Eight Seconds
Epictetus and riding broncos
CONTEMPLATION
A bronc rider lives eight seconds at a time.
His hand clutches the rope; his knees press against the animal's flank.
The gate is thrown open.
Lights flash, dust blinds, the crowd cheers, and the horse bucks.
Steam rises from its body.
The clock strikes three seconds.
The bronc rider hits the dirt.
Stomping hooves break his shoulder.
A kick destroys his knee.
The crowd hushes, and the dust settles.
He was invincible.
Who is he now?
“The true man is revealed in difficult times” – Epictetus
***
When was the last time you were starving? Not just hungry, but weak, exhausted from the lack of food?
When were you chilled to the bone? So cold, you could barely think.
And when were you exposed to pressure? So stressed that you did not know where to start. Your mind was racing, your heart was pounding, and anxiety set in.
When were you tired, thirsty, scared, worried?
Those moments - when we are devoid of what we want or think we need – allow our true character to shine through.
It is easy to be selfless when we have an abundance.
It is easy to be patient when we are not stressed.
It is easy to love when we are not scared.
But how many of us would give food to the starving when our own belly growls?
How many of us would show patience and kindness when we are uncomfortable and tired?
How many of us could cast off the burden of fear to think clearly and do what is right?
External influences can drive our behavior. They can grip our hearts and gain control of our minds and actions. All too quickly, we can become marionettes, with our strings being pulled by fate.
However, this only happens with our permission.
It takes eight seconds to cut those strings.
Eight seconds to ask yourself what is going on.
Why am I being irritable?
Why am I being impatient?
Why am I being selfish?
The bronc rider can allow fate to get the best of him. He can wallow in his injuries. He can throw a pity party. He can search for coping mechanisms.
Or he can recognize that his true character is revealed in these difficult times.