Impermanence

Seacoast of NH

One of the most valuable concepts I’ve learned to embrace in my life, is that of impermanence. It has played a pivotal role in my life, my happiness, and my perspective. I thought it would be especially helpful to share its effects with others, especially in this volatile time.

Impermanence is the concept that all things change, that nothing is permanent, that everything (and everyone) and all relationships…will come to an end. That everything is impermanent. Sounds pretty depressing, right? I thought so, too…at first. Over time (and books, and teachers, and mentors, and conversations), this notion began to shift things for me. Because it’s reality. It’s literally…the one certainty we have. And once I wrapped my head around that, things started to change in a beautiful way. Instead of being paralyzed by the idea of death and losing the people I loved (a byproduct of losing my mum at an early age), I’m now empowered by it. It’s one of my greatest gifts. Knowing you won’t have something forever, can and should inspire you- not to cling to it, but to cherish it. To touch it so lightly and with such marvel…that you can’t believe you actually have it there in front if you. Things both grande and simple. The parents you still have. Your little kids. Your grown kids. The ocean. HEALTH. Laughing. The pets you still have. Driving along 1A. Coffee. HEALTH. The real stuff. I contemplate impermanence everyday (not in a morbid way, but just a gentle reminder). Unfailingly, no matter what’s going on, it puts things in perspective. It makes me more grateful. More alive. More present.

Our world right now, is showing us so many things. Impermanence is one of them. Life as we know it, has changed. It’s like the earth has pressed a reset button for mankind. And the temporary adjustments we have to make- social distancing, staying home, staying off the beaches, not going out to eat, not being able to see friends and family, not having graduations, etc, etc, etc- these things are also…temporary. We can take this opportunity to either complain, feel sorry for ourselves, question/ignore guidelines and suggestions, waste time politicizing everything…or we can emerge and evolve. Better people. Better parents. Better friends. Better kids. Better neighbors. Better humanitarians. Mentally, spiritually and physically healthier. More socially and globally and environmentally conscious. Because this moment in time right now, is temporary. It has caused us to pause and hopefully take stock of what is truly important. You have control over how you respond to it. Those things that have been temporarily “taken away” will be back. Things will get back to normal. Take this opportunity to learn and decide what your new normal will look like. Eliminate the bullshit. Simplify. Be courteous and kind. Lift each other up. All the things that have been “taken away” during this time will be back. Look at this as a second chance. To open your eyes and see clearly. Embrace the things you get back that you’ve missed and loved. You’ve now had a glimpse of what impermanence tastes like. Take a second to acknowledge that, and embrace the things you love that much more dearly. We are getting a beautiful and rare, second chance ❤️🙏