“There is only one law in the Universe that never changes-that all things change, and that all things are impermanent.”**

I have been navigating my own impermanence, as my life in the last few weeks has been teaching me this one often joyful and often tragic lesson. Life is a series of ups and downs, nothing stays the same, we change, our circumstances change.  We are challenged to embrace these changes, accept the reality of the ebb and flow and find peace and relief no matter our circumstances. In the past few weeks, I have been with one of my best girlfriends as she buried her mother after a long bout of caring for her mom. I received news of a family friend whose husband, a young father of 3 children (under 4 years old), took his own life, so unexpectedly, leaving so many unanswered questions, unbearable pain and struggle for those who love him. And, I am now coping with the illness of my 90-year-old father, his struggle to beat his illness to live a few more years, and his desire to go now, as coping with his illness wears him down.  My parent’s marriage of over 60 years and my mom’s devotion to my dad demonstrates love and compassion in real-time. Sometimes life just sucks, especially when we all realize that we are impermanent, as are our current circumstances.

But, joy is, also,  included with impermanence. Think of all the times you are relieved when something you are coping with changes for the better? Perhaps, it is a rocky relationship that works out beautifully or your sick child who recovers back to their normal self. Or your financial stresses are resolved because you got the call that offered you the job you wanted. Perhaps, that test you took at the doctor’s office showed that all is well.

Changes to our current situation, this one today as you are reading this will change. The one thing we can lean on through all of this impermanence is compassion. It always shows up from those who surround you with love and care during your toughest times and how you show up for those you love during their toughest times. We are here for each other. I wish you love as you navigate the impermanence of your life.

 

**The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche