The Buddhist teacher Ajahn Chah once remarked while holding a beautiful teacup, “To me this cup is already broken. Because I know its fate, I can enjoy it fully here and now.”

Nothing in this world is permanent. Only God is eternal. Transience is our essence.

That knowledge is sad, but it is also our salvation. The knowledge that nothing is permanent can propel us to live more in the moment, to enjoy what we have while we have it.

In my social circles this week, I heard of marriage, divorce, birth and death. They are all part of the life cycle; they are all part of our existence.

Holding a beautiful teacup, or a newborn child, or being in a loving relationship, we can enjoy that experience for the gift that it is, until it is no longer. Knowing that this gift is impermanent may take away from our ability to enjoy, but only if our thoughts turn fearfully to the future. There is great joy and peace in the moment. In this moment.

"My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate." - Thornton Wilder

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

Sign up for the Spiritual Sofa newsletter to receive each blog post before it's posted here!