Easing the Pain of Heartbreak and Disappointment
Big-picture reminders to keep us going when life feels unfair and punishing
“…we can never truly know how a situation is going to turn out. There are no intrinsic ‘opportunities’ or ‘threats’ — there is only what happens and how we choose to respond.” —Finn Jackson
The real depths of my confusion and sorrow may not have set in yet from my hopes and dreams being dashed by the recent election results in the US.
And yet I am still breathing.
It helps to appreciate the beauty in small things: a beautiful day, a walk, a poem…
A tree.
If you are hurting right now, seek out a tree. Let it give you strength and perspective. Feel its root system beneath your feet, its strong core rising tall, its spacious canopy expanding out and holding space overhead. This tree has likely been around a lot longer, and seen a lot more pain and struggle than we will ever see in our lifetime.
For another perspective, listen to the “Parable of the Chinese Farmer.” This Taoist story told by Alan Watts is a reminder that we never really know what the consequences of misfortune or good fortune will be. It’s only two minutes long. You can find it below.
What helps you find your peace and spacious center when life throws you a curve ball?
Ahhh 🙌🏼💜🙌🏼
Video
Parable of the Chinese Farmer
A Story by Alan Watts
Speaking of big picture
in case you missed these..
Inspiring Awe
“It’s amazing to step out of the busyness of our lives, to come back to the mystery of our own existence.”—Jack Kornfield
Why We Vote and Why it Matters
“A vote is a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and our children.”
Thanks so much for this, Stephanie. Especially the Alan Watts parable of The Chinese Farmer. When I lived in Santa Cruz, CA, every Sunday at 7am, they'd play an hour long lecture by Watts. Even though it was early, I'd lie in bed and listen to that wise man talk about life, philosophy and being, and I think this is when I first heard that parable. I sent it to my nephew who'd been picked up to work for the Harris campaign in early August--I'm hoping it will help heal him, too. Gracias.
I agree that trees calm the soul. There’s a hickory grove on my farm, and one special tree - I only have to feel the bark on that tree to experience peace.