Impermanence of Life

In a previous article, we learned about impermanence is the state or fact of lasting for only a limited period, such as the impermanence of human life or the impermanence of childhood—the receding memories and experiences that make up our disappearing past.

In this article, we will learn about the impermanence of human life, accepting and coping with it.

But first, let us recap what impermanence is:

In Buddhist philosophy, the Law of Impermanence teaches that everything in material or relative existence is impermanent.

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus reminds us, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and he’s not the same man.” 

Impermanence lies at the heart of our material reality. Yet, despite its ubiquity and undeniability, it is the concept we struggle to integrate into our worldview more than any other. 

Why? 

Because impermanence brings us face-to-face with our mortality, it scares us.

Adam Brady, in, Impermanence—In life’s Great Wake-Up Call, writes, “At some point, all of us experience grief resulting from the loss of a loved one. Many of us will feel sadness, pain, and anguish over a breakup or job termination. And many of us will become the unfortunate victims of crimes or wrongdoings.”

According to Mike Oppland in How to Accept the Impermanence of Life, there’s no denying that each of us will experience challenges to our well-being over which we have no control. If we can face these situations knowing that nothing is permanent, we are more likely to handle and overcome them appropriately. Considering these possibilities doesn’t have to be morbid or sad because it is inevitable.

Acceptance and awareness of the inevitable are the keys to effectively managing and overcoming it.

Awareness of impermanence and appreciation of our human potential will give us a sense of urgency that we must use every precious moment. Dalai Lama

Oppland added, ‘Just as negative occurrences are not permanent, neither are positive ones. Becoming aware of the impermanence of all situations, realizing, and constructing a balanced perspective would play an essential role in coping with the impermanence of life.

The question then is how to learn, accept, develop awareness, and learn to cope with the impermanence of human life.

According to what I have experienced and learned, one obvious method would be mindfulness and mindfulness meditation. 

Let’s discuss and learn briefly about mindfulness and mindfulness meditation: 

According to the Greater Good Science Center at Berkeley, mindfulness is “maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens,” in a nonjudgmental way that is staying open and being aware (developing awareness) and experiencing our thoughts and feelings and allowing them to happen without judgment. 

Mindfulness meditation combines meditation with the practice of mindfulness. This mental state involves being entirely focused on “the now” so you can acknowledge and accept your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness meditation is a mental training practice that teaches and directs slowing down racing thoughts, letting go of negativity, and calming your mind and body.

The Buddha said, “Neither mother, father, nor any other relative can do one as much good as one’s well-directed mind.”

Being mindful and appreciating the present helps realize the impermanence of everything and how fragile existence leads to embracing the present and brings more mindfulness and present orientation to one’s life.

Be open to letting go and learning how to treat life with tenderness.

Ajahn Chah, a Thai Buddhist monk and influential teacher of the Buddha dhamma, once said, “If you let go a little, you’ll have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you’ll have a lot of peace. If you let go completely, you’ll have complete peace.” This release is sometimes called Mahasukha, the Great Happiness, which is the only happiness that is ultimately reliable. (Insight Meditation Center)

More on impermanence next time…Until then, meditate.