A coaching client of mine is in the middle of a separation. It is both painful and complex. She had demonstrated huge compassion and resilience throughout the process but it appears, at present, to have no immediate end in sight…. to the chaos and uncertainty, emotional weight and bandwidth this brings. Asked directly for advice, on this occasion, as a performance coach I had very little to offer other than ‘this too shall pass’. Explaining that what is required may be an acceptance of a process and that the state is not fixed but will change in time.
We have all experienced it in the quiet hours of the night, when the world is shrouded in darkness and silence, the mind can often wander to places both familiar and unknown. It is in these moments that the weight of life’s challenges can feel the heaviest, as if every worry, every fear, and every regret has gathered to press down on the heart. But in these moments of doubt and despair, I know there is a phrase—a simple, timeless reminder—that has comforted many through the ages: “This too shall pass”. It’s a phrase I have used throughout my leadership career, in my personal life when I have experienced loss or within long distance endurance events when things get rough (and I’ve even applied it to the occasional hangover!).
The phrase is believed to have originated from a Persian adage, often credited to the wise King Solomon. It is said that the king sought a phrase that would be true and applicable in all situations, one that could bring comfort in times of sorrow and humility in times of joy. After much deliberation, his advisors presented him with the words, “This too shall pass,” which Solomon found to be both profound and universally applicable. In some respects, for me, it is a slight philosophical shrug of the shoulders but behind it is the power of perspective.
It can be difficult to see beyond the immediate pain or difficulty. The struggles we face can feel endless, and the idea of finding peace or resolution seems distant. However, the phrase “This too shall pass” serves as a powerful reminder that all things in life are temporary. Just as the sun rises and sets, so too do all our challenges and hardships. By embracing this perspective, we allow ourselves to step back and view our problems in the context of the bigger picture. We begin to understand that while our current situation may be challenging, it is not permanent. Time, the great healer, continues to move forward, and with it, so do we. The emotions and circumstances that seem so overwhelming now will eventually give way to new experiences and feelings. We can all think back to moments of acute pain , physical or mental, when we never thought we’d be the same again…and maybe we are not….but all things must pass.
Resilience in Adversity
The phrase also speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Life is a series of ebbs and flows, of highs and lows. In times of adversity, it is easy to feel defeated, to believe that our troubles will never end. But history has shown time and again that human beings are capable of extraordinary strength and perseverance. We have the ability to endure, to adapt, and to overcome.
When we remind ourselves that “this too shall pass,” we tap into that inner strength. We acknowledge the difficulty of the moment but also affirm our capacity to survive it. This mindset not only helps us endure challenging times but also empowers us to grow from them. Adversity often brings with it lessons that, while painful, are invaluable to our personal growth and understanding.
Joy is Fleeting
Interestingly, “This too shall pass” is not just a phrase for difficult times. We must accept the counter weight to using it to extract us from misery but also joy must pass in equal measure. It is equally relevant in moments of happiness and success. While it may seem counterintuitive, remembering that good times are also temporary can enrich our appreciation of them. Knowing that joy is fleeting encourages us to savour it fully, to be present in the moment, and to cherish the experiences and people that bring us happiness. If you let yourself think of the very best things in your life and then think that one day they too will pass it can leave us in sadness but….for now smile knowing they have not passed today.
I think this awareness also fosters humility. When we understand that our successes are not permanent, we are less likely to become arrogant or complacent. I have in the past (and probably still) been guilty of this in work , fitness, money, time, relationships, and thinking that good times will surely last. But it is not always my choice! Instead, we are reminded to be grateful for the good times and to treat them as precious gifts rather than guaranteed rights.
Keep Moving Forward
In every season of life, whether it be one of joy or sorrow, ease or difficulty, the phrase “This too shall pass” offers comfort and perspective. It is a gentle reminder that life is ever-changing, that nothing stays the same forever. By embracing this truth, we can navigate the ups and downs of life with greater resilience, humility, and grace.
An old triathlon coach always told me to relentlessly keep moving forward….and if I did then whatever pain I was suffering would come and go but moving forward would get me there on long swims, bike or runs. Then one moment you reach the finish line and can stop.
And… This too will pass.
A Philosophical Exploration
It is deceptively simple, yet it carries philosophical implications that resonate with a wide range of human experiences. To fully appreciate the depth of this concept, we must examine it through the lenses of impermanence, existentialism, stoicism, and mindfulness.
At the heart of “This too shall pass” is the concept of impermanence, a fundamental truth acknowledged in many philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, a philosophy I have followed for many years impermanence (anicca) is one of the three marks of existence, along with suffering (dukkha) and non-self (anatta). The doctrine of impermanence teaches that all conditioned phenomena are in a constant state of flux, from the smallest atom to the vast cosmos. Everything changes; nothing remains static.
This understanding of impermanence can be both liberating and disconcerting. On one hand, it reassures us that our suffering is not eternal—that whatever pain we are experiencing will eventually fade. On the other hand, it confronts us with the reality that our joys and successes are also transient. This duality invites us to cultivate a balanced perspective: to neither cling too tightly to the good nor despair too deeply in the bad.
Philosophically, embracing impermanence encourages us to live more fully in the present moment. If all things pass, then the present is all we truly have. This insight fosters a sense of urgency to live authentically, to engage meaningfully with life as it is, rather than how we wish it to be. In this way, impermanence becomes not a source of fear, but a catalyst for deeper engagement with life.
The existentialist tradition, particularly in the works of philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, grapples with the meaning of life in a world that is inherently indifferent or even absurd. The notion that “This too shall pass” intersects with existentialism by highlighting the transient nature of human existence. If everything we experience is temporary, what then is the meaning of our actions, our relationships, our very existence?
Camus famously posited that life is absurd—a conflict between our desire for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe. Yet, he argued that we must imagine Sisyphus, eternally condemned to roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down, as happy. The key to this happiness lies in embracing the absurdity of life and finding meaning in the struggle itself.
“This too shall pass” can be seen as a form of existential solace. It acknowledges the absurdity of our condition—the fleeting nature of everything we value—while also providing a pathway to acceptance. By recognizing the impermanence of all things, we can release our attachment to rigid notions of meaning and instead create our own meanings, grounded in the lived experience of each moment.
Central to Stoic thought is the concept of amor fati, or the love of fate—the idea that we should embrace whatever happens in life, good or bad, because it is part of the natural order. The Stoics believed that while we cannot control external events, we can control our responses to them.
“This too shall pass” aligns with Stoic principles by encouraging a mindset of acceptance and resilience. In Stoic terms, it is a reminder to focus on what we can control—our own thoughts and actions—rather than being consumed by what we cannot. By accepting that all things, whether joy or sorrow, will eventually pass, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and equanimity. We learn to approach life’s challenges not with fear or resistance, but with a calm and measured response.
The Stoic practice of premeditatio malorum—the premeditation of evils—also resonates with this idea. By mentally preparing for the worst that could happen, Stoics trained themselves to face adversity with a clear mind, knowing that no misfortune is permanent. “This too shall pass” becomes a Stoic mantra, a way to fortify oneself against the inevitable ups and downs of life.
Living in the Present
The philosophy of mindfulness, rooted in Buddhist tradition but now widely practiced in secular contexts, teaches us to live fully in the present moment. Mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, to accept them as they are, and to let them pass without attachment.
The phrase “This too shall pass” can be integrated into mindfulness practice as a tool for cultivating presence and non-attachment. When we encounter difficult emotions—anxiety, anger, sadness—we can remind ourselves that these feelings are temporary. By acknowledging that “this too shall pass,” we are less likely to become overwhelmed by our emotions or to act out of impulse.
In moments of joy and contentment, mindfulness reminds us to savour the present, knowing that these moments are fleeting. This awareness does not diminish our happiness but deepens it, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty of the present without clinging to it. Mindfulness, like “This too shall pass,” teaches us to move gracefully through the flow of life, accepting each moment as it comes and goes.
As you keep moving forward in every aspect of life, carry these words with you. Let them be a source of strength in difficult times and a reminder to cherish the good times. For in the end, all things pass, and with them, we too are transformed.
Stuart Rimmer is a strategy advisor and performance coaching
Want to dive more deeply into “This too shall pass”? Try these thought exercises and practice
1. Reflective Journaling:
Objective: To process and gain perspective on your current emotions and situations.
Instructions:
1. Find a quiet space where you can be alone with your thoughts.
2. Write about a current challenge or difficult situation you are facing. Describe your feelings, thoughts, and fears.
3. Now, write the phrase “This too shall pass” at the top of a new page.
4. Reflect on how this phrase applies to your situation. How might things change over time? What positive outcomes could eventually arise from this challenge?
5. Finish by writing a few sentences of encouragement to yourself, focusing on your ability to endure and grow from this experience.
Visualization Exercise
Objective: To help visualize the temporary nature of problems and focus on future relief.
Instructions:
1. Sit comfortably in a quiet space and close your eyes.
2. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly and exhaling fully.
3. Picture your current problem as a physical object (e.g., a heavy rock or a dark cloud).
4. Now, imagine time passing—days, weeks, months, or even years—until this problem begins to shrink, dissolve, or drift away.
5. Visualize yourself feeling lighter, freer, and at peace as the problem fades.
6. Open your eyes and take a moment to reflect on how you feel after this visualization.
Gratitude Practice:
Objective: To cultivate gratitude by acknowledging the temporary nature of good times.
Instructions:
1. Each morning or evening, write down three things you are grateful for.
2. For each item, reflect on the idea that these moments or experiences are fleeting and precious.
3. Consider how recognizing the impermanence of these good things increases your appreciation for them.
4. Make a habit of this practice to build a mindset of gratitude and presence.
Letter to Your Future Self:
Objective: To offer perspective and encouragement to yourself in a future moment of doubt.
Instructions:
1. Write a letter to yourself, imagining that you are in a difficult situation sometime in the future.
2. Begin the letter with the phrase “This too shall pass.”
3. Offer yourself advice, perspective, and encouragement as if you were writing to a close friend who is struggling.
4. Seal the letter and put it somewhere safe. Plan to read it when you find yourself in need of comfort and perspective.
Mindful Breathing:
Objective: To anchor yourself in the present moment and reduce anxiety during challenging times.
-Instructions:
1. Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.
2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, counting to four.
3. Hold the breath for a count of four, then exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to six.
4. Repeat this process for five minutes, focusing on the rhythm of your breathing.
5. As you breathe, silently repeat the phrase “This too shall pass” with each exhale, allowing the words to calm your mind and body.
These exercises are designed to help you internalize the message that both joy and pain are transient, and that resilience and gratitude can guide you through the ever-changing landscape of life.