Different people respond differently in the same situation. Very often we marvel at the ability of some to not only overcome challenges but come out stronger, happier and more compassionate even after having gone through much in life. We may not have invited a situation and may have no control over the course of events, but we are certainly empowered in our choice of response.
I am always reminded of something I had heard years ago that has stayed with me all my life : Things in life will go wrong, we will fall, we don’t have a choice. But we do have a choice as to how we fall. There are 3 ways to fall.
We can fall like a pot of mud and get shattered , the situation overpowering us.
Or we can fall like an iron ball where we don’t break but break things around us , falling with anger and negativity.
Or we can fall like a rubber ball – the harder we fall the higher we spring back. A rubber ball doesn’t bounce on sand, it needs a hard surface. Tough situations come as an opportunity for us to rise to a higher level of consciousness.
We may fall in the outer world in the midst of chaos, uncertainty and destruction. It’s our inner world that helps us Rise.
It’s so lovely to read your messages early in the morning. Great start to the day ! Going to share this story with the kids today.
Prerana if we can start sharing our deeper thoughts with our children in the simplest of ways, we would have given truly them a level of love they will be blessed to grow up with
pain is unavoidable, suffering is an option
That also goes to the question – what is pain ? Is being thrown out of our comfort zone pain ? No child is delivered without pain and no chrysalis develops into a butterfly without struggle. Viewed thus, pain is but a process of growth.
And you are absolutely right, our inner suffering is completely an option. And bhaijan thank you for always bringing a smile on our face every time you meet us…
I think in our minds we all want to be rubber balls, bouncing back after impact… but sometimes the reality is different. Also a matter of perspective,a bouncing ball could also break and shatter things.
Very true Namrata. The inner spirit of hope, optimism and faith develops the bounce. And yes, we need to be mindful how we respond so as not to cause further pain. The analogy to the ball is more about developing the resilience and ability to spring back from a difficult situation. For me the weekly Gita study classes and daily reading, reflection and experimenting these principles in my life has helped.
Spot on ! 💯
So well explained, difficulty, and opportunity. Response and perspective makes all the difference
Superb
So true !
In life one will always face challenges but if we are able to embrace learn and grow from the challenge there will certainly be a positive outcome .
awesome read. very true it is how we respond internally to different situations in life that helps us bounce back.
Thanks Vivek. Your reflection takes me to the word trust. Trusting while falling and trusting while rebounding/responding. It seems to me that we have the possibilities of trusting ourselves, others, and a higher power. Perhaps we rebound highest when all 3 are aligned.
So well put Lorne. Yes Trust is central. Reminded me of something beautiful I heard – when we are taken to the edge, two things will happen. Either He will hold us if we fall or give us wings and teach us how to fly. To Trust the higher is key… Thanks for triggering this Lorne…
Vivekji,I am working on a presentation for students,on Resilience,this sharing has come at such an apt time,want your permission to make use of it.Asha
Ashaji, I have always maintained that knowledge belongs to the Universe. Nothing can be better than convey our deeper thoughts to our children in simple ways. So yes, please freely use the reflections…..
Loved the analogy
Lovely read vivek , thank you …..remembered this saying –
Faith does not mean trusting god to stop the storm but trusting him to strengthen us as we walk through the storm 😇
Hopefully we will all be rubber balls in our thinking. God bless and so much love. Xx
What a wonderful thought to ponder over. Especially on these extremely unusual and trying times. The question is how we emerge on the other side…. Shattered, shattering around or bounce right back up. The power lied within us.
Thank you.
really good
I enjoy this.
Thanks John – and you are a great example of someone who has always moved forward and never let situations bog you down…
Vivek
Again well thought out and explained.
Keep up the writing .
I am sure many will benefit from it and understand it as you use analogies which are simple to understand and relate to .
How well have you explained this. Absolutely amazing vivek!
Vivek,
I’m so glad Rashida shared the link to your blog.
What a wonderful idea …. to write what you “see”, “feel” and “experience” and bring it all together for people to relate to.
It reminded me of what my Dad use to say – “tough times don’t last, tough people do”.
It also amazes me how different individuals react to this current situation. I’ve seen the strongest, fall apart. And those I thought would find this situation hard to handle, stand firm to support others.
If nothing else, we are learning about ourselves .
Thank you and keep sharing
We must try & remind ourselves that Life is rainbow 🌈 of many shades & colours The bouncing back gets easier 🌹
Vivek,
I’m so glad Rashida shared the link to your blog.
What a wonderful idea …. to write what you “see”, “feel” and “experience” and bring it all together for people to relate to.
It reminded me of what my Dad use to say – “tough times don’t last, tough people do”.
It also amazes me how different individuals react to this current situation. I’ve seen the strongest, fall apart. And those I thought would find this situation hard to handle, stand firm to support others.
If nothing else, we are learning about ourselves .
Thank you and keep sharing
Thanks Zarmin and your dad was someone who truly lived the ablity to bounce back, no matter what !
So true Vivek! We are in total control of how we respond!
Lovely read and so well explained…
What has always helped me, in the face of really difficult times, is being in the present. While the anxieties of the future and the ghosts of the past tend to sap you energies, being in the present and the now, is what enables one to be objective and see things for what they are. Once you are able to do that, it’s about simply applying yourself for the way forward. While we need a long term goal, it is then about reaching the short term milestones. It finally takes you to the finishing line. But the detachment from the final result, while acting in the now, somehow adds up to achieving what one sets out to. Having said that, one must be prepared for an alternate result. That acceptance also needs to be there. It is some how satisfying to even accept an adverse result, knowing that you tried your best.
Beautifully expressed Ajay ! I know our weekly Gita classes have given us lot of clarity.
Lovely! Have enjoyed reading all your contemplations.
True Vivek and very well written. Enjoyed reading