{"id":75504,"date":"2025-12-09T17:04:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T16:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/this-too-shall-pass\/"},"modified":"2025-12-09T17:04:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T16:04:14","slug":"this-too-shall-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/this-too-shall-pass\/","title":{"rendered":"This too shall pass: 7 essential, practical coping tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/span>this too shall pass<\/span><\/h2>\n

We have all heard the phrase this too shall pass, often offered in moments of pain, stress or uncertainty. Simple though it is, the line holds a powerful reminder: nothing is permanent, including the difficulties right in front of us. In a world that often feels relentless, this practical wisdom can help us create space to breathe, keep perspective, and choose our next step with a clearer mind.<\/p>\n

This article explores what this too shall pass means, where it comes from, and how you can use it as a healthy coping tool without dismissing real feelings or challenges. You will find practical techniques, illustrative examples, frequent missteps to avoid, helpful resources, and answers to common questions\u2014so the phrase becomes more than a clich\u00e9 and turns into a steady, compassionate guide.<\/p>\n

<\/span>What does this too shall pass mean?<\/span><\/h2>\n

At its heart, this too shall pass is a reminder of impermanence. It suggests that emotions, circumstances and even identities evolve with time. That can be comforting during a crisis\u2014reminding us that the current storm will eventually ease. Equally, it brings humility during success, encouraging us to savour joy while it lasts, rather than clinging or becoming complacent.<\/p>\n

Importantly, this too shall pass does not mean \u201cignore your feelings\u201d or \u201cminimise your problems.\u201d Instead, it points us towards a balanced response: acknowledge what hurts; take the next constructive step; and remember that change is constant. Used well, the phrase supports resilience, patience, and wise action.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Origins and cultural echoes of this too shall pass<\/span><\/h2>\n

The saying has been traced through Middle Eastern folklore, Sufi teaching stories, and Jewish wisdom literature. While the exact origin is debated, the theme of transience is ancient and cross-cultural. You can read a concise overview of the historical background of the phrase<\/a> to see how it has been told in different traditions and languages over time.<\/p>\n

Religious texts also convey this broader idea of passing seasons and faithful endurance. In the Bible, for instance, the movement from lament to hope appears frequently; the promise of Zephaniah 3:17<\/a>\u2014that God is present and mighty to save\u2014echoes the reassurance many people find in the notion that hardship will not have the final word. Even outside faith contexts, the underlying principle remains: change unfolds, and perspective grows.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Why this too shall pass helps in everyday life<\/span><\/h2>\n

Psychologically, reminding ourselves that intense emotions are temporary can reduce distress and prevent unhelpful spirals of worry. The phrase can serve as a micro-intervention\u2014a short, grounding statement that makes room for measured choices. Research on resilience shows that flexible thinking, realistic optimism and coping strategies help people rebound after setbacks; resources such as the Greater Good Science Center\u2019s overview of resilience<\/a> summarise how people adapt to stress through mindset and skill.<\/p>\n

In practice, using this too shall pass can keep us from catastrophising, encourage patience during recovery, and help us notice that small improvements add up. It is not a cure-all, but it can act like a compass: pointing us towards steady habits when the path feels foggy.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Practical ways to use this too shall pass when it matters<\/span><\/h2>\n

Below are practical steps for using this too shall pass as a real tool\u2014supporting you to feel what you feel and move forward with care.<\/p>\n

<\/span>1) Start with a 30-second check-in<\/span><\/h3>\n

When emotions surge, pause and place a hand on your chest or stomach. Breathe in for four, hold for two, and out for six. Silently say, \u201cThis is a tough moment, and this too shall pass.\u201d This brief practice signals safety to your nervous system and gives you a few seconds to choose your next response rather than reacting on autopilot.<\/p>\n

<\/span>2) Name the moment<\/span><\/h3>\n

Put your experience into simple words: \u201cI am feeling anxious before this meeting.\u201d Naming an emotion helps it settle. Then add, \u201cFeelings are like weather; this too shall pass.\u201d The aim is not to deny the feeling but to locate it within time\u2014so it does not feel endless.<\/p>\n

<\/span>3) Reframe without sugar-coating<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cognitive reframing means looking for a more balanced interpretation. Instead of \u201cI\u2019ve ruined everything,\u201d try \u201cI made a mistake, and I can repair it.\u201d You might add, \u201cThis will sting for a while, and this too shall pass.\u201d The combination validates pain and invites constructive action.<\/p>\n

<\/span>4) Set the next tiny step<\/span><\/h3>\n

Overwhelm shrinks when you define one small, do-able action: write the email draft, drink a glass of water, go for a ten-minute walk. Pair the action with the phrase\u2014\u201cI\u2019ll take the next step; this too shall pass\u201d\u2014so the motto fuels momentum rather than passive waiting.<\/p>\n

<\/span>5) Create a grounding ritual<\/span><\/h3>\n

Rituals help contain strong emotions. Consider journalling for five minutes, lighting a candle in memory or hope, or saying a brief prayer. Many people find structured devotions calming; if that resonates, the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer<\/a> is a simple, rhythmic practice that can accompany the thought that this too shall pass.<\/p>\n

<\/span>6) Use physical anchors<\/span><\/h3>\n

When thoughts spin, return to your senses. Touch something textured, identify five things you can see, or run your wrists under cool water. Silently repeat, \u201cI can feel this and stay safe; this too shall pass.\u201d Physical anchors tether you to the present, where decisions live.<\/p>\n

<\/span>7) Set gentle boundaries<\/span><\/h3>\n

If your mind keeps revisiting the same worry, give it a boundary: \u201cI\u2019ll worry about this between 7 and 7:30 pm.\u201d When the thought returns, note it and say, \u201cScheduled for later; this too shall pass.\u201d This approach respects your concern while stopping it from dominating your day.<\/p>\n

<\/span>8) Practise compassionate self-talk<\/span><\/h3>\n

Self-criticism often prolongs suffering. Try what you might say to a friend: \u201cYou\u2019re doing your best; it\u2019s okay to be human. This too shall pass.\u201d Compassion creates a kinder internal climate for change.<\/p>\n

<\/span>9) Know when to seek support<\/span><\/h3>\n

While this too shall pass is reassuring, some situations require additional help\u2014especially persistent low mood, panic, or thoughts of self-harm. Reaching out is a sign of strength. For practical guidance, see NHS self-help for mental health<\/a> or Mind\u2019s information and support pages<\/a>, which explain options for professional and community support.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Examples: applying this too shall pass in real-life scenarios<\/span><\/h2>\n

Below are short, realistic scenarios showing how you might use this too shall pass to navigate sticky moments.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Work pressure before a presentation<\/span><\/h3>\n

You feel dread rising before a talk. You pause and breathe: in for four, hold, out for six. You say, \u201cI\u2019m anxious, and this too shall pass.\u201d You review your notes, choose one key message to emphasise, and remind yourself that nerves often lessen once you start. After the first minute on stage, your tension eases, confirming the phrase in practice.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Loneliness after a life change<\/span><\/h3>\n

Following a move, weekends feel empty. You acknowledge, \u201cI feel lonely, and this too shall pass if I keep building connection.\u201d You schedule one coffee with a neighbour and join a local class. After a few weeks, you notice small shifts\u2014a familiar face at the market, a new friend at the class. The feeling is still around, but it is lighter and more manageable.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Recovering from a setback<\/span><\/h3>\n

A project fails. Rather than spiralling, you write down three lessons, draft a straightforward apology or update, and plan the next attempt. You repeat, \u201cThis hurts now; this too shall pass.\u201d In a month, the failure is a paragraph in your learning log, not the headline of your life.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Riding out a difficult mood<\/span><\/h3>\n

You wake up flat and unmotivated. After breakfast and a short walk, the heaviness lifts slightly. You label it, \u201cLow mood is visiting; this too shall pass.\u201d You commit to the basics\u2014hydration, daylight, movement, connection\u2014knowing that moods ebb and flow.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Common mistakes when using this too shall pass<\/span><\/h2>\n

Like any tool, the phrase helps most when used with care. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:<\/p>\n