Letting go by observing the impermanence of all living beings

We all know situations in which we feel hurt and misunderstood, in which we experience sadness or anger. Often these moments are accompanied by a deep longing to regain more lightness and joy in life. But how can this be achieved?

If we place our worries and conflicts in a broader context in our minds, many of them dissolve automatically. When we become aware of how short and impermanent life is, the desire immediately arises to make good use of the time we have been given. We can then more easily distinguish what is important from what is less important, shape our relationships with other people and with nature with greater appreciation, and experience more contentment and happiness. The meditation presented here makes it possible to let go, develop one’s own mind, and open the heart to compassion. Contemplating impermanence gives strength to cultivate tolerance and gratitude. It provides motivation to make the world more peaceful and harmonious.

Instructions for practising the meditation

You can practise the meditation while sitting on a chair or on the floor. If you are sitting on a chair, place your feet parallel next to each other, shoulder-width apart. If you are practising while sitting on the floor, you can meditate either in the lotus position, the half-lotus position, or cross-legged. Once you have found a comfortable sitting position, rest your hands relaxed on your thighs with your palms facing down. Alternatively, you can place your hands on top of each other on the lower abdomen. Women place the right hand directly on the body and the left hand on top; men do it the other way around. Sit completely relaxed. Close your eyes and gently place the tip of your tongue against the upper palate. Smile. Then begin the meditation, accompanied by the audio file. To conclude the meditation, gently rub your hands together, lightly massage your face, head, ears, and neck, and stroke the kidney area several times with the palms of your hands.