Welcome and I hope that each one of you will come to find peace within yourself.
Today I want to talk a little bit about impermanence.
This meditation is based on a recent live session I did and in my opinion coming to understand impermanence is one of the most important concepts you can learn and deal with.
The concept of impermanence is central to many philosophical and spiritual traditions including Buddhism and Hinduism.
It teaches us that everything in life is transient and constantly changing.
And this understanding can be both humbling and liberating.
Impermanence reminds us to appreciate the present moment knowing that it won't last forever.
It encourages us to let go of attachments and embrace change as a natural part of our lives.
By accepting impermanence we can reduce our suffering and find peace in the midst of life's ups and downs.
And in your journey of mindfulness and self-improvement in meditation reflecting on impermanence can help you to stay grounded and present.
In my studies I finally realized that forever is now.
That only this moment is important and that the sooner you come to fully understand that and accept that and appreciate that the more fully you'll live your life.
Everything in our life is temporary.
Everything is growing and aging and gradually declining until it eventually ends or breaks or dies or fall apart.
When we cling to the idea that things will always be the way they are we experience disappointment and pain when they change and they will change.
Accepting the impermanent nature of life can lead to a sense of peace and tranquility.
By understanding that change is inevitable we can learn to let go of attachments and embrace the present moment.
The seasons change throughout the year.
Summer gives way to autumn which gives way to winter which then gives way to spring.
Humans are born,
They grow,
They mature,
They age and eventually we die.
Our bodies and our minds are constantly changing.
Relationships constantly change over time.
People come into our lives and then they go.
Immaterial possessions can be lost,
Stolen or damaged.
Nothing is permanent.
From the tiniest microbe to the largest galaxy all things are changing and eventually ending.
And understanding impermanence can be a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development.
Close your eyes now and let's get in touch with our breath.
And it doesn't matter if you're sitting,
Standing,
Lying down or kicked back in your favorite recliner.
The only thing that truly matters when you meditate is that you're comfortable and alert.
As we start to settle in we're just focusing on our breath.
Breathing in and breathing out.
One breath at a time.
And then the next.
And then the next.
And let's scan our body.
Relax your face.
Unfurl your brow.
And unclench your jaw.
Relax your neck and your shoulders.
These are places of tension in today's world.
Relax your arms and your hands.
Look for any tension in your chest and belly.
Relax your legs and your feet.
And as you begin to relax let's focus even more on our breath.
Our breath is our anchor.
It's there for us in all moments.
Breathing in and breathing out.
One breath at a time.
And then next.
And if you have thoughts just let them go.
They're like clouds in the sky or waves on a lake or leaves going down a river.
Just acknowledge them and let them go.
The same goes for sounds.
If you hear sounds in the room just let them go too.
They needn't concern us when we meditate.
Breath is like a river as it flows in and flows out.
Now as you're sitting there relaxing and breathing I'd like you to notice your breath.
Notice where you feel it.
A cool sensation in your nose or the movement of your chest and belly as the breath flows in and flows out.
Just notice it.
Not controlling it.
Not shaping it.
Just watching it arrive and leave like waves on a shore or like wind through leaves.
Feel your body resting in this moment.
Held by gravity.
Held by now.
And just let yourself settle.
Let yourself soften.
Let yourself be.
Now gently bring your attention to the truth of change.
Everything you feel will shift.
Every breath is new.
Every sound passes.
Notice how even this moment is already becoming a memory.
And yet it was beautiful,
Wasn't it?
It was enough.
Let this truth be tender,
Not harsh.
Impermanence is not a thief.
It is a painter.
Brushing each moment with color.
And then moving on.
Turn towards your breath again.
Inhale.
Pause.
Exhale.
Pause.
Each breath is born.
Each breath dies.
Each breath teaches us how to let go.
Can you feel the inhale without grasping?
Can you feel the exhale without resisting?
Let breath be your guide.
Let breath be your friend.
Now if you will,
Bring to mind something you've been holding.
A thought.
A worry.
A hope.
A memory.
An object.
Hold it gently.
Feel its texture.
And now imagine it dissolving.
Like mist in the morning light.
Like a leaf floating downstream.
You do not need to push it away.
You do not need to cling.
Just let it move.
Let it change.
Let it go.
Return to your breath.
Return to your body.
Return to now.
You are not a fixed thing.
You are a river.
You are a sky.
You are the space where change unfolds.
So let this truth bring peace.
Let it bring humility.
Let it bring awe.
Everything in our lives is changing,
And aging,
And passing on,
And making way for something new.
As we come to a close,
Open your eyes,
And come back into the room.
Wiggle your fingers and toes and stretch,
And feel how good it is to be alive.
How good it is to be here,
In this moment.
Remember,
Forever is now.
Right now.
It's not a minute ago.
It's not a minute into the future.
It's right now.
I hope this has been a beneficial and calming session for each and every one of you.
And I hope that you carry this softness with you.
Carry this wisdom.
Carry this breath.
Till next time.
