The path to Tranquility (spring)
69. Courage to accept the test of adversity
No matter setbacks at work, interpersonal conflicts, or physical health difficulties, adversity always strikes unexpectedly. We can be frustrated, complain or give up, but more importantly, we can confront the test of adversity with a firm will and a positive attitude.
We can imagine that if a tree is moved indoors, even if it is well cared for, it may become weak and easily wither. Although it is not damaged by the scorching sun and storms, it will gradually lose its vitality. The reason is that for a tree, the scorching sun and storms are tests rather than injuries, and only by withstanding these tests can it grow strong.
The scorching sun seems to dry this tree out, but actually drives its roots to absorb nutrients underground, making the leaves grow lush and green. The storms may seem to uproot it, but they enable its roots to anchor deeper and stronger. In the embrace of nature, this tree is most vibrant. Adversity is nature's test for life, and only those life can endure the test can stay.
Similarly, if we are psychologically inseparable from our parents, have not truly struggled independently in society, or have not experienced setbacks and failures, then it will be difficult for our consciousness to mature. We will lack the ability to protect life and may even be eliminated. Maybe we are temporarily protected by our parents and live a worry-free life, but we also lack the experience to solve problems and overcome difficulties. Once the environment changes or social unrest occurs, we will face great dangers. Moreover, living without effort will also leave us lacking satisfaction and joy.
We have also seen flowers in the greenhouse. No matter how brightly they bloom, they cannot give people a feeling of vitality. Hence, if we want to live stably and with strength, we must have the courage to face hardships and obstacles. Wisdom and courage complement each other, and by taking the first step bravely, and accepting the test of adversity, our wisdom will grow. For example, if we are frustrated in a relationship, if we can bravely regard the setback as a test of nature, then we will be able to recover more easily and learn more knowledge and principles from it. When we encounter the same situation, we can deal with it more calmly.
Cultivating the courage to accept tests by adversity, does not mean to take risks actively, but putting life safety first. We can start with thinking training and cultivate agility and patience by solving complex and ambiguous problems. Then actively face the difficulties and challenges in life or work, quickly improve our awareness and survival ability, and enhance our courage. We can also take the initiative to step out of our comfort zone and make changes in our lives or work, such as trying some healthier eating methods, or developing some new businesses, or even inventing and innovating.
Good times and adversity appear alternately in a person's life. When adversity strikes, wisdom is the only guarantee we can get through it. Therefore, we need to be prepared to face adversity in good times, and in the face of adversity we need to remain patient and not give up easily. This is the first step to accept the test and also the key to growth of wisdom. Self-encouragement and belief in our own abilities are the positive attitudes we should have. On the other hand, we need to find effective support, get out of loneliness, and get help from other people's experiences or advice.
By having the courage to accept the test of adversity, we can know ourselves better. Adversity will test whether we know how to learn and reflect, whether we know how to absorb experiences and lessons, the main point is that it tests our wisdom. In modern society, survival depends on wisdom, not courage. The purpose of cultivating courage is to reduce fear, make us more open to new things, understand ourselves and grow in wisdom through continuous attempts. With wisdom as the foundation, our courage will become the power to protect life.
Adversity is sometimes a situation we cannot escape. By equipping ourselves early, cultivating the awareness to accept the test of adversity, and establishing good mutual-help relationships with others, we can turn adversity into space for growth. In this way, we can not only survive adversity safely, but also develop quickly in the next good times.
70. Accepting the inevitability of life
