Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Impermanence


I have a Bird in spring



I have a Bird in spring
Which for myself doth sing—
The spring decoys.
And as the summer nears—
And as the Rose appears,
Robin is gone.

Yet do I not repine
Knowing that Bird of mine
Though flown—
Learneth beyond the sea
Melody new for me
And will return.

Fast is a safer hand
Held in a truer Land
Are mine—
And though they now depart,
Tell I my doubting heart
They're thine.

In a serener Bright,
In a more golden light
I see
Each little doubt and fear,
Each little discord here
Removed.

Then will I not repine,
Knowing that Bird of mine
Though flown
Shall in a distant tree
Bright melody for me
Return. 



The one constant in life is change. Change of mind, change of heart and change in body. These three triads of inner connection extend into the outer world, environment, circumstances and relationships. Every day we are faced with a myriad of changes, some are small, some are larger. Some of us have an easier transition with change, others do not. I am the other, I find difficulty in adapting, I strive to remain carefree and calm in chaos. I tend to cope by keeping my emotions hidden and then lashing out in a brutal manner on myself or my loved ones.

In an effort to stay rational, I direct my attention to the concept of Impermanence, an undeniable and inescapable fact of human existence. No human being that belongs to this earth is free from growing old, falling sick, decaying and passing away. In this world there is nothing fixed or permanent or stable. Everything is subject to change and alteration. According to Buddhist thought, "Decay is inherent in all component things." We see this in the Spring, flowers rise from the earth, bloom and perish. We can choose to accept change, embrace it and look forward to the surprise of its unfolding, or resist it with every fiber of our being. The latter is probably not healthy and will inevitably lead to unhappiness, misery and sorrow in this life. For some people, change is needed, necessary, a hope for a new situation. Impermanence and change are undeniable truths to our existence.

My oldest son is in his last couple months of preschool and their curriculum is based on recognizing the moment we are living in. The season, the month, the days of the week as well as letters, numbers, reading and writing. Poems, rhymes and songs are used to emphasize seasonal teachings. This week, as we welcome the beginning signs of spring, the children were taught the old English proverb, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." I was surprised as I looked at the pages that were brought home. The lamb was colored black, it had two sharp horns atop its head, no eyes, and a large mouth filled with purple teeth. The lion was smiling contentedly in a coat of pale orange and yellow. A child's perception of living in New England. Yesterday began with the snow and ended with the sun.

My schedule is rigorous, I have placed high demands on myself this year. My husband has been working away from home, balancing opposite work schedules, planning for home renovation, child care and family time has been no easy task. I must force myself to stop cleaning, washing, folding and cooking. I must embrace my husband when he comes home and linger in his arms. I must sing songs, dance and read silly books to my children. Soon, they will be gone from my nest, leading their own lives, making their own decisions. I must turn to face the sun and leave the dirt just for today. Find love and glory in life and enjoy all that is possible in this moment.