Peace in the Midst of Chaos

Without a shadow of a doubt, this year has been fraught with so much uncertainty, upheaval and change that it’s a little tough to get our bearings. One minute, we’re cautiously gathering in public with friends and family after a long lockdown and the next, we’re back under wraps and wondering if things will ever get back to “normal.” It is quite unsettling.

When I teach the concept of impermanence, some can mistakenly believe I’m coming from a nihilistic point of view; that if everything is impermanent, then why bother with any of it? But impermanence is not a negative aspect of life. Impermanence is the very basis of life.

Think about it, if what exists were not impermanent, no life could continue.

If the little seedling wasn’t impermanent, how could it grow into a flower? We turn around and look at who used to be a little toddler running around the house and before we know it, they are off to college and beginning their own life.

Everything in life is impermanent but that doesn’t mean that life is not worth living. It’s the opposite really. It is precisely because of its impermanence that we value life so dearly. This is why it is so vital that we understand how to live each moment deeply and use each of those moments responsibly.

Understanding impermanence also brings a sense of urgency to our lives as well. If we can grasp the notion that even our joy and happiness are impermanent, our ability to mindfully notice and appreciate those fleeting moments becomes all the more important. Each moment in life becomes more important.

When we are able to accept that everything is impermanent, we will not be paralyzed by suffering when things die.

There will be a sense of freedom in the acceptance of impermanence as opposed to the struggle that typically accompanies our clinging to what is or the way it is.

When we are able to accept that everything is impermanent, we will be able to remain peaceful and content whether in the face of continuity or change, times of prosperity or decline, success or failure.


As a meditation and spiritual teacher, mentor and life coach, Maggie Kelly is your partner in an in-depth, thought-provoking and creative process that will inspire you to maximize your personal and professional potential, taking you from where you are to where you want to be. Maggie offers a 30-Min Complimentary Zoom Coaching session to help you pinpoint the issues that may have you feeling disempowered, exhausted, or stuck. All sessions are held via Zoom conferencing. Click HERE to schedule a session.