The Bare Necessities ... of Change

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said that change is the only constant in life. I had never really paused to think about this until recently, when I saw a post on Facebook about different laws in life. The Law of Impermanence caught my attention. While I’ve always recognized that change is present and often necessary, I never viewed it as a fundamental law of life.

Like many of us, I tend to resist change. I find comfort in the familiar and safety in the predictable. I prefer things to stay the same, but life often nudges – or sometimes shoves – us out of our comfort zones. I’ve lived a life of continuous change, moving from town to town, house to house, school to school, and job to job. The only constant in my life was my marriage and my family. Facing change forces us to look at life differently and to accept that nothing stays the same forever.

Change is necessary because it teaches us resilience. It’s during the times when life shifts – sometimes gently and sometimes dramatically – that we discover our strength. We learn to adapt, to bend without breaking, and to keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles arise. These experiences help us grow, both as individuals and as humans who are connected to others through shared experiences.

I remember when my friend’s sister died unexpectedly. I had no idea what she was going through because I hadn’t experienced a loss for many years. Then, a few years later, my brother died suddenly, shocking me to my core. I kept recalling my friend’s suffering, and just knowing that I wasn’t alone – that others also lose loved ones unexpectedly – helped me stay grounded.

While loss is hard, like any change we experience, it can also bring opportunities for gratitude. Understanding that everything is temporary should make us more appreciative of the present moment. It’s the little things, like savouring a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or the smile of a loved one, that truly matters. Each moment, each experience is a gift, and the Law of Impermanence reminds us not to take them for granted.

Of course, gratitude doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and personal experiences of loss and change. But once we learn to carry gratitude with us every day, knowing that nothing lasts forever, we find peace in that knowledge.

Impermanence is also a catalyst for growth. Change pushes us to become better versions of ourselves. The challenges, surprises, and unexpected turns all shape who we become. While it seems better or easier to resist change and cling to what we know, change helps us to open ourselves to the flow of life and grow in unexpected ways. Every change, every experience is an opportunity to learn, evolve, and become more than we were before.

There’s a spiritual dimension to impermanence that I’ve come to appreciate over time. When we recognize that everything in the material world is transient, we naturally seek something deeper and more eternal. For me, this has meant exploring my spiritual side and finding meaning and purpose beyond the everyday. It has helped me to focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s deepening spiritual practices, nurturing relationships, or simply being more present, the Law of Impermanence guides us toward a richer, more meaningful life aligned with our true selves.

I cling to the belief that we are all navigating the currents of change together. While our experiences may be similar – such as the loss of a loved one – we each face the effects of change in a unique way. When we encounter change or see others struggling through deep waters, it’s good to open our hearts. In doing so, we become more patient, empathetic, and willing to extend kindness not only to those around us, but also to ourselves. Our shared human experiences create connections, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our journeys.

Perhaps, like me, you find change difficult. I have no advice for you because I don’t think I’ll ever enjoy change. All I know is, the Law of Impermanence shouldn’t be seen as a force to fear, but as a guide that leads us toward growth, deeper understanding, and fulfillment. By focusing on this, we can face change in the future with a more positive mindset.