Recognize the impermanence of all things, including your thoughts and feelings from "summary" of The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
When you can truly see that all things, including your thoughts and feelings, are impermanent, you will be able to let go of them more easily. This is a fundamental teaching of mindfulness practice. We tend to hold on tightly to our thoughts and feelings, believing them to be solid and unchanging. But in reality, they are like clouds passing through the sky – here one moment, gone the next. When we recognize the impermanence of our thoughts and feelings, we can begin to see them more clearly for what they are – fleeting experiences that come and go. This awareness allows us to cultivate a sense of detachment from them, no longer getting caught up in the stories they tell or the emotions they evoke. Instead of reacting impulsively to our thoughts and feelings, we can observe them with a sense of curiosity and openness. By acknowledging the impermanent nature of our thoughts and feelings, we can free ourselves from the suffering that comes from clinging to them. We can learn to let go of negative thoughts and emotions, knowing that they will eventually pass. And we can also appreciate the fleeting beauty of positive thoughts and emotions, savoring them without trying to hold onto them. When we deeply understand the impermanence of all things, including our thoughts and feelings, we can approach life with a sense of equanimity and peace. We can accept the ups and downs of our inner world with grace and acceptance, knowing that they are just temporary visitors. This insight allows us to experience a deep sense of liberation and freedom, unburdened by the weight of our own mental chatter.- We train ourselves to see things as they really are – impermanent, ever-changing, and ultimately insubstantial. This understanding is not just a philosophical concept, but a practical tool for navigating the complexities of our inner landscape. By embracing the impermanence of all things, including our thoughts and feelings, we can cultivate a deep sense of presence and resilience in the face of life's inevitable changes.
