Updated: Aug 16
A simple story about remembering that every season of life changes.
Reading time: 2–3 minutes
Best for: Self-help, patients, families, therapists, teachers, and caregivers
Includes: Printable infographic • Reflection questions
What if this difficult season won't last forever?
Life is always changing.
Some days bring joy.
Some days bring disappointment.
Some seasons feel peaceful.
Others feel overwhelming.
The story of "This Too Shall Pass" reminds us that no feeling and no season lasts forever.
Sometimes, peace begins with remembering that change is part of life.
The Story
Long ago, there was a king whose emotions changed all the time.
When something good happened, he became very happy.
When something went wrong, he became discouraged.
Even small problems could ruin his day.
He was tired of living this way and wanted lasting peace.
One day, he asked a wise man,
"Can you give me something that will help me stay calm, no matter what happens?"
The wise man replied,
"Yes. But you must promise to treasure this gift."
The king agreed.
A few weeks later, the wise man returned with a small wooden box.
Inside was a simple gold ring.
The king looked closely and saw four words carved inside:
"This too shall pass."
The king asked,
"What do these words mean?"
The wise man smiled and said,
"Wear this ring every day. When life feels wonderful, read these words. When life feels difficult, read them again. Remember that every season changes."
Why These Words Matter
Everything in life changes.
Happiness comes and goes.
Stress comes and goes.
Success comes and goes.
Pain comes and goes.
Feelings are like the weather.
Some days are sunny.
Some days are stormy.
But no storm lasts forever.
When we remember this, difficult moments feel less overwhelming.
Joyful moments become even more meaningful because we learn to appreciate them while they are here.
Everyday Examples
You are having a stressful week at work.
Take a slow breath and remind yourself,
"This too shall pass."
Your child is going through a difficult season.
Remember,
"This too shall pass."
You feel discouraged, anxious, or overwhelmed.
Pause.
Take one deep breath.
Say the words again.
Sometimes the situation changes.
Sometimes you grow stronger.
Often, both happen.
A Simple Analogy
Life is like the seasons.
Winter does not last forever.
Neither does spring.
Summer becomes autumn.
Autumn becomes winter again.
Every season has a beginning.
Every season has an end.
Our emotions work the same way.
Some feelings stay for a while.
None stay forever.
A Simple Practice
The next time you feel overwhelmed:
Pause.
Take one slow breath.
Place your hand on your heart if it feels comforting.
Then quietly say,
"This too shall pass."
These four words remind us that difficult feelings are temporary.
They help us slow down before reacting.
Sometimes peace begins with remembering that every season changes.
A Gentle Reminder
No feeling lasts forever.
No challenge lasts forever.
No success lasts forever.
Life is always changing.
When we remember this, we can enjoy the good times with gratitude and face the hard times with hope.
Sometimes, the wisest words we can say are simply,
"This too shall pass."
Reflect on Your Own Life
As you look at the infographic, ask yourself:
What season of life am I in right now?
What challenge feels permanent, but may not be?
What helps me stay grounded during difficult times?
How can remembering "This too shall pass" help me today?
What good moment can I slow down and appreciate today?
There are no right or wrong answers.
The goal is not to ignore difficult emotions.
The goal is to remember that every season changes.
Story Source
“This Too Shall Pass” is a traditional teaching story about impermanence—the understanding that circumstances, emotions, and seasons of life change over time.
A version of the story is discussed by Eckhart Tolle in A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. This Opera Mind adaptation uses the story to encourage perspective, acceptance, and appreciation of the present moment.
Source & Inspiration
Tolle, E. (2005). A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. Penguin.
Traditional “This Too Shall Pass” teaching story.
Educational adaptation and reflection questions: Opera Mind
Last reviewed: August 2026
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