You all know about rock tumblers, right?
My dad had a rock tumbler when we were growing up. He loved to collect rocks - agates, turquoise and others, and place them in the tumbler, that ran for days in the garage. The rock tumbler created friction with all the sharp and craggily ugly old rocks (somehow, he saw the beauty in them before we did!)
After those sharp ugly rocks were forcefully pushed against each other in a limited space they came out as amazingly beautifully polished stones. The smoothness would not have been possible without the jumbling and forcing together with the other sharp rocks, grit and water in a very limited space which in turn created quite a racket. Sounds like life!!
Another twist to the rock tumbler is the use of grit. You need grit to create a buffer between the rocks in the tumbler. A special word I learned recently is Sisu. It is a unique Finnish term, roughly translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, resilience, inner character, and acting rationally in the face of adversity – what we in the U.S. would call GRIT. Sisu is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage. It is a grim, gritty, white-knuckle form of courage that is presented typically in situations where success is against the odds. So those rocks need grit to help them become smooth – hmm, very interesting concept. We may all be a little rough around the edges, but with the help of other rough rocks and a whole lotta grit we come out as smooth beautiful polished stones.
Now think about the rock tumbler as it relates to your life. Especially with the holidays approaching. You may come in contact with relatives and friends that may not be “your cup of tea,” but take a moment and think about the rock tumbler. Is there something you can learn from them, and is there something you can learn about yourself? Are you able to embrace and respect the differences in each other? Knowing that everyone is at a different stage in their rock tumbling process. Eventually we will all come out in rare shapes and sizes, so no need to try and compare or compete with each other.
Every stone is unique and beautiful. Respect the beauty in others. Remember that everyone of us has struggles. They may not be the same as yours, it may not be cancer, but that doesn’t mean it is any less traumatic. Some people may not be ready to talk about their struggles, and may emote an “Eeyore” or “Grumpy Guss” attitude. That is okay – remember to be kind and acknowledge both the pain and the potential within. Respect the challenges, adversities, and struggles in each other. Embrace, share and inspire the Sisu in life– that grit, resilience, perseverance and courage to go on in face of adversity.
If you would like to know more about sisu here is a great Ted Talk:
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