Given our new issue‘s theme of Buddhist Wisdom for Difficult Times, we asked readers to submit their own hard-won lessons for coping when things get tough.
After the jump: some samples — and a chance to add your own.
Join the conversation!
Thanks to our readers for sharing their wisdom. Here are some samples:
Over time my fear and pain as an older person with dwindling economic “fluidity” seems less a crisis than before. I have my health, my work, my practice, and I’m safe physically and emotionally. And you know what? I’m really getting it that none of this is solid, real. I have a growing sense that I’m exactly where I need to be in exactly the way I need to be, and I’m okay with that. — Barb Jones
The nature of our world is transitory — always has been, always will be. Change occurs every second. Breathe it in, then breathe it out. But despite the interconnectedness of everything, we still have a say on how we handle the weave in the fabric. We can let the status quo confine us to a narrow thread, or we cut through that fabric to see its true nature. Our lessons cannot be learned if the sun is shining every day. And on rainy days, we might share our umbrella with another. — Michael Shillingford
It’s been more than a year since I was declared free of the Big C. I continue building Habitat houses to give something back to my community. I collect my garden seeds and wait for the sun to warm Mother Earth. I bow and give thanks each morning as I see the sky begin to lighten in the east. I try to treat those around me with love and concern. I feel compassion for all who have to sit in those chemo rooms. I stand in awe and wonder at this precious gift of life. I sit in my meditation room. And I take out the garbage. — Larry Haun
Often what I have perceived as a difficult time has turned out to be exactly what I needed at the time. This insight has led me to take a step back in challenging situations and understand that something in this situation is going to be very valuable to me, although I may not know what it is yet. Understanding that the things we fear most may actually be our greatest blessings can be a wonderful path through these difficult times. — Peter Cutler
What have you learned due to the onset of difficult circumstances? How has your way of seeing things changed, matured, or otherwise morphed? Please share so that we can all benefit from your own wisdom!
6 Comments
After 26 surgeries and in and out of the hospital for 2 years- I couldn't be happier. My life changed and continues to change and I realize that I can't expect nor depend on anything or anybody and yet no matter how uncomfortable that is- it is also feels deep down like the freedom that I have always wanted and comes from a sense that all is good and will work itself out.
I find that living with the principle of Non-Attachment has been the most important stress-reducer imaginable.
Not being attached to specific outcomes, to material things, etc. has enabled me to go with the flow, staying calm even through incidents where other people were very stressed about what was happening.
I think much of what we experience as stress is the result of not being able to accept things that happen (or that have happened in the past).
For me attachment is too tiring and requires too much energy – I'm happier letting go and flowing with changes – even if they seem negative while they're unfolding.
Thanks, Rena and Fern — it's heartening and inspiring to hear of personal successes like these. Keep 'em coming, folks!
The ego always wants to to hold us in place, where it can feel safe, where we can develop associations, status, and importance. We become comfortable in a society and with a group of people — colleagues, family, and friends. The ego doesn't like anything unexpected happening. Boring and stale feels safe.
Moving into the unknown requires dissolving the resistance that one has to change, taking responsibility, and being able to accept that nothing is permanent and it doesn't have to be in order to feel safe.
Embracing change is a matter of letting go of old traits and working through your resistance with trust. Change is perpetual. You can't become something more if you can't let go of where you are today.
Absolutely. Everything is always alright when you are grateful as a conscious eye of the universe. Thank you for this chance to read, understand, appreciate and reply.
Truly how grateful we should be every moment that we are aware. Immediately, in every moment, this feeling should live out as compassionately as possible. The world is created on a free, unified compassion and we, as the expressors, need nothing more than to give thanks. We need nothing more than knowing eyes and showing souls. There is nothing more than this. And it is wonderful.