Impermanence

Linger over what makes you smile. Savor delight and connection. Fully embrace and absorb meaningful moments as they pass.

Why Incorporate Impermanence Practices?

From completely forgettable happenings to momentous events, nothing lasts forever. Moments are here, and then they’re gone. Every sentient being will have its allotted lifespan. Even our sun is destined to eventually cease to exist, although perhaps not for billions of years. As humans, we have a cursory understanding of impermanence, yet we often base expectations on the notion that situations and relationships will continue on evermore. We might feel shocked and perhaps even wronged when things shift abruptly or come to an end.

Looking back on your days, how have you greeted change—as an uninvited visitor interrupting all you felt was predictable and constant? Or maybe as a guest offering some sort of gift or lesson? Likely, you’ve found yourself somewhere between depending on the circumstances and your mindset at the time. Ultimately, when we’re able to acknowledge the prospect of transitions and endings, we might find ourselves opening a bit more to the certainty of impermanence.

How can you Incorporate Impermanence Practices?

First, allow yourself to recognize that we can never repeat an experience in the exact same way. This can be a relief during trying times, or it can cause heartache when we don’t want a good time to end. It’s powerful to allow any poignant, sorrowful feelings to arise while reminiscing about times gone by. Memories can both create and soothe a sense of longing.

1. One idea to try is putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Assemble it piece by piece, a meditative process itself. Once finished, pause to celebrate your accomplishment, and then take it all apart.
2. Another idea, if it’s possible, is to make a sandcastle at the ocean’s edge during low tide. Stand back to enjoy your creation, and then watch the waves pull your artistic work back into the sea.
3. Lastly, build a nature mandala with any supplies you can find around your home or in a nearby park. Use fallen sticks, pieces of bark, pine cones, and flowers to build an outer frame and inner design. Bask in your creativity, and then walk away knowing nature will make use of what you made.

Whenever you find yourself clinging to a moment, remember: Time passes, yet this moment is yours.

Adapted from:

In this interactive workbook, community doula and death literacy advocate Francesca Lynn Arnoldy offers readers a guided tour through topics like death anxiety, mortality awareness, compassion, and connection. This contemplative publication is geared toward anyone wanting a more intentional approach to living and dying as well as those beginning or updating their end-of-life plans, those with serious/terminal conditions, people ready to create remembrance gifts for loved ones, and deathcare providers seeking quality tools. It includes personal stories, professional anecdotes, and practical activities throughout with sensitivity to all belief systems, cultures, identities, and histories of lived experience—inviting readers to modify and customize as needed to ensure alignment.