Positive takeaways

French novelist and critic Alphonse Karr said, ‘We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.’ Human mind tends to be pessimistic, even in optimistic situations; we often see the darker side. However, our mind relaxes when we start recognising hidden positives in seemingly negative situations. Noticing positivity around us can go a long way in helping us lead a fulfilling life.

Once, Saint Tukaram meditated on banks of the Ganga. A man who observed him became envious of his calm and peaceful demeanour. Wanting to disturb Tukaram and provoke him into anger, he spat on his face, expecting a reaction. However, Tukaram calmly wiped his face and bathed in the river. No sooner had he sat down to meditate again than the envious man repeated his act. Tukaram, without losing his composure, took another dip in the Ganga.

The man continued this hideous act 108 times and, each time, Tukaram patiently bathed in the river before resuming his meditation. Exhausted by his actions, the man approached the saint, curious to know how he had maintained his composure. Tukaram replied that he was grateful to him for allowing him to take sacred dip in the Ganga 108 times. The opportunities to bathe in the holy river were more precious to him than insults. This made the man bow his head in shame. Greek philosopher Epictetus once said, ‘It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.’