Ancient Wisdom and Modern Resonance: The Power of 'This Will Pass'

Have you ever been in a situation where a simple phrase changes the way you perceive a difficult moment? The saying 'this will pass' is particularly poignant in its ability to transform both happiness and sadness. This phrase finds its origin in an ancient fable involving the wise King Solomon.

Once, King Solomon posed a thought-provoking question to seek the wisdom of his people: 'What four words can make a happy person sad and a sad person happy?' After a year, one of the wise ones returned with a response he had received from a beggar: 'This too shall pass.' Over time, this evolved into the more succinct phrase we now know: 'This will pass.'

From Music to Literature: Echoes of 'This Will Pass'

This phrase is more than a simple saying; it resonates through various forms of art and literature, offering profound insights into the human condition. In the song 'Love is a Rose' by Linda Ronstadt, the lyrics remind us:

“Love is a rose, but you better not pick it. Only grows when it’s on the vine.
Handful of thorns, you know you’ve missed it.
Lose your love when you say the words ‘mine’!”

Similarly, the song 'Every Rose Has Its Thorns' by Poison reflects a similar sentiment:

“Every rose has its thorn. Just like every night has its dawn.
Every cowboy sings his sad sad song.
Every rose has its thorn. Yeah it does.”

These lyrics emphasize that positive and negative experiences coexist, much like the beauty and pain found in a rose. Just as true love often comes with challenges, life’s joys are not immune to the presence of hardships.

Psychological Perspectives

From a psychological standpoint, this phrase encapsulates a concept known as 'cognitive reappraisal.' According to psychologist Brian Roche, cognitive reappraisal involves changing our perspective on a situation to manage emotions more effectively. In our daily lives, understanding that 'this will pass' can help us navigate through challenging times with resilience and fortitude.

Carl Jung and the Shadow

Psychologist Carl Jung highlighted the importance of integrating our shadow, or the aspects of ourselves that we may not fully acknowledge or accept. The phrase 'this will pass' can help us integrate these hidden parts, as they too will eventually subside.

Eastern Spirituality and Yin and Yang

From the perspective of Eastern spirituality, joy and pain, or yin and yang, are intrinsically linked and balanced. This duality teaches us that even in moments of sorrow, there is a path to growth and transformation. The saying 'this will pass' encourages us to embrace the impermanence of our feelings and experiences.

Practical Applications in Life

The phrase 'this will pass' can be applied to various aspects of life:

Resilience: Facing challenges with the knowledge that they are temporary helps build mental strength. Acceptance: Embracing temporary sadness allows for emotional processing and eventual growth. Balanced Relationships: Maintaining a balanced view of love allows for a healthier approach to relationships and self.

Additional Influential Phrases

There are other powerful phrases that resonate with similar themes:

We have nukes: A stark reminder of the consequences of our actions, encouraging vigilance and caution. Live learn love: A call to action for continuous growth and improvement in personal development. Make it so: A confident declaration of intent, often found in Star Trek, emphasizing the power of determination. Keep on truckin': An encouragement to persevere through difficult times, historically associated with perseverance. I love you: A declaration of emotion that, in its simplicity, can mean worlds in human connection and relationships.

Ultimately, the phrase 'this will pass' is a testament to the human experience of joy and pain coexisting. It reminds us of the impermanence of our emotions and encourages us to find strength and growth in the face of adversity.