How Can We Define Impermanence?

Everything changes constantly.

Just going for a walk, I notice how the things around me change from day to day.

This lovely crinkly leaf was not against the railings when I passed this way

the day before.

The life cycle of a leaf is an example of impermanence.

Melting ice

illustrates how fast things can change in a matter of moments.

Not resisting change

Life is comparable to a river, or flowing water.

It is a progressive movement, a successive series of different moments,

joining together to give the impression of one continuous flow.

Going with the way things are rather than fighting the natural flow

and wanting things to be something else.

Non-resistance helps us to adapt to constant change and to accept it.

The impermanence of the seasons.

As one season celebrates its plenitude, another lies dormant,

waiting for the moment of rebirth.

Like crumpled tan gloves dropped on the earth, these fallen leaves

seem completely connected to the first snow fall

and in acceptance of their condition.

The fleetingness of shadows

and how their impermanent nature can charm and enthrall us

Their brief and changing presence makes me stop awhile

and enjoy them so much more!

Trusting change

Change can occur in different ways.

Sometimes we seek it out and other times it comes upon us unawares.

There are many crossroads throughout our lives

and important choices to make.

We ask ourselves: "Which ways shall I go? Should I turn left or right or

continue on the beaten track for fear of the unknown?

Whatever changes comes upon us without warning, as much as those

we specifically choose,

putting our trust in the long-term outcome

gives us newfound strength and the confidence to carry on,

come what may.

Slowing down and shifting priorities

Because of recent unexpected events. I have been forced to slow down considerably.

I have always enjoyed reading, but because of other much-loved creative activities,

and of dealing with the practicalities of life, 

I often put off reading-time till very late in the day

when I'm almost ready for bed.

These days, with a plaster cast on my right hand and arm,

I have had to review my priorities.

This has given me the opportunity to incorporate my reading times 

into new and different moments of the day.

I have created new spaces in my daily routine

which reminds me to continue to do this even when my right hand

is free again in five weeks' time.

***

Although I am not a Buddhist, I feel very much aligned to a great deal

of their philosophy.

"In Buddhism, the term 'annica' refers to the doctrine of impermanence

which asserts that all of conditioned existence, without exception,

is transient, evanescent, inconstant."

(Taken from Wikipedia)

Early Buddhism dealt with the question of impermanence

in a very rational manner.

According to 'annica', impermanence is an undeniable and inescapable fact

of human existence from which nothing that belongs to this earth is ever free.

So, however we feel about the impermanent nature of all things,

seizing the moment as it comes to us

to live it fully

just the way it is

seems like the very best thing we can do for ourselves and for others.

***

I know this blog entry is much wordier than a simple entry

on photography, but I'm currently following a workshop called:

"Celebrate Impermanence"

which has opened the door to new ways of observing life as it is

which is in a state of perpetual change

made up of

a multitude of moments.

If you are interested to read more about the workshop above.

You can find a link

HERE