Thursday, September 22, 2022
Peace can suddenly vanish when you’re on a crowded plane, experiencing delays, or witnessing people behaving poorly. Contentment can suddenly convert to despair, when we don’t get what we want. A sense of wellness withers instantly, when we get bad news from the doctor. But does happiness need to be so fragile, so fleeting?
When life seems to steal your joy, don’t give it away so easily. Crowded places, ill-behaved people, unpleasant conditions that you cannot change are signals. They are signals to go deep to that oasis of peace that passes all understanding, and endures all things. It’s what allows you to see the minutiae of your own, so-called suffering. The key is to remember the intentionality of happiness, the determination that peace takes; rather than to simply allow it to be so fleeting, especially during moments of provocation. Surely happiness is worth more than that!
During those times of feeling trapped, the only way “out” begins with a deep breath, a cleansing, inward gesture that reveals that you are really OK. The situation is probably not that bad, and it’s usually temporary. In those times, be intentional – learn to take your attention off of yourself. There’s always someone in worse conditions than you, and they probably could use your prayers and your assistance. No matter how bad things seem to get, if you are still in a position to help others, you’re doing well. The key is staying vigilant, recognizing when the mind overdramatizes and overtakes your ability to remain comported. If you pass the test of minor inconveniences, without coming unglued, the larger challenges will have softer edges.