Permanence … at least, the kind that we often try to create … is an illusion.

Whether it’s a feeling or a circumstance or an ability, everything is fleeting. What we build up — physically, spiritually, intellectually — it’s all slightly leaky. Some of it has more staying power, but none of it is fixed.

So instead of seeking permanence, we focus on maintaining a practice. On finding a posture. On living a philosophy.

And perhaps those things become lasting, along with our reluctant acceptance of the idea, “This too shall pass.”

It’s always been that way.

And even with built-in uncertainty, we can live full, beautiful lives.