I’ve been at home for the last week with old school flu. I’m now fed up and trying not to be cranky. I’ve haven’t been able to practice yoga, I’ve had to cancel my classes this week and haven’t been able to get outside or spend any time with friends. Determined to do something yesterday I tried to tidy my wardrobe, ended up nearly in tears and had to sleep for two hours to recover. It’s all a bit rubbish.

But there is a mantra going through my head…one that brings home the fleeting nature of all things… “this too shall pass”. I know that in the grand scale of all afflictions having flu is pretty much near the bottom. I am generally healthy and have a wonderful family and a home filled with love. I consider myself rich beyond measure in everything that is important. Writing this blog is starting to feel a little too self-indulgent but I am going to get to a point in a minute that I hope is worth making. If anyone reading this is struggling with a serious illness then to those people I apologise for being a whiny child. I do know how lucky I am. I know that this will pass.

The origin of the mantra or saying, “this too shall pass”, is not clear and is variously attributed to ancient Persian poets, King Solomon and Buddha. I’ve noticed that some truths emerge independently in different cultures. Perhaps they just need to be heard. The Persian and Jewish fables overlap in that they both recount the tale of a ring that will make a happy man sad and a sad man happy. That ring had this mantra engraved on it and the lesson we are to learn is the impermanent nature of all things.

The mantra has never made me feel sad. I know that nothing in life is permanent. For me it is a source of strength when I need it, an extra “come on girl – you can get through this!” to keep me going when I feel I can’t go on. In the good times, the happy days spent with family and friends, it makes me want to grab every single moment and appreciate them as much as I possibly can. I want to be in the moment. I want to gaze at the wonder of every sea shell or pebble my children give me. I want to hear about their days and kiss every bruise better. They won’t always need or want me there. I know that this will pass and that gives me the motivation to enjoy every single second.

Right, I’m off for a nap.

Love to everyone

Pip xx