting injured but then being spared from conscription. His attitude demonstrates developing equanimity towards uncertainty and seeing that seemingly tragic events can become blessings and vice versa. Maintaining present mindfulness about the impermanence of situations leads to greater peace of mind.