Embrace change and impermanence with mindfulness from "summary" of Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana
Change is an inevitable aspect of life. Everything in this world is subject to change, whether we like it or not. It is the nature of the world around us. Our lives are constantly in flux, with circumstances shifting and evolving at every moment. The idea of impermanence is one that many of us struggle to come to terms with. We often resist change, clinging to the familiar and the comfortable. We want things to stay the same, to remain constant and unchanging. However, this is not how the world works. Change is a fundamental part of life, and it is something that we must learn to accept and embrace.
Mindfulness offers us a way to approach change and impermanence with grace and equanimity. By cultivating mindfulness, we can learn to be present in each moment, fully aware of the ever-changing nature of reality. Instead of resisting change, we can learn to accept it with open arms. We can let go of our attachment to the way things are and embrace the way things are becoming. Through mindfulness, we can develop a deep understanding of impermanence and come to see that change is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced.
When we practice mindfulness, we are able to observe the constant flux of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations. We see how everything is in a state of continual transformation. Nothing stays the same for long. This awareness helps us to let go of our attachment to the past and the future, and to be fully present in the here and now. We learn to appreciate each moment for what it is, without trying to hold on to it or push it away. We come to see that change is not something to be resisted, but something to be accepted as a natural part of life.
By embracing change and impermanence with mindfulness, we can cultivate a sense of peace and contentment in the midst of life's constant fluctuations. We can learn to ride the waves of change with grace and poise, knowing that everything is impermanent and that nothing lasts forever. Instead of clinging to the past or worrying about the future, we can be fully present in each moment, accepting whatever comes our way with an open heart and a clear mind. Mindfulness allows us to navigate the ups and downs of life with equanimity and wisdom, knowing that change is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced as a natural part of the human experience.
