DAVID SIMON MD: The only thing in life we can consistently count on is change. Mastery of life requires us to maintain our balance in the midst of change, which means we must have a connection with the deepest aspect of our being that is beyond change.

Finding the stillness within is the only sanctuary from the ever-changing reality of relative existence.

The Buddha said that life is duhkha , which may be translated as discontent - the recognition that no matter how well things are going at any time, it is difficult for people to fully embrace the moment. One of the major sources of this existential discontent is the desire to impose stability upon the world, whereas change is the fundamental rule of life.

I recently heard a story about King Solomon, who charged one of his ministers to find a magical ring. According to legend, this ring had the power to make happy people sad and sad people happy when they gazed upon it. The minister searched unsuccessfully for months throughout the realm and was about to give up, when he came across a wise elderly jeweler living in a remote area of the kingdom. When asked if he had heard of such a ring, the jeweler said he had not, but after a moment's thought, he told the minister he could make him one. He took a plain gold band and engraved four simple words. When the ring was delivered to him, Solomon recognized the simple wisdom it contained, for engraved in the band were the words, "This too shall pass."

Accepting the inevitability of change does not mean we relinquish our intentions for things to transform as we would like them to. We must have clarity of purpose and align our words and actions with our intentions. Remember, we have control over our choices, but not over the consequences of our choices. We do our best and watch with curiosity and composure as life unfolds.

Transitions are a part of life, allowing for perpetual renewal. If you are experiencing the ending of one chapter, allow yourself to feel the emotions of loss and rebirth. A bud gives way to a new flower, which surrenders to the fruit, which gives rise to a seed, which yields a new sprout. Whether you are transitioning from college to work, into or out of a marriage, to a new job or living situation, or through a stage of life such as watching your children leave the nest or entering into menopause, stay tuned to the quiet observer within. Even as you ride the roller coaster, embrace the centered internal reference of the ever-present witness.

Times of transition provide opportunities to deepen your spiritual practice and commitment to mind-body balance. With everything changing around you, make choices that bring you home. Meditate on a daily basis, even if your mind is turbulent. Get enough rest. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy, balanced meals. Associate with people with whom you can share your intimate thoughts, without invoking judgment or the need to accelerate your transition.

There is a scene in Zorba the Greek in which Zorba encounters a butterfly attempting to come out from a cocoon. Because it is not moving along as fast as he would like, Zorba breathes his warm breath on it, hastening its emergence. To his horror, he realizes the butterfly's wings are crumpled, and it does not have the strength to open them. It dies in his hands as a result of his impatience. This poignant lesson reminds us to allow our lives to unfold naturally. It reminds us to trust that what emerges next is the expression of sublime evolutionary creativity.