Submitted by Maid Marion on
"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors."
-Proverb
Adversity is a Character Builder. Adversity is the Master Teacher who presents us with the obstacles we must overcome, and the Lessons which we must master, in order to gain personal enrichment and spiritual enlightenment. It is the Fire in which we forge our personal and spiritual strengths. When we face Adversity head on, overcome it, and Learn from it, we strengthen our Character and become the Master, and Hero, of our Personal Destiny.
Metaphor, mythology, and Symbolism provide us with excellent examples of the strength which is forged within the Fires of Adversity.
The metaphor "baptism by fire" teaches us that it is only by facing our ordeals, fears, and Inner Demons head-on that we can build, improve, and strengthen our character.
The Roman god Vulcan and the Greek god Hephaestus forged their finest steel in the intense heat of their furnaces. This steel was used to create the armor and weaponry that Heroes required in order to vanquish their adversaries...their Adversities.
The ancient Alchemists purified their most sacred metals in the Fires of their hottest furnaces. The heat of these furnaces dissolved all which was not pure, leaving only that which is pure (another metaphor for overcoming, and dissolving, Adversity).
Just as the strongest steel can only be forged in the most intense Fires so, too, our Truest Nature can only manifest itself when tested by the "Flames of Adversity".
Adversity can come to us in many forms: from minor setbacks to major tragedies. It is how we Choose to handle Adversity that determines the person we are, and the person we will Become.
When we face, overcome, and Learn from Adversity we forge strong character traits. When we avoid the challenges of Adversity we instill weak character traits within us which prevent us from experiencing personal and spiritual growth.
Our spiritual and emotional skills are just like the physical muscles in our body: when they are not used they become weak and useless; they atrophy.
And, just as it is important for us to understand how we handle our own Adversity, it is also important for us to evaluate how others handle their Adversities.
This is an especially important consideration when we are considering a business or personal Relationship. Does this other person handle stressful and Adverse situations with calmness, prudence, insight, and Awareness, or, do they lose control of themselves, become confused or hysterical, and make quick and hasty Decisions? Just as we must understand ourselves, so too must we understand, and be cautious of, other persons we allow to enter our lives.
To quote the ancient Roman philosopher Epictetus, "Adversity introduces people to themselves". Therefore, the next Time we are faced with an Adverse situation we should recognize it for what it is. It is an opportunity to grow and acquire new skills which will help us face future challenges that await us as we Travel our Road toward our Personal Destiny.
Joseph Panek
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