Once upon a time there was a farmer named Sei Weng who had one horse and one son. One day the horse wandered away, and the neighbors commented that this was unfortunate. The farmer replied, “How do you know it’s bad luck?”
Soon after the horse returned bringing several wild mares with him. The neighbors congratulated him on his good luck. Ah, what lovely, strong horses! However, the farmer responded by saying, “How do you know it’s good luck?”
The son was thrown while riding one of the wild horses and broke his leg. His neighbors once again commented on how sorry they were for his bad luck, at which the farmer said, “Good luck, bad luck. Who knows?”
A war came, and every able-bodied man was conscripted into the military and sent into battle. Because he had a broken leg, the old man’s son didn’t have to go to war. The neighbors were excited about his good fortune, but the farmer remarked, “Is it good or is it bad?”
Another version of this folktale concludes with, “That’s the way it is.” Another says that fortune turns to misfortune, and misfortune to fortune. There is no end to changes, and the mystery can’t be known.
Because the farmer was emotionally detached and didn’t go along with everyone’s thinking, he was able to see a bigger picture.
Life presents both challenges and blessings. Your perspective determines how they affect you and your ability to make your dreams come true and live your best life.
According to the Chaos Theory our lives are always in chaos, and this is what opens us to fresh forms and possibilities.
When we reach what is called a “bi-furcation point,” a “point of departure” takes place, and a “self-organization out of chaos” occurs.
In other words, events that serve as turning points create a new order and structure.
Instead of adversely reacting to circumstances that seem bad, consider they may be a portal to something greater than you currently can imagine.
A messy divorce may be a ticket to personal empowerment and overcoming fear.
Challenging health, work, family or relationship issues, the loss or lack of worldly goods or money, or pain may be what cracks the shell to allow humility and what’s truly important to be seen… and the impetus to get real or pursue one’s dreams.
You can choose your perspective. Look deeper.
No matter how it appears, things change. The highs become lows or ordinary.
Regardless of how frustrated or hopeless aspects of your life may seem, this too shall pass… into something better if you allow yourself to see.
This edited Soulgoals’ Blog was originally posted on March 8, 2013.
Could you use help in changing the way you see some things?
Contact me to learn how at:
virginia@soulgoals.com
http://www.soulgoals.com
I help women to tune in to their true Selves, see clearly and live their personal and professional dreams.
Tags: Bi-furcation point, Chaos Theory, Health issues, Is it good or is it bad?, Messy divorce, Not enough money, Overcome fear, personal empowerment, Turning point
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