It may feel like there can be no stability in the moment since it is always leaving. But we can learn to find stability in this instability.
The moment is in a constant state of transformation, of flux. It is transient, here for no time at all. Each moment arises at the same time as it disappears. Our perception of each moment is therefore also always changing.
There is no stability, continuity, or permanence. Each moment is continuously becoming the next moment.
Despite this constant changing, constant becoming of the next moment, there is always something here. The moment is always here, always being, even if it is also always leaving. We always have our perception of the moment, even if it does not last more than an instant.
Reality itself is always changing, but at the same time, it is always being itself. There is a paradox that is formed, as each moment is always being itself and always becoming the next moment.
Since the moment has no duration, there is no stability in the moment. However, this constant flow of being and becoming creates consistency that itself becomes stability.
Something is always coming and always going. There is stability in the fact that there is always something here, even if that thing is always leaving. Stability in perpetual instability.
The flow of what is, the flow of now, cannot be lost, for it is the only thing that exists. An ever present presence of experiencing.
There is comfort in this stable instability. It can remove some of the desire to control the moment or freeze it in place. If we expect that everything is unexpected, we become more prepared for whatever is next.
The more we practice being aware of experience and its constant state of flux, the more we are able to find stability in each moment. This stability can help us remain present and enjoy the moment for what it is, before it slips away to the next.
Being regularly mindful of the moment can allow us to develop a strength that adds stability to our path. This strength creates resilience to help deal with the unpredictability of life. This resilience can give us confidence in our next step, whatever it may be.
I hope you enjoyed this series on the nature of now. I find myself considering the moment more regularly, and my place in it. I find comfort in the ever changing nature of now, knowing that life will always continue to flow. I hope you do too.
If you found this helpful or interesting, I would love to hear your thoughts! The more we learn how this practice helps each of us, the more we can collectively improve. Please feel free to leave questions or comments below.
This post is the last post in the series The Nature of Now.
Find the full list of mindful thoughts here.
