Sometimes it feels as though it is just you and the world. The weight of the universe feels as though it is on your shoulders and you feel overwhelmed. The ordinary day to day task of living feels like a gigantic task and you wonder why things are so difficult for you.

It is in these moments that it is important to take a step back, take a deep breath and try to put things into perspective. During these moments you need to look beyond yourself - at the stranger briskly walking down the street or the person sitting next to you concentrating on his work. Take a look at the old lady slowly going around the chorten or the small child with a big heavy bag on his back walking briskly to school. Take a look at the taxi driver with a grumpy look on his face or the fashionably dressed lady driving a big vehicle.

If you take the time to talk to any of these people, you will find that each of them are facing their own challenges and difficulties. While they also enjoy their share of joy and laughter, each of them have their own battles to fight and have their own hurdles to overcome.

So sometimes it is important to keep in mind that it is not only you who is struggling with life's challenges. Being human means that suffering exists. That is the first of the four noble truths. Suffering comes in different sizes and shapes. It comes in different magnitudes. But it does not make it any less real for anyone. So it is important to keep in mind that we must be kind to each other because we are each fighting our own battles.