There is Truth in Impermanence
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by James Rick
Real truth most closely aligns with the Law of Impermanence – which states that all of matter is in a state of change. No one thing lasts forever – and few things last even a lifetime, except life itself.
To suffer loss of anything in an ever changing environment is the result of human attachment to that which no longer exists in the present. Human attachment forms out of ignorance or deliberate denial of the Law of Impermanence. Attachment to anything that is impermanent will inevitably result in loss. This does not mean you need to be numb to the human experience, but it does mean that you should expect loss and be prepared for it so you can adapt quickly. Appreciate the good times and be ready to lose anything in your environment today.
Loss is neither negative or positive. It is necessary for creating space in the Now that will be filled up with something else. If nothing were ever lost – then in the process of changing the Now would fill up with everything until there was nothing more that could take place in the Now. It would be one giant block of unchanging stuff. There is always a “loss” from moment to moment – things are always coming in and out of your awareness- but its only the loss of the things you have attached great meaning to that you suffer the most. And the meaning of that loss that creates additional suffering. It is the same way with gain, joy arises out of the meaning of the gain.
Awareness of impermanence does not guarantee you’ll be free from suffering – if you love anything Earthly – you will suffer it’s loss. You may choose to either not love anything or love and be ready to adapt quickly in case of loss. Careful not to assign meaning to adapting quickly – for example “If I get over this too fast, then that means I didn’t care that much.” This kind of meaning can prolong the mourning process (and suffering) unnecessarily. You don’t have to prove to yourself or anyone else that you cared very deeply for someone or something – your goal should be to return to a state of emotional resourcefulness as quickly as possible.
Humans are hard wired to mourn the loss of life or loved ones (in both death or relationship break up). Biological changes that are often painful to the observer, are a part of the adapting process. Emotions arise in response to meaning. The facts don’t lie and you cannot fool your brain – if you have lost something, you cannot wish yourself into positive thinking, or create meanings out of thin air. You will eventually suffer the loss of anything loved – be prepared for this. But don’t let it shake you too badly.. you’ll get through it with time. It takes time for the brain and it’s connection to the nervous system (heart area) to rewire itself – but this rewiring is a gift of evolution that makes it possible to live, love and laugh again even after great loss.
To be in the adaptive mindset, remember no matter what you’re experiencing: this too shall pass.
2 Responses to “There is Truth in Impermanence”
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May 10th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
so rick, is this a newly acquired revelation or have you learned this with life experience? When one becomes seduced by the materialism of the world or the o mighty dollar, they tend to lose site of what is truly important in life, but that is part of becoming a mature adult that has the stamina and self asteem to make the best of their lives and themselves. One cannot expect life to hand them everything on a silver platter or steal from others without paying a price. Karma is not a pleasant experience when one has chosen to live their live in a negative way.
May 18th, 2010 at 4:36 am
Thanks for the time you put in to writing an offering in the help of the growth and recovery of man kind and of course myself. I enhjoyed the read. Peace. CAT