Sunrises, forever breathtaking, but devoid of surprise. Flowers, forever in bloom, but lacking the fleeting wonder of their seasonal dance.

When things are always there, unchanging, they lose their magic.

Life’s magic stems from its impermanence, a constant state of flux that whispers, “Savor this moment, for it will soon be gone.”

We cling to permanence for comfort, but it’s this very clinging that breeds suffering. Buddhist teachings remind us that clinging to desires and possessions is a root cause of suffering. True happiness, they say, flows from within, not from holding on too tightly.

Similarly, Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the universe’s natural flow, the Tao. Clinging disrupts this flow, causing frustration and resistance. I like to think of the difference between rowing a boat and sailing a biat when I think of Taoism. This analogy captures the essence of Taoism beautifully.

Stoicism too, which I’ve been reading an awful lot about lately, echoes this principle, urging us to focus on what we can control – our thoughts and actions – and accept what we cannot – the external world and others (even if we don’t like so much what we see/hear).

Attachment creates an illusion of control, setting us up for disappointment when things inevitably change.

Holding everything lightly isn’t about apathy. It’s about cultivating a deep appreciation for the present moment. It’s about letting go of the need to possess experiences, places, or people.

By doing so, we free ourselves from the burden of expectation and the sting of loss.

Life continues to unfold around us, whether we like it or not, woven with threads of impermanence. Embrace the fleeting moments, enjoy those moments as they are without trying to make them what they are not, without attachment or clinging (which leads to stress). Hold everything lightly, and allow yourself to be swept away by the very unique and exquisite flow of existence.