The Lessons Of Impermanence
A dear friend and cousin once enlightened me with the lessons of impermanence. Just the idea of the concept made me cringe a little. She was born with a terminal illness, and knew very well the truths of impermanence. She encouraged me to lean into it, gain awareness, and embrace it. After her passing, I’ve dug a little deeper, and wanted to share.
Buddhism views impermanence as one of their essential doctrines.
“Everything changes and nothing lasts forever”
Hear me out, it gets better.
Picture this. It’s a warm August evening. One of those nights where there are no bugs, and the warm breeze blowing on you is just the right temperature. The sun is falling low into the horizon, casting a blanket of warm light upon your sunkissed skin. A cotton candy sky, glowing shades of pink, purple, and orange. The birds are singing in their evening song, and you are still in this moment. Standing facing the setting sun, you are completely at peace. Tomorrow evening, you might go out and do the same exact thing. The colours might be similar in the sky, the birds might be singing, but it will never be the same moment. Are you sad you can’t recreate the same exact thing? Maybe. But until that beautiful moment in the sun happened, you didn’t know it could exist. And tomorrow, you have a new opportunity to have another new experience. Don’t compare sunsets, enjoy them.
Be thankful for every day – life is finite.
Acknowledging impermanence breeds gratitude. We would be foolish to believe things will last forever, but we would be equally foolish to not savour the moments as they come.
Impermanence is the only real guarantee in life.
Impermanence does not necessarily lead to suffering. What makes us suffer is wanting things to be permanent when they are not.
Everything changes
From our emotions and thoughts, to the cells in our bodies. The Flowers blooming and then decaying, to the changing of seasons. Change is everywhere, its fluid. We so often spend our energy bracing for or resisting change. There is no stopping it, we are merely along for the ride. Focus your energy on finding the now.
Fresh cut flowers- the perfect impermanence reminder
When you look at your I hope you know they were grown with love, and by the magic of nature. They were harvested in their prime, and bring natural beauty into your home. I hope they remind you to live in this very moment and have gratitude for beautiful things as they are. Savouring these fresh petals while knowing they will not last forever; you are gently embracing the lessons of impermanence.