Why Perspective Matters When Life Is Tough

The chaos in the world can trigger overwhelming emotions, but let’s not succumb too much

I’ve had some awful days this past week, emotionally and physically.

Emotionally, I sank into a deep sadness spurred by the cruelty and callousness displayed by the current U.S. administration. Paralyzed by sorrow, I could do very little.

That was so unlike me. I’m usually optimistic even in the face of challenges.

I didn’t try to fix my emotional state. Knowing it would pass, I just let it be. Despite wanting to hide under the covers, I rallied enough energy to work on a new project rather than sink further into despair.

We’ll all have days like this when the world quakes uncontrollably and there seems to be no end in sight. Perspective, however, can help.

Even though my mind and heart are pulled in sad or negative directions when I see the news, I don’t stay there for hours and hours. The years I’ve studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism have taught me the power of perspective.

In my spiritual tradition, the mind is considered the universal ordering principle, the creator of both happiness and suffering. Our speech and actions follow whatever the mind thinks, believes, or…