Each day, moments in time flow by us, like a river cascading towards the ocean of unforgettable memories. The beauty, the pain, the joy, the struggle; every experience is a droplet that contributes to the relentless flow of existence. We sometimes forget or overlook the significance and profound impact of these passing moments in our busy lives. In this post, we explore the concepts of change and transience, embracing the intrinsic value of ‘that which flows by.’
Change: The Only Constant
The idea of constant change isn’t something profound, rather it is a simple truth we often tend to overlook. We tend to hold onto moments, savor the pleasurable instances, and resist the uncomfortable ones when, in reality, everything is temporary; everything flows by.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts
Life unfolds like a dance. The ebb and flow of experiences often go in tandem with the rhythm and rhyme of changing circumstances. Once we learn to dance along, we can truly appreciate the beauty of transience – the inherent, vibrant flux of life.
Embracing Transience
Embracing transience allows us to live more harmoniously and mindful. It’s a constant reminder that everything we encounter – people, relationships, wealth, suffering – is not permanent. We learn to appreciate the good times more and patiently weather the hardships, understanding that just like the flowing river, these too shall pass.
In Japanese culture, this concept is embraced through the practice of ‘Mono no Aware’ – the gentle sadness about the transience of things, acknowledging the beauty in fleeting moments.
“One must always be prepared for riotous and endless waves of transformation.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Appreciating Moments
By recognizing the impermanence of every moment, we learn to fully appreciate the here and now. Every laugh is more jubilant, every tear hits deeper, and the ordinary moments become extraordinary. Life becomes a beautifully woven fabric of passing moments, each thread vibrantly coloured by the emotions, thoughts, and experiences we live through.
The Beauty of Flow
As we learn to appreciate, cherish, and let go with a graceful acceptance of life’s flow, we gain resilience and adaptability. Not only do we strengthen our emotional intelligence but also grant ourselves the freedom to experience life in all its fullness.
That which flows by is a celebration of the observed and felt, the loved and lost, the brilliant heights of joy and the profound depths of sorrow. Embracing the flowing currents of life, we cultivate a deeper understanding of existence, the beauty of transience, and the vibrance of each passing moment.
In conclusion, as we navigate our personal journeys, let’s remind ourselves to be open to the flow of life, embrace change, and treasure every moment that fills our lives. Life is transient, temporary, fleeting – but within that transience, there’s endless beauty and potential. It’s magnificent, it’s terrifying, it’s a myriad of emotions – it’s life, in all its glory, flowing by.