Through My Eyes

A dear friend of mine has recently gone through a bad experience. She was so angry with herself for allowing this issue to affect her to such a degree that she was seriously thinking of violent revenge. I have not seen my friend in such a desperate state of mind. Helpless and not fully qualified for this role I suggested a walk on the beach.

We walked for a long while, the sound of the ocean drowned her rage. As we sat on some rocks, watching the waves crashing and the children jumping in the surf, her load was getting smaller and smaller, I could see her shoulders rolling forward and easing and her face gaining colour.

When we got home I found a story that never fails to perk me up, it is a story of the Taoist Farmer, it is simple but it really helps to put things into perspective; if you are going through hard times I hope this little tale will ease your load.

The story of the Taoist Farmer
A man named Sei Weng owned a beautiful mare, which was praised far and wide. One day this beautiful horse disappeared. The people of his village offered sympathy to Sei Weng for his great misfortune. Sei Weng said simply, "That's the way it is."

A few days later the lost mare returned, followed by a beautiful wild stallion. The village congratulated Sei Weng for his good fortune. He said, "That's the way it is."

Some time later, Sei Weng's only son, while riding the stallion, fell off and broke his leg. The village people once again expressed their sympathy at Sei Weng's misfortune. Sei Weng again said, "That's the way it is."

Soon thereafter, war broke out and all the young men of the village, except Sei Weng's lame son, were drafted and were all killed in battle. The village people were amazed as Sei Weng's good luck. His son was the only young man left alive in the village. But Sei Weng kept his same attitude: despite all the turmoil, gains and losses, he gave the same reply, "That's the way it is."

When you compare your problem to the 'grain of sand' principle - shrink yourself right down to near invisible on the planet and then look again at those inflated fears buffeting against you like overblown balloons - you don't matter, it doesn't matter, nothing matters in the greater scheme of things (honestly, it doesn't).

When you are thinking about revenge, stop it now - be moral and ethical - your self esteem comes in remembering and fulfilling your respect for other people - first priority is not to harm others.

Remember when things seem to be crashing down on your head, I think, well, I can only do my best and if this isn't working, I'll try something else.

Always remember to adapt to your situation - if one thing doesn't work, try something else - don't push against a closed door, don't try to lift a weight too heavy, assess, understand, step back, move sideways and then go forward again.

Wishing all my readers a fabulous week. May we all overcome our pains and fears and move on to live a fulfilled life.