The Only Constant is Change

The basis for this saying is often attributed to the work of an ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus. One can also find this in Rabbi Rami Shapiro’s translation of Ecclesiastes (one of the books of the Bible) where he talks of everything being impermanent (his translation incorporates both Jewish and Buddhist philosophy). Given this ancient wisdom, why are we resistant to change?

The world around us is constantly changing. A common symbol of this is the caterpillar changing into a butterfly. In addition to the obvious, of buildings and landmarks being torn down and replaced, there is the slower pace of evolution.  Following Darwin’s theory, it is not just humans and animals which change to adapt to their environment, but also plants and minerals. If we and the world around us are constantly changing, that provides us the opportunity to think about what we want that change to look like.

Some things to consider about our physical environment are:

●     As we reshape our cities, is consideration given for keeping or expanding green space?

●     Are new buildings and cars more environmentally friendly?

●     Is our food nutritious or chemically-based?

●     How are we being stewards of the planet?

On a personal level, are we:

●     living up to the values we believe in?

●     living in harmony with others?

●     being the best we can be?

Because everything is impermanent, maybe it is time to think about changing your behavior so that you can be the best you. 

One point in the compass of our life should be the Serenity Prayer:  “ G*d grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. “  If Ebenezer Scrooge changed, then so can you. May you find the courage you need to change and become the best you.