You have probably heard the saying “this too shall pass,” but there’s an old Zen parable that takes this idea even deeper. This 2,500-year-old story shows how our constant need to label things as good or bad might actually make life feel harder than necessary.
The ancient story takes place in a small village among rolling hills where lives an old farmer known for his calm approach to life’s challenges. One day, the farmer’s prize horse runs away. The neighbours exclaimed, “That’s terrible, bad luck!” The farmer just shrugged and replied, “Maybe, maybe not.”
A few days later, that horse returned, bringing with it several wild horses. The neighbours cheered, “Wow, that’s wonderful, fantastic!” The farmer replied, “Maybe, maybe not.”
The following week, the farmer’s son tried to tame one of the wild horses and got thrown off, breaking his legs. The neighbours shook their heads, “What terrible misfortune.” The farmer, steady as ever, said, “Maybe, maybe not.”
A war was going on, and soon after the incident with the horse, some military officials came to the village, conscripting all healthy men to fight in the war. Because of his broken legs, the farmer’s son was left behind, and of course, the neighbours cheered, “Such good fortune.” The farmer, looking out across his field, just smiled, “Maybe” because that was the way of things.
Life rolls on, changeable as the weather, and the farmer just kept planting his crops because he accepted what his neighbours didn’t … life is a constantly shifting mess of changing circumstances, and planning to label them as good or bad can make the journey harder. The farmer knew it is better to trust the process and just keep moving, and if you are really lucky, maybe you’ll end up somewhere beautiful … maybe not. But along the way, you’ll learn something new.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed or as if life is falling apart, remember this moment is already passing. One day, this will just be a story, and who knows what the next moment might bring.
