Who knows what is good and what is bad? This question holds the key to mental freedom.
Ever had something happen that felt devastating at the time… only to realize later, it was the best thing that could’ve happened?
Welcome to the Sage Perspective, a core teaching in Positive Intelligence that helps us shift from judgment to wisdom, from reactivity to resilience, from fear to trust.
Who knows what is good and what is bad?
In this video (and article), I’ll share how you can start seeing challenges through Sage eyes and find the gift in even the toughest circumstances. Watch now or read on for the stories and shifts.
Who Knows What is Good and What is Bad? (Video)
What Is the Sage Perspective?
The Sage Perspective is the ability to view any circumstance — no matter how difficult — as a potential gift or opportunity.
In Positive Intelligence, we train ourselves to notice when the Judge Saboteur is hijacking our thoughts:
“This is wrong.”
“This shouldn’t be happening.”
“I’ll never get through this.”
Instead, the Sage asks:
“How might this be a gift?”
“What can I learn here?”
“What opportunity is hidden inside this challenge?”
How to Find the Gift in Every Challenge
The Stallion Story
This ancient parable perfectly captures the Sage Perspective:
A farmer’s prized stallion wins first place at a town fair.
The neighbors say, “How wonderful!”
The farmer replies, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?”
Days later, thieves steal the stallion.
The neighbors say, “How terrible!”
The farmer replies, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?”
The stallion returns, bringing three wild mares.
The son tries to tame one, falls, and breaks his leg.
War breaks out but the injured son is spared conscription.
Every twist of fate looked good… or bad… in the moment.
But in the big picture? Each moment was just part of a bigger unfolding.
Who knows what is good and what is bad?
Why This Matters for Your Mental Health
When you label something as “bad,” your Judge Saboteur takes over. You get stuck in:
- Worry
- Regret
- Victim thinking
- Resistance to life
The Sage Perspective invites you to soften, breathe, and stay curious.
Even this — yes, this thing you’re facing right now — might be part of something greater.
📖 Storytime: “No Presents, Please”
In the video, I share a powerful children’s book called Zen Tales: No Presents, Please. In it, an angry Grizzle Bear tries to “gift” his rage to a peaceful wombat — who refuses to accept it.
Just like the Buddha story it’s based on, the message is simple:
“If you don’t accept someone’s anger, they have to keep it.”
What a beautiful reminder that we get to choose our response.
Even when life is hard. Even when someone’s shouting.
Even when our minds want to spiral.
From Breakdown to Breakthrough: My Story
Years ago, I lost a job I loved and an identity I had built my life around. I was the head of network marketing for a health company — until it shut down overnight.
I felt powerless. Ashamed. Devastated.
But that breakdown led me to a massive breakthrough:
- I moved back to Cape Town
- I met my husband
- We built a beautiful life by the sea
- I became a coach, a mother, and created a business aligned with my soul
That moment felt like failure… but it led me straight to joy.
Try This: Reframe a Challenge in Your Life
Think of the hardest thing you’ve been through. Ask:
- What did I gain?
- What did I learn?
- Who did I become because of it?
Now, take something you’re struggling with right now and ask:
“What if this isn’t as bad as it seems?”
“What if this is the beginning of something better?”
You don’t have to force yourself to feel positive. Just… allow for the possibility that this might hold a gift.
Final Thoughts: Choose Your State of Being
“Circumstances don’t matter. Only my state of being matters. Which state of being do I prefer?” — Bashar
You don’t control what life throws at you. But you can choose your state of being when you meet life’s curveballs.
Positive Intelligence helps you choose higher states of being by building your mental fitness and EQ (Emotional Intelligence).
As a result, you’ll be meeting challenges with greater
- Resilience
- Confidence
- Ease
- Joy
- Love
Ready to Shift This?
Take the free Saboteur Assessment to discover which fears are running your thoughts.
Want to shift from Fear to Love, from Saboteur to Sage? Let’s talk. Book a free call
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