Embracing Impermanence: How To Let Go and Find Inner Peace

Change is the only constant in life, yet why do we often resist it? As human beings, we crave permanence and stability. We want things to stay the same, but the truth is, nothing ever does. Everything around us, including ourselves, is in a constant state of flux. This is where the concept of impermanence comes in, which means that everything is always changing. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the meaning of impermanence, its benefits, and how to embrace it.

Understanding impermanence

Impermanence is a fundamental Buddhist concept that refers to the inherent transience of all things. According to Buddha, the root cause of suffering is craving and attachment. When we are attached to something or someone, we fear losing them, and this fear of loss leads to suffering. Impermanence teaches us that everything around us is ever-changing, and nothing lasts forever. When we realise this, we can learn to let go of our attachments and live in the present moment.

Benefits of embracing impermanence

Embracing impermanence brings many benefits to our lives. First and foremost, it helps us let go of our fears and anxieties. We no longer worry about losing things or people because we understand that everything is temporary. This leads to greater inner peace and freedom from suffering. Secondly, it helps us appreciate the present moment. When we know that everything is fleeting, we learn to savour the moments and cherish the people around us. This, in turn, leads to greater happiness and fulfilment.

How to embrace impermanence

Embracing impermanence is not easy, but it is possible with practice. Firstly, we need to acknowledge the reality of impermanence and cultivate a sense of acceptance towards it. We can meditate on impermanence and contemplate on the nature of change and the inevitability of endings. Secondly, we need to let go of our attachments and loosen our grip on our desires. We can practise mindfulness and be aware of our thoughts and emotions. When we notice ourselves becoming emotionally attached to something or someone, we can let go and remind ourselves of impermanence.

Examples of impermanence

Impermanence is all around us. The changing seasons, the passing of time, and the ageing of our bodies are all examples of impermanence. Relationships, jobs, and even our thoughts and feelings are impermanent. When we realise that nothing lasts forever, we can appreciate the beauty and value in every experience. Impermanence reminds us to treasure the good times and to learn from the difficult times.

Embracing impermanence in daily life

Embracing impermanence is not just a philosophy; it is a way of life. We can practise impermanence in our daily lives in many ways. We can appreciate the beauty of a sunset knowing that it will only last for a few minutes. We can cherish our relationships and be present with our loved ones, knowing that life is fragile. We can even practise impermanence in our possessions, decluttering and letting go of things that no longer serve us. Embracing impermanence allows us to live more fully and appreciate the moments we have.

In conclusion, impermanence is not something to be feared but instead embraced. When we realise that everything is fleeting, we can learn to let go of our attachments and live in the present moment. Embracing impermanence brings many benefits to our lives, including greater inner peace and happiness. By understanding impermanence and practising mindfulness, we can let go of our fears and anxieties and truly appreciate the beauty of life.

Want to know more? Discover more about the benefits of scientific mindfulness meditation for self-compassion in Dr. Elise Bialylew’s book The Happiness Plan 💛