Every day our senses are titillated. It is the consistent and somewhat predictability of the material things in our daily lives that give us a false sense of inaction and permanence. This is partially due to the short life span of humans.
By shifting our perspectives we can then see that everything is always changing. We then discover the fundamental principle of nature, the Buddhist first dharma seal, The Law of Impermanence. This is the teaching everything is impermanent. In this philosophy, everything has a beginning, middle and end regardless if it of material or relative existence. All are impermanent and will eventually cease to exist.
Life is in a constant state of change. We tend to struggle with this fact, as it reveals the reality of our own mortality and that scares us. Our lives are made up of relationships, possessions, objects that have made up our identity and the story of our existence. Recognizing that these things will be gone is difficult.
These things create our identity and have given meaning to our lives. If we lose these, who are we. The discomfort in facing impermanence produces avoidance and procrastination around the circumstances which brings this reality to the surface, such as attending funerals or hospital visits. This avoidance only prolongs the inevitable which leads to suffering. It is not the impermanence that causes the suffering but rather our reaction.
It may seem contradictory, but embracing impermanence can be a gift. We can try, unsuccessfully, to escape it, but it will eventually reach us and force us to deal with it.
By consciously exploring our impermanence we can gain peace and confidence. By embracing the reality of impermanence now it allows for less suffering later. Recognizing impermanence gives us more appreciation of life in the moment with gratitude and more connection with our love and compassion for others.
End of Life photography provides your story the permanence of your impermanent life. It is a record of your existence and the affect your existence had on others, accordingly your affect on the world. End of Life photography not only gives comfort to the loved ones who remain, but to those who are moving forward. End of Life photography recognizes the existence of the person, bringing relief to those who are moving forward and solace to those remaining. What are your thoughts of impermanence?
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