Meditation On The Changing Nature of Life

by Malayna

A lot of stress in life is created by the need to feel secure, and by the surprise we feel when the illusion is shattered. We make choices about jobs and homes and relationships with the hope that they will last. But truly the only constant in life is change, and if we embrace that, then change won’t catch you off guard, like in that song about Sunscreen (Everyone’s Free) by Baz Luhrman.

“Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.”

You may want to choose an object of focus for this meditation — whether real or just seen in your mind’s eye — a flower that you know will soon wither, a candle that will burn out. You might seek out a place of nature where fallen leaves, a flowing stream or the setting sun will remind you of the ever-changing cycle of life.

Breathing deeply while contemplating these symbols, we appreciate beauty for what it is, without attaching ourselves to the need for it to last forever. This allows us to experience and appreciate the present moment. Presence is key to living life fully now, rather than dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. In our world of duality, we could not appreciate the moment unless we knew the moment would end. At the same time, we can rise above it all to connect to the unchanging nature of spirit, anchoring ourselves there in meditation. Once we’ve made that connection, we can remember to live from that place, making decisions not based on safety, security or quelling our fears, but on following our bliss to create the life of our dreams.

| 09/29/07 | Lessons