Adversities are opportunities

adversity
Practicing loving kindness (metta), mindfulness and compassion are probably easiest to do when any of us is having a good day. But I think the real opportunity for growth and wisdom lies in practicing these while in the face of adversity.
These challenging situations and emotions that arise in daily life, are actually pearls of enlightenment.
If one can welcome pain and heartache for the gift that they are, one can grow in wisdom exponentially.
Think of it like body building. It is only through pain that you actually gain muscle growth. You know the saying, “No pain, no gain”.
And as a former body builder, I can tell you that the pain of an intense workout was actually extremely fulfilling. Yes, I was sore and I was tired. But I felt great! My mind and body were both blissfully enjoying the experience.
This too, I believe, is the Buddhist practice.
Once we can develop a genuine nature of appreciation for even the most painful moments of our life, we begin to break the cycle of samsara.
Without this training or practice I think that, like body building, we become fat and lazy. Our minds become weak and unskilled (ignorant). Instead of seeing the gift in each moment, we have a strong aversion (dosa) to it. We cling more strongly to joyous moments and more stubbornly reject any painful experiences.
And what happens to someone who doesn’t exercise, but only sits around watching TV and eating cookies and potato chips? Well, it is the same thing with your mind.

So I hope it you are experiencing any difficulties in your life right now, you will see that they are actually a gift, an opportunity for you to practice and gain wisdom and peace.

As for me, I need to get on the treadmill and work off this jelly roll around my mid-section! :)

Be well, happy and peaceful.