Joy in the Moment
This Too Shall Pass
By Joy Pape, FNP CDCES
When going through a tough time we may think of the words, “This too shall pass” for solace.
But, do you ever think of this saying in relationship to what you may consider something as good?
Living in the ’moment’ shines bright on this.
There’s a saying of a King, who had everything this world could offer him, except he did not have peace of mind. So, he searched out a wise person and offered to pay anything if this wise person could help him.
The wise person told the King, “The price is very high for peace of mind, it is more valuable than anything you have.” Instead, the wise person gave the King a ring with the saying inscribed, “This too shall pass.”
The King was told to look at this beautiful ring often, and remember, how things that may be painful or even beautiful or meaningful shall pass. There is nothing to be attached to.
Either the seemingly bad or the seemingly good, it is what it is at the moment and will pass or change.
It is a lesson of non-attachment to help us remember not to get too upset about things and not to get fearful about losing something you care deeply about.
This doesn’t mean there won’t be sad or hard times, nor does it mean not to enjoy good or beautiful times.
Just know, “This too shall pass,” whatever it is. It can help you have joy in the moment which can bring you peace of mind.
Joy Pape, FNP-C, CDCES, CFCN is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, Certified Diabetes Educator and Specialist in Weight Management & Obesity at Weill Cornell’s Comprehensive Weight Control Center and has a private practice in the West Village.
