I am reading Yung Pueblo’s Lighter.
It is at once revelatory and also nothing new.
It is amazing how hard it is to learn and embody the age old wisdom of ancient spiritual texts. No matter how many versions of reading it through years and years of study, as told by countless different voices from countless different cultures, it is still so damn hard to put into action. To let go. To try to not control the people in your lives. To take a beat before reacting.
It all comes down to the universal truth (as I believe it to be) - that we cannot control what’s outside of ourselves. The only thing we can control is ourselves and our reactions to things. Thank you Epictetus! So easy to say, nearly impossible to do.
In Lighter, Pueblo talks about embracing impermanence. That the only thing constant in this world is change. While this again is easy to say in a very toss away way, it is almost impossible to really live this. Embracing change and impermanence is what will allow us to enjoy the present moment as we experience it because everything eventually goes away. We all wish so much to hold onto certain things, but change is inevitable and it is a fool’s errand to try to fight it.
The more I try to embrace impermanence, the lighter I feel. It is the age old adage that “this too, shall pass”. Both the good, but also the bad. Every time I remember this it helps me get through the rough parts and makes me appreciate the bittersweetness of the good parts.
Time is always too short.
Change is the only constant.