Today’s Excerpt:

Story: “It Will Pass” (Zen Buddhism)

A student of meditation complained to his teacher about his practice. “Everything is going wrong!” he said. “I’m full of distractions, my legs ache, and I’m constantly sleepy.”

“It will pass,” said the teacher.

A week later, the same student returned to his teacher, excited about how well his practice was going. “Everything is wonderful!” he said. “I’m focused, aware, and full of peace.”

“It will pass,” the teacher said again.”

Takeaway: Our emotional states are like the clouds in the sky — always in motion, always shifting. If we feel an intense negative emotion, we can be sure it won’t be permanent. If we feel an intense positive emotion, we can be sure it won’t be permanent.

Discuss:

• What are you experiencing right now?