Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well

Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well

Jack Kornfield, a renowned author and teacher in the field of mindfulness and meditation, often speaks about the impermanence of life and the importance of accepting this reality in order to find peace and contentment. One of his most famous quotes is, “Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of Kornfield’s teachings and philosophy.

In Buddhism, the concept of impermanence, or Anicca, is one of the three marks of existence, along with suffering (Dukkha) and non-self (Anatta). Kornfield, who has studied and practiced Buddhism for many years, emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting impermanence as a fundamental aspect of life. He teaches that clinging to things that are transient and ever-changing only leads to suffering and dissatisfaction. By making peace with the fact that everything in life is impermanent, we can free ourselves from attachment and find a deeper sense of peace and equanimity.

Kornfield’s teachings are rooted in the practice of mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity. By cultivating mindfulness, we can become more aware of the impermanent nature of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Instead of trying to hold on to things that are fleeting, we can learn to let go and embrace the flow of life with acceptance and grace.

When we make peace with the impermanence of life, we can also cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the preciousness of each moment. Kornfield often speaks about the importance of living with a sense of awe and wonder, recognizing the beauty and fragility of life. By letting go of our attachment to outcomes and expectations, we can open ourselves up to the richness and fullness of each experience, no matter how fleeting it may be.