The Only True Tragedy

There is a saying in Tibetan, “Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.” No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster. – The Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama)

This reminds me of something I read – that really interested and excited me – in Martin Seligman’s most recent book.

In Flourish he explores the phenomenon of Post Traumatic Growth (not Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Seligman found that a fair amount of people grew stronger and more resilient as a result of combat and related stressors.

What a wonderful alternative.

Given the choice, which would you chose?

Similar Posts

  • Get Better, See Who Responds

    Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place. – Unknown Through our socialization, and because of our nature as humans, we become like those around us. We become like our families,…

  • The Implications of Thoughts

    As I was preparing my coffee just a minute ago I had a realization: thoughts have consequences. Everyone can identify with the idea that actions have consequences, but thoughts? Yes, I believe so. Implementing this, effectively, does require a high level of awareness. We spend so much time with, and in, our thoughts that we ought to…

  • Wake Up and Live!

    “Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you are riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!” – Bob Marley Something I always like to remind myself (and anyone who will listen)…

  • The Gift

    You are the only one who can use your ability. It is an awesome responsibility. – Jim Rohn Your ability is also a gift. But for the gift to be anything, you must give it . . . you must use your abilities. You must do. You must serve. You must share what you are and…

  • It’s Already There

    The path to a better life is more of a mining operation than a manufacturing one. – George Pransky What I think Pransky is saying here is that having a better life (which comes from being (behaving as) a better person) comes not from getting something from outside yourself or making yourself into something else,…

  • Fate or Choice?

    Are our lives the result of fate or do we choose our lives? Are we consigned to what our circumstances (/our pasts) allow for in the unfolding of our lives, or can we create our lives, can we be willful? I just watched an interesting video from Marshall Goldsmith that offers a (hybrid) answer: Yes. I…