Change: The Only Thing That Never Changes

It was the ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who said, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” By this, Heraclitus meant that permanence is an illusion. There is a constant in the universe and that is change. Nothing is permanent and the entire universe is in a constant state of flux or motion rolling ceaselessly into eternity.

The Buddha also taught a doctrine of impermanence (annica) which is a central tenet of Buddhism to this day. The Buddhist view, as with Heraclitus, is that everything is in a state of flux, ever changing, ever moving, and that permanence being naught more than a mere illusion. This illusion, according the Buddha, causes all sorts of problems for us humans.

One of the problems human’s face is that we cling to something as if it were permanent. By embracing the illusion of permanence, we set ourselves up for suffering. We become discouraged and afraid when this illusion is shattered and things change. For example, is that all relationships last a lifetime. People marry and some people divorce. This is a sad but true reality. When a relationship begins to dissolve, there is a lot pain and suffering that accompanies it. According to the wise and venerable Buddha, this pain and suffering is not caused by the actual separation itself per se but rather by the attachment to permanence. We feel betrayed by the promise that it would be forever, when in fact, nothing is forever.

This is not to say that to feel pain and to suffer is wrong and that one can do away with it entirely. Once you recognize the reality that everything is impermanent, you can mitigate the pain and suffering caused by the adherence to such false notions and live a life more rooted in reality. It allows a life more in tune with and accepting of change.

Such a realization sets the stage for one to become more adaptable and pliable in the face of life’s many challenges and adversities. Instead of trying to stand steadfast and hold steady all around you fighting the current of time and change, you let go and allow the changes to occur.

Once you can recognize and comes to terms this reality, you become truly free, Free from guilt and adversity that the world is an unfair place. Do not fight change, change is inevitable.

People are often afraid of making changes in their own personal lives because change is often so very difficult, at least initially, and places one in a new set of circumstances, which is often very uncomfortable. We prefer the safety of our condition because we know what to expect. There are few challenges and risks taken when people leave things the way they are. Again, this is an illusion. By realizing that change is in fact a law of nature and embracing it as such, it makes it easier for one to make changes in their own lives. Whether it be moving, transitioning into a new job, picking up some new good habits, or doing away with bad habit, change is very possible and a law of nature at work constantly in our midst. Use the power of change to your advantage. Make a change today!