This Too Shall Pass
Breaking the Illusion
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been diving deeper into self-inquiry and the practice of being aware of awareness itself. The more time I spend in this state, the more I find effortless clarity and a growing understanding of how my mind works. Recently, I had a significant realization—a deep-rooted belief that’s been affecting my life for a long time. It’s this quiet, underlying sense that whatever I’m feeling, especially discomfort or insecurity, will last forever. And this belief has been quietly pushing me into a cycle of reaction, trying to “resolve” every feeling as though it’s permanent.
Take insecurity, for example. Whenever it arises, there’s a part of me that believes it’s here to stay, so I feel compelled to act, to solve, to fix. But as I continue my self-inquiry, I’m starting to see the truth: these feelings aren’t “real” in the sense of being permanent. They come and go. So, when I react to them, I’m actually reinforcing the belief that something temporary is somehow permanent—that something “unreal” is real.
This realization reminds me of the classic story of someone who chases wealth or success, believing it will finally resolve some deep discomfort or inner void. They reach their goal only to find that nothing has fundamentally changed. The misconception is that the discomfort pushing them was permanent, when in reality, it too would have passed—if only they’d allowed it.
Letting Go Means Realizing "This Too Shall Pass"
Learning to let go is learning to see the impermanence of each feeling or state of mind. And letting go doesn’t mean forcing a feeling away; it’s about understanding that “this too shall pass.” It’s a quiet but powerful realization that brings surrender. Surrender isn’t passive—it’s active acceptance of the natural flow of life. Whatever we’re feeling, it’s all intertwined in this cycle of coming and going. Recognizing this allows us to fully experience each emotion, without needing to hold on or push it away.
If you’d like to try a simple exercise, here’s one: Reflect on whatever you’re feeling right now. Write it down, put it away, and come back to it after a day—or even just 12 hours. When you reread what you wrote, you’ll likely find that your state of mind has shifted, maybe even dramatically. This simple practice can show you just how naturally emotions pass when left alone.
The Power of Being the Witness
This idea ties into the concept of being the witness, something I’ve written about before. Being the witness means surrendering to the deeper power within us—the same power that governs nature. When we realize that our feelings and thoughts are fleeting, we create space within ourselves. In that space, there’s no room for fear to grip us. We can fully confront and feel each experience, knowing it will pass.
And remember: What is true never leaves. What is untrue never lasts. The awareness within you, the one that’s been there since childhood, witnessing every thought, every feeling—that is what’s true. Thoughts and emotions come and go, but awareness is the constant. This understanding can bring peace, especially when life throws us into moments of stress, anger, or uncertainty.
The next time you feel gripped by something uncomfortable, remind yourself, “This too shall pass.” Feel the power of that truth, and let it bring you a sense of surrender and openness. It’s a gentle but profound way to embrace each moment, knowing that every feeling, good or bad, is part of the natural rhythm of life—and none of it is forever.
