The Cambridge dictionary defines impermanence as “the state of not lasting for ever or not lasting for a long time.”

Let’s ponder this—not lasting for ever or a long time—we all know this, and yet do we recognize it?

At times, maybe, when someone we know dies unexpectedly or receives a diagnosis of a disease, a job is terminated, or a relationship ends, we find ourselves surprised. Why? Because we cling to permanence, desiring things to remain the same, and nothing ever does.

Let’s consider Mother Nature. Everything in nature is cycled throughout the entire planet. Since matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed, they are changed or transformed into many different things.

We are nature; although we may not see our energy as much as we can feel it. We have all walked into that room where the atmosphere is so thick that you could cut it with a knife. No one says anything, but you can literally feel it.

We know things change; we see it in the cyclical seasons of nature: spring’s growth; summer’s active yang season; autumn’s transitional releasing season; then the stillness of winter, a time when Mother Nature replenishes before the cycle begins again.

For as long as I have been practicing Tai Chi (25+ years), you would think I know how to recognize impermanence and accept life as it is, realizing it is always changing. Well, it’s a lifetime process.

I was speaking with a friend today who recently had his wife die unexpectedly six months ago. He was doing his best to be upbeat. I interrupted him and said that sometimes life simply f*@+&^ sucks! In that moment, we reminded each other that it’s okay to not be okay and we laughed. We need to feel the gamete of emotions and not stuff them down because eventually they come out. Whether it shows up as a physical disease, or we simply vomit on some innocent person.

After our conversation, I thought to myself that his feelings will change eventually. And he will smile again in the present moments of his life, not just when he is reliving memories.

My Sifu has said many times, “If your life is difficult right now, great! Because it will change. And if your life is joyful, great! Embrace it, because it will change.” That is the cyclical nature of life; in other words, the yin and yang of our existence.

Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, “People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.”

We choose to suffer, whether we do this consciously or unconsciously. The decision is being made within each moment. We can only lose what we cling to.

Let’s together choose to live life instead of clinging. There is nothing we can do about the wrongs or events of yesterday. It is not ours to judge. Let us choose not to hold on to the very thing that can keep us from joy and love.

Recognize impermanence.

Live each moment, for it will not come around again in the same way.

Life is precious and fragile.

Be kind and compassionate with yourself and everyone you meet, for we do not know which part of the cyclical season they are in.