Value of impermanence

Dear Residents,

It is with deep regret that we inform you that Mr. Krishnan (name changed) residing in D-101, passed away yesterday. On behalf of our community, we express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Let us come together to help his family in this time of grief.

President

Residents' Association

That message in the Residents' WhatsApp Group this morning stirred me up. I didn't know this person, never met him in these past 6 months of moving to this community. The news still created a sense of shock - May the soul rest in peace, Om Shanthi!

News of death is not a pleasant one. The degree of grief and sense of loss, of course, varies depending on who it is that passed away. Every time I hear about anyone passing on, it hits me home how Death is a reality like no other. I realize that this is not a topic that many will feel comfortable talking or thinking about. I understand that.

The nature of life and everything around us, though, reeks of this truth. The nature of things, physical forms, situations, and even subtler aspects such as thoughts, feelings - everything - is impermanence. It has always left me bewildered how I take some things for granted - until it is no more there for access. This happens with things, people, situation - despite life proving how change is the only constant.

Its time I took my steps more consciously, savor the moments of connections, give the best in everything I do and feel grateful for whatever I have. Prayers for the peace of this wonderful world! I started for work this morning with this prayer in my heart. It takes much striving to be conscious of this reality - that nothing is permanent here. It's a temporary life. But the acceptance of this is perhaps the only way to live a truly sensible, drama-free, meaningful life.

I was on my way to office, and as I took a turn into the narrow lane that connects to the main road, it started to drizzle. It quickly progressed into a full fledged shower. I, having been impacted deeply by life's realities in the morning, had forgotten to carry my raincoat. Lemme just get under the large tree on the right side of the road. It was a respite from what was now brewing into a heavy downpour. But within a few seconds, the tree was not able to withstand the deluge and I got drenched. I had two options - I could get back home (which was closer and the easier option) or just not mind the rain and head over to work. In such situations in the past, I have almost always chosen to brave the rain and go to work. Today was no different.

I love what I do at work - through the ups and downs, it is what inspires me, helps me help others and me grow, make more meaning in life. And like everything else, it too has had its rotations and revolutions. And I am in a transition phase within the organization right now. But if there is one thing I have learnt from the experience of going through transitions and changes is this - as it moves into the next, we can make it better for ourselves. When we are still around, we can have a go at it. We can still take those chances. We can still jump higher, dream bigger, try harder. We can make it better or worse for ourselves. It is always true. No exceptions.

Keep Going!