This Too Shall Pass

Every morning on my way to work, I pass a large sign belonging to a popular fast food joint, and displayed on the sign are rotating messages–some are serious and some are not–but they always capture my attention.  Recently, I looked over at this one….

This Too Shall Pass

And it was a poignant one for me at that particular moment as it reminded me that what I was experiencing at that time was fleeting, and it offered a dose of humility as it also reminded me to stay grounded with the promise that the situation I found myself in would eventually change to something else.

We’re all familiar with this phrase and we’ve either said it to ourselves or to others for comfort and reassurance.  And it’s been around for quite a while too.  “This Too Shall Pass” is believed to have originated from 13th century Persian Sufi poets and then later appeared in Jewish folklore, signifying the temporary nature of all life experiences, both good and bad.  It then became popular in the West by 19th century poets and writers such as Edward Fitzgerald.  

It’s a bit of a paradox, really.  The only thing that is permanent in this world is impermanence.  Change is both inevitable and unavoidable.  When we repeatedly say, “I hate change,” that doesn’t make it stop or go away.  And it’s not wise to wish for things to remain unchanged, because then you’re DONE on this planet.  No more tears, laughter, joys, and sorrows….no more expansion.  What would be the point?

Don’t be in a rush to stop living.
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”

—Wayne W. Dyer

“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.”

—Johnny Cash

Another point to consider is that we tend to apply “This Too Shall Pass” strictly to the bad in life, but it goes both ways.  And remembering that it also applies to the good times, not just the down times, helps one to not let the highs get too high, or the lows get too low.

Stay centered….and grounded.

That doesn’t mean you can’t get excited.  Just don’t forget that every emotion is replaced by another, but your perspective counts for quite a bit.  And also don’t forget there’s a story you’ve created around your circumstances.  And you can change such story if you don’t like it.

“If you don’t like something, change it.  If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

—Maya Angelou

Is there a way we can actively apply “This Too Shall Pass” in our daily lives for optimal living and not merely relegate it as something we say for comfort?  I believe so.

Allow it to be an Affirmationfor Endurance & Perspective.  Acknowledging the temporary state of things encourages patience during the difficult and hardest of the hard times (depression, grief, anxiety).  It assures us that the circumstances on how we are feeling will indeed change.  Trust

Allow it to be your go-to Mantra as a simple and direct note to Self– “This Too Shall Pass.”  Allow the words to ease the discomfort and stress percolating around or inside of you.  Focus on the temporary nature of the pain.

Allow it to help you practice Non-Attachment.  Experience the emotions without being consumed by them.  If you consider yourself to be highly sensitive, this may be a challenge, but is super important for emotional regulation.

And finally,

Allow it to build Resilience.  “This Too Shall Pass” encourages hope paired with taking action, even when current events feel insurmountable.

One of my absolute favorite TV shows of all time was LOST, which aired between 2004 to 2010.  This drama followed the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, who crashed on a mysterious island in the South Pacific. The story blended themes of survival, mystery, the supernatural, destiny, fate, spirituality, and human nature.  A dear friend of mine at the time was as much into LOST as I was and it became regular conversation at work as we both excitedly shared our thoughts and reactions to each episode as it aired. Many years passed after we celebrated the ending of our treasured show, when I learned that my friend had encountered a life-changing medical crisis.  I can only imagine the challenges she bravely faced and endured before she eventually transitioned completely into Spirit, but I have great faith that she now knows many of the answers to many of those questions about the nature of reality that this landmark TV show presented to its viewers.  She “moved on.”

To say I was in love with the island and its many diverse characters, with their relationships, and the mysteries of time and space would be an understatement.  It got so many things right, including the ending, an opinion which was not shared by several of the fans and critics alike, but you can’t please everyone, and some questions are not meant to be answered.  I found that last episode to be perfect and I still bawl my eyes out every time I watch it.  

There were so many great lines of dialog spoken throughout each season, but I remember one conversation in particular that was shared between two of the castaways that stuck with me, and I’ve even uttered it myself to clients during counseling sessions.  What I recall, and I’m paraphrasing from memory here is this....“We have no idea what we’re made of, even what we’re capable of, until we’re in the very situation we feel is unescapable.”  

Only then do we know, and can fully appreciate who we truly are.

Courage with Great Love equals Valor my friends, and you have spades of it. 

After all, Life is a Curve....as you will see in the video below, for “This Too Shall Pass.”  Please watch.

Til next we meet in the forest….

Love,

Amanda♥️