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Accept impermanence and change from "summary" of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
When we talk about accepting impermanence and change, we are actually talking about the nature of life itself. Everything in this world is constantly changing - the seasons, the weather, our emotions, our thoughts. Nothing stays the same. And yet, we often resist this change. We cling to what is familiar, what is comfortable, what is known. We try to hold on to things as they are, even when we know deep down that it is impossible. But the truth is, the more we resist change, the more we suffer. We create unnecessary pain and turmoil for ourselves by refusing to accept the inevitable. This is where the practice of Zen comes in. Zen teaches us to let go of our attachment to the way things are and embrace the way things are actually unfolding in each moment. When we accept impermanence and change, we are able to move through life with greater ease and grace. We are not constantly fighting against the natural flow of things, but rather, we are riding the wave of change with a sense of openness and curiosity. We become more adaptable, more flexible, more resilient in the face of life's ups and downs. In Zen practice, we learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. We see them for what they are - fleeting phenomena that come and go like clouds in the sky. We do not try to hold on to them or push them away. We simply acknowledge their presence and let them be. By cultivating this kind of mindfulness and awareness, we develop a deeper understanding of the impermanent nature of all things. We see that nothing lasts forever, and that clinging to what is passing away only leads to suffering. We learn to appreciate each moment for what it is, without trying to hold on to it or make it last. In the end, accepting impermanence and change is about finding peace in the midst of chaos, stillness in the midst of movement. It is about letting go of our need for control and surrendering to the natural rhythm of life. When we can do this, we find a sense of freedom and liberation that is beyond words.
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