Impermanent Emotions
The concept of impermanence, the understanding that nothing lasts forever, is an undeniable truth of life. Death and birth exemplify this notion most clearly.
At times, this concept can bring great comfort and hope. Whatever difficult situation you're currently facing won't last indefinitely. As time passes, pain lessens, and emotions are not permanent.
During those challenging days when it feels like sadness, fear, anger, or anxiety will consume you forever, it's crucial to remind yourself that they won't. Feelings pass, circumstances change. The difficult emotions or tough seasons you're experiencing are not representative of your entire life.
In the midst of intense emotions, it can be difficult to remember this truth. When going through a breakup, it may seem like grief, hurt, and sadness will define your existence. But they won't. You will undoubtedly experience sadness, which is never pleasant, but it won't dictate your entire life.
Similarly, when shame arises from an embarrassing moment, it might feel like judgment from others will haunt you indefinitely, as if your life has been irreparably damaged. But it won't. You, along with other people, will move on.
And when disappointment strikes, such as the cancellation of something you were excited for, or someone not showing up, it's natural to feel let down. Allow yourself to experience that disappointment, but know that eventually, you will overcome it once more.
During intense moments or seasons of life, it's important to grant yourself permission to feel the discomforting emotions while maintaining trust that you can navigate them without allowing them to engulf your life entirely. Feeling sadness doesn't condemn you to a perpetually gloomy existence.
Remember, happiness, acceptance, and joy will still find their way into your life. Light cannot exist without darkness, just as there can be no day without night. It's all part of our human experience, and it is all transient.
In those moments of intensity, hold onto the knowledge that you won't feel this way forever. You will be okay, and hope will continue to exist.
