If we’re able to recognize that everything is always changing, recognize that there’s no solidity to anything, including most importantly ourselves, then we can be free from ideas we hold very tightly about ourselves as permanent. Small children build a sandcastle, and if the wave comes and wipes it out, some kids can get really upset. It’s devastating! But now as adults, we know that’s actually one of the cool things about sand castles: their ephemeral nature. The fact that they’re going to fall apart makes them all the more beautiful and amazing. Aligning ourselves with this can give us a greater appreciation, reverence, and presence in our lives.
Anushka Fernandopulle
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Anushka Fernandopulle has trained for over 35 years in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Her teaching is informed by nature, arts, political engagement and modern urban life. She also works as a leadership coach and organizational consultant, influenced by a BA in anthropology/religion from Harvard and an MBA from Yale.