Just Live. You Have No True Control of Anything
This is an amazingly empowering realization.
Life is unexpected and uncertain. No two days are alike. Similar, maybe, but not the same. Change is the only constant in the Universe. That’s because the Universe and everything in it is impermanent.
Buddhism takes a deep look into the nature of impermanence. But outside the Buddhist way, it’s often disregarded, ignored outright, or denied. You strive to create things permanent and enduring, as does everyone.
The reality is that nothing is permanent. Nothing is enduring. Even with millions, maybe billions of years of time, what is now will cease to be. Our sun will die, the planet will meet its end. Hell, the entire cosmos as we perceive it will change and end, too.
Many find this idea terrifying. It’s human nature to fear death and related endings. That’s why you and I strive to control whatever we can, because control creates a sense that — in the face of ultimate impermanence — we can take a stand and make a mark in the Book of Life.
Sure, you have that ability, and so do I. In this moment, at this time. However, that mark is impermanent. That little bit of control you have is incredibly limited. That tends to be deeply frustrating. However, the truth is that when you pause to examine…