Dusty Springfield once sang ” How can I be sure in a world that’s constantly changing?” The Buddha taught that that all things are impermanent, there is nothing fixed or solid in this world, that everything including our thoughts, body and feelings are in a state of flux. This truth, this experience of life can sometimes leave us feeling anxious, and we may try to control the world around us to make us feel more secure.
But if we try and relax into a more open, spacious attitude to our experience then we can learn to trust that openness. In my yoga and meditation practice I have begun to glimpse a sense of this relaxed, spacious openness not only on my mat but also, and more importantly, in the rest of my life. This month’s quote comes from the 14th century Tibetan Buddhist teacher Tsongkhapa – I hope you find it inspiring.
The human body, at peace with itself, is more precious than the rarest gem.
Cherish your body, it is yours this one time only.
The human form is won with great difficulty, it is easy to lose.
All worldly things are brief, like lightning in the sky.
This life you must know as the tiny splash of a raindrop, a thing of beauty that disappears even as it comes into being.
Therefore set your goal, make use of every day and night to achieve it.