Designed by FreepikThis article is not about an abstract concept of philosophy. It is about your freedom from the chains that are holding you down.
I wanted to make that clear before broaching the subject of impermanence. We have all heard of this concept as a principle in many traditions and philosophies. In Greek philosophy it can be found in the fragments of Heraclitus, in his doctrine of panta rhei (everything flows). Later Western philosophy refers to it as becoming. Impermanence is discussed in the Katha Upanishad of Hinduism, and it is one of the three marks of existence in Buddhism.
It is so universal a concept, perhaps because it is so obvious. We see impermanence all around us, and typically we note it in those moments where impermanence takes the form of tragedy and loss. But what does impermanence really mean, were we to fully integrate it into our way of being? Blindness to what we claim is obvious, is extremely common, and can lead to becoming trapped in conditions and cycles in our lives.
That’s Just “Who I Am”
Too often we imagine that who we are as a person is set in stone; immutable – or at least changeable only in the most extreme of cases or methods. We feel trapped by our habits, by our past, by our conditions, by our limitations, by the expectations of others, and so on.
But impermanence is not just a source of loss. It is the source of gain, of creation, of becoming, of change, and of potential. To really digest this profound principle, we must internalize all of its truths.
Recent discoveries in brain plasticity have significantly expanded our understanding of the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself throughout life. Brain plasticity, also known as ‘neuroplasticity’, refers to the brain’s capacity to change in response to experience and learning. One of the most compelling areas of research in recent years has been the discovery that neuroplasticity is not limited to young brains but continues well into adulthood and even old age.
Studies using advanced neuroimaging techniques have shown that engaging in new learning activities, such as acquiring a new language, playing a musical instrument, or even practicing mindfulness meditation, can lead to measurable changes in brain structure and function. These changes actually increased gray matter volume in the hippocampus, a region associated with navigation and memory.
Too often, we imagine cognitive or brain conditions as being like the hardware of a computer. But the brain is more like a computer in which its software can affect physical changes in the hardware.
These discoveries have profound implications for mental health. Evidence suggests that enhancing neuroplasticity could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices are believed to facilitate neuroplastic changes that help rewire maladaptive neural circuits.
There are activities and life experiences that can lead to ‘profound’ changes in a person, which go very deeply to the heart of their personality, way of reacting to the world, their values, and more.
Examples of people who have gone through incredible transformation can be found everywhere. Nelson Mandela was a militant anti-apartheid revolutionary, who later emerged from prison as a symbol of reconciliation and peace. He led negotiations to dismantle apartheid and became South Africa’s first black president, advocating for forgiveness and unity.
Bryon Widner was a violent white supremacist and co-founder of a notorious skinhead group. With the help of the SPLC (Southern Poverty Law Center) and after years of painful tattoo removal, Widner left the white supremacist movement, renounced his past, and began advocating against hate.
Another recent and notable example is Shaka Senghor, who was convicted of second-degree murder at the age of 19 for killing a man during a drug-related confrontation. He was sentenced to 17 to 40 years in prison and ended up serving 19 years, seven of which were in solitary confinement.
While in prison, Senghor underwent a profound personal transformation. He began to reflect on his life and actions, seeking ways to change and make amends for his past. He immersed himself in literature, philosophy, and self-help books, which helped him to develop a new outlook on life. Senghor also began writing as a means of coping with his circumstances and as a tool for personal growth.
After his release in 2010, Senghor dedicated himself to positive change and social justice. He became a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, focusing on issues such as the impact of solitary confinement and the importance of rehabilitation over punishment.
He has worked with various organizations, including Cut50, a bipartisan initiative to reduce the prison population, and served as a fellow at the MIT Media Lab, where he focused on developing solutions to social problems rooted in inequality and injustice.
But the kind of transformation I’m referring to is not just for such extreme cases. It merely demonstrates the extent possible, and how we can experience remarkable freedom in becoming when we embrace the truth of impermanence.
The experiences that lead to these changes often comes through the happenstance of events beyond our control. But the function of spiritual practice is to formulate transformative experiences which guide our character over time in a more directed way.
As we reflect on what we are thankful for this holiday season, try to open your mind to the potential of impermanence as a force for growth and possibility in your life. Peace be with you and I hope this may be of help.
__________
Learn about Membership in the Spiritual Naturalist Society
The Spiritual Naturalist Society works to spread awareness of spiritual naturalism as a way of life, develop its thought and practice, and help bring together like-minded practitioners in fellowship.
SNS strives to include diverse voices within the spectrum of naturalistic spirituality. Authors will vary in their opinions, terms, and outlook. The views of no single author therefore necessarily reflect those of all Spiritual Naturalists or of SNS.
__________
Daniel, Interesting article.
My mother would say “this too shall pass” when things were going bad. I find myself saying that often, these days. Although we may not want the good times to pass so quickly, it is a relief that ultimately the bad times pass.