It
is possible to live out your whole life in perfect contentment, even
though the whole world deafens you with its roar and wild beats tear apart
your body like a lump of clay.
For
nothing can shake a steady mind out of its peaceful repose; nothing can bar it
from correct judgment, nor defeat its readiness to see the benefit of that
all things bring.
True
understanding is to see the events of life in this way: "You are here for
my benefit, though rumor paints you otherwise." And everything is turned
to one's advantage when he greets a situation like this: "You are the
very thing I was looking for."
Truly,
whatever arises in life is the right material to bring about your growth and
the growth of those around you. this, in a word, is art - and this art we call
"life" is a practice suitable to both men and gods. Everything
contains some special purpose and a hidden blessing. What then could be
strange or arduous when all of life is here to greet you like an old and
faithful friend?
~
Marcus Aurelius ~
