Helloooo lovely women in the middle. Welcome to a New Year! I’m not sure about you, but I’m finding it a bit challenging to connect with the “Happy New Year” chant, what with the raging pandemic and its collateral damage and uncertainty. But thankfully, I can connect with a different phrase; one which brings me a measure of hope and inner peace: “This too shall pass.” Yep. This. Too. Shall. Pass.
There are several stories about the origin of this awesome, ancient quote. In one version, King Solomon was said to have challenged a group of wise men (who probably turned to their wives for input) to come up with a saying which would ALWAYS be true. Another version claims that the king wanted to wear a ring which would make him feel up whenever he was down. Both versions were quite an ask!
After considerable reflection, the wise ones arrived at their profoundly brilliant response to the King’s request: “This too shall pass.” It’s true… nothing, absolutely nothing, is permanent. Not our situations, not the king’s (or our) moods, not our thoughts, not the people in our lives, not our status, not our appearance, and neither our difficulties nor our bliss. And certainly not Covid. It too will eventually pass.
We’ve all heard this saying, but we forget. We forget past chapters in our lives we thought would never end – the heartache of a breakup, recovering from an injury, mastering a new skill. Most of us get so caught up in our frustrations and hardships, that we lose sight of the temporary nature (sometimes a looooong temporary) of our difficulties. It seems and feels like they will go on forever. But they won’t. That’s a guarantee.
So, how do we embody this truth? How can we get some relief during difficult times by remembering that everything is temporary? Meditation is one proven way. Even five minutes of meditation is enough to make this concept come to life. While just sitting there, so much happens and changes – thoughts, moods, and body sensations of all kinds. And here’s how this comes to life. When we just notice the many changes, without trying to change or fix them, they arise and pass. It’s sooooo much easier than constantly reacting to a situation and wishing it away.
So whether your New Year is happy or unhappy, it will change. Regardless of how preposterous this may seem to you, everything changes. But don’t just take my word for it. Experience “this too shall pass” for yourself.
Our Thursday Guided Meditation group resumes January 5th from 8:3-9am PT. (zoom link above). It’s great for beginners and equally great for experienced meditators. Our half-day Mornings of Meditation (Intro, Loving Kindness and Self-Compassion) will resume as soon as it’s safe to meet in person. And, I’m always here to support you individually in any way.
At some point in the future, we will all look back on the Covid years, just as we have other past big chapters of our lives. But, until then, I wish us all moments of joy, connection, love, meaning and, yes, happiness.
And when you get the blues, Covid or otherwise, try to remember, This Too Shall Pass.