There seems to be one certainty in life, and that is that everything changes. Nothing will ever remain the same, except this concept. There are two types of change in life, the change we implement and then the change we do not choose. I want to focus on this one today.
This concept is called Impermanence.
The fact that nothing is permanent is such a natural state, yet we as humans fight this fact every day. By embracing impermanence we are capable of embracing change and realising what a gift it is.
People, Places, Things
We try to hold onto things, we attach ourselves to people, places, things and emotions, and by doing this we cause ourselves pain and suffering. Often, we cling so hard to a job, with fear of losing it. We attach ourselves to lovers with the fear that they will leave us. We’re obsessed with putting wrinkle reducing moisturizers on our faces hoping not to age. We dislike moving house as we have created memories there. We attach ourselves despite knowing that everything will change eventually. Our career will develop, lovers will come and go, the wrinkles are definitely coming and we will move around by choice or not. Change is the only certainty.
Loss
We suffer deeply at the loss of another human being or pet, yet death is the harshest truth in life that none of us can run from. Change is a certainty and death may be the only other constant in life. It is useless to ignore these concepts, yet there is a way to embrace these ideas as positive. We fail to recognise that all these people, places, ideas and emotions are all on a journey, a process of changing just like we as individuals are. If we didn’t change, where would we be today? Who would we be? If we didn’t suffer loss, how could we be fully grateful for joy?
Nature
We get so shocked when things change, but look at nature: flowers wilt, seasons change, each and every day begins and ends. Without Autumn, how could we possibly enjoy the Spring time when everything blossoms and we are surrounded by new life in nature? Without winter, would we just take the heat from the sun and long days for granted? This moment right now is not permanent, it’s already passed and we cannot hold onto any of it.
Is Impermanence a good thing?
For many, the idea of Impermanence can be quite depressing, it is not. It is only a truth that we do not want to admit. Impermanence is a wonderful thing; Think of moments in life that you have experienced pain and suffering due to a difficult event in life, and I bet that you could not wait for that feeling to pass. To feel joy, happiness and contentment again. It is Impermanence that allows for that change. If nothing changed, we could potentially be stuck in a place of suffering forever. This is not the case, as surely as the sun will continue to rise and set each day, each day brings change for us all, great and small.
Embrace The Change
In acknowledging this truth, we are given a gift of realisation. Realisation that if nothing lasts, we should hold our loved ones a little tighter, never missing an opportunity to tell them we love them. We should embrace each day as we will never get this one again. Let us be grateful for our capable bodies as they will wither with age, so use it and look after it well. We should savour every moment that is special to us, we should put away our phones and distractions and be fully present and appreciative of everything that brings us joy.
Embrace this concept, isn’t it wonderful that everything is always changing which means the next moment could hold any opportunity? Absolutely anything could happen!
You’ve Got This
The next time life is challenging you, or you are feeling down, realise that this is a temporary moment, that it will change, better days are on their way. The next time you are feeling completely at peace, embrace it fully, be grateful for that moment and feeling. Thanks to Impermanence, everything is possible.
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. If you like what you read, please subscribe in the footer, share and let’s connect on social media!
Love & Light
Lauren x
