🔭 The Present Perspective Newsletter

😌 A Calmer Way to Meet Change

Most of us know, at least intellectually, that nothing stays the same. Circumstances change. Bodies age. Children grow up. Yet this truth can be confronting—because of what we want to hold onto—especially our own life.

This week’s reflection explores why impermanence can deepen gratitude, soften hurt, and return us to what truly matters in our life.

“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it’s forever.”
— Carl Sagan

Dear Reader

All Things Must Pass

“This too shall pass” is a common Chicken Soup for the Soul style aphorism. We often use it to comfort someone going through a hard time, or to steady ourselves when life becomes difficult. George Harrison captured the same truth in the title of his most famous solo album, All Things Must Pass.

He sings these lines in the title track. It is a bittersweet truth. It offers solace in painful moments, yet the same law of change applies to what is pleasant and beautiful. The beautiful sunrises and sunsets fade away, as much as the storms and blizzards. Nothing in life is permanent; it is all finite, including us.

George Harrison’s song's final refrain, reflects this truth:

The Truth of Change

The end of our life, our world and our self is a supremely uncomfortable truth, that—quite rightly—most of us like to put off thinking about and in some cases, try and put off in reality.
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Always failing of course—change is the rule. No one and nothing escapes it.

Many of the wisdom traditions point directly to this reality. In Taoism it is reflected in the Tao, the way of things. In Buddhism it is central to the Dharma, the truth of impermanence. Everything that arises will pass. Everything that is born, must die.

Embracing the Infinite

Yet those same traditions also speak of another dimension of life. There is a clear revelation of the nature of life and the universe—and ourselves—which is that there is an infinite dimension to it. There is something unchanging, timeless,
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As much as we can observe that the forms of life reach an end point, life itself—or the life principle, the creative force of the universe, continues.

Trees fall, and new ones grow. Stars burn out, and others are created. Bodies age and die, and babies are born . Civilisations rise and collapse. Existence keeps moving, creating, transforming.

Modern science recognises this truth as well, in the first law of thermodynamics which Albert Einstein encapsulated as "Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another."

As much as our life will end (is finite)—there is something that doesn’t end (and didn’t begin)—which is infinite.

The Power of Direct Experience

Our rational mind finds it hard to grasp this principle and paradox, but mindfulness and meditation, which offers a more contemplative and reflective lens, can witness, embrace and ultimately invite us to realise this through direct experience.

By quietly observing our life in contemplation, we allow the deeper truths of it to emerge. Not as beliefs or philosophies, but as deep insights into the true nature of our life.
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We notice that thoughts come and go, but awareness remains. Emotions move through, but something in us can witness them. Life changes, yet there is a deeper presence that forms the ground of our being—that exists outside of time and space, and we tacitly realise.
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When we touch even a glimpse of the timeless, we become more able to meet the temporary.

Living Your Rich Life

These realisations are both challenging and confronting, but also liberating and empowering. It makes life richer rather than sadder.
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We understand deeply that our time here matters—because it won’t go on forever. We are more grateful and appreciative of the small things (that aren’t really that small) — our friends, family, pets, good health when we have it, the kindnesses offered to us, the beauty of the world and life.

We may become more forgiving too. More patient with our own struggles. More understanding of the pain others carry. If everything is passing through changing conditions, judgement, intolerance and angst make less sense.

We are drawn back into the present moment, because it feels more real and fulfilling. We embrace more fully what is actually here now, rather than endlessly replaying the past or trying to control the future.

Held by Mystery

We appreciate what we have—for now—because we know it won’t be forever.

And then beneath it all...

holding us in its warm embrace is the truth that as much as our life is finite and temporary...

there is a deep, profound, loving and ultimately mysterious force in our life that is infinite.

The ultimate refuge in a world where all things must pass.

​Queenstown, New Zealand, 6-Day Meditation and Mindfulness Retreat — Small Group Immersion in Mountain Surroundings​
​29 May – 3 June, 2026​

A carefully curated six-day immersion in mindfulness, movement and mountain landscapes—designed for people who value depth, structure and intentional practice.

Limited to 10 participants, this programme blends our grounded, nature‑based style with a refined flow inspired by Queenstown’s majestic mountains and beautiful Lake Wakatipu.

This exclusive retreat, led by two highly-experienced teachers is for those who value nature, simplicity and evidence‑based mindfulness practices, and who appreciate an intentional, well‑paced journey of transformation.

This retreat includes...

• Daily meditation and mindfulness practice
• Guided mountain and lakeside walks
• Gentle movement and breathwork
• Periods of nourishing silence
• Relaxing spa pool available all day and night
• Community connection and shared meals
• Personalised individual interview with one teacher
• Time for rest, reflection and integration
• Incredible stargazing when conditions are right
• Detoxifying sauna

This is an invitation to slow down, breathe and pay attention—not in a forced way but in a way that brings you home to yourself.

The Location: Ora Retreat, Queenstown

Ora Retreat is a boutique mountain home overlooking Lake Wakatipu —peaceful, welcoming and surrounded by forested hills and alpine views. Guests consistently praise its warmth, comfort and the sense of being “at home” in nature.

You’ll stay in cozy, thoughtfully designed rooms, enjoy quiet mornings on the deck, and unwind each evening with mountain air and the glow of the fire. Hiking trails begin right from the property, and Queenstown’s dramatic landscape frames each day.

​Book Your Place Now​

Teachers: Kovido Maddick and Eric Chagnon
​Location: Ora Retreat, 26 Arawata Terrace, Sunshine Bay, Queenstown, New Zealand
​Dates: Friday, 29 May – Wednesday, 3 June, 2026​
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💗 The Essence of Self-Love, Premium 6-Day Silent Meditation Retreat, Byron Bay, NSW​ — May and June, 2026​

The Essence of Self-Love Retreats at Sangsurya, Byron Bay are the premium retreat offerings of 2026.
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These retreats feature incredible artisan accommodation, a stunning retreat centre setting and an on-site chef, Todd Stream-Cameron providing world-class meals.
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​Teachers: Karl Baker and Stephen Archer
​Location: Sangsurya Retreat Centre, Byron Bay, NSW
​Dates:
​May Retreat: Friday, 8 May – Wednesday, 13 May, 2026
​— SOLD OUT.​
​June Retreat: Friday, 19 June – Wednesday, 24 June, 2026
​— 1 PLACE LEFT.

​Get one on one, private Mindfulness Coaching​

One on one work with a certified mindfulness teacher can assist with anxiety reduction, improving sleep, reducing over-thinking, improving relationships and making mindfulness a habit in your life.
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​Find a certified mindfulness teacher to work with now.

🧘‍♀️ Mini Mindfulness Exercise: Exploring Presence

1. Arrive (1 minute)​
Sit comfortably and allow the body to settle. Feel the support beneath you. Let the hands rest easily.

2. Notice What Moves (2 minutes)​
Bring attention to the breath. Notice each inhale arriving, each exhale leaving.
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Notice sounds appearing and fading. Sensations shifting. Thoughts coming and going in their own time.

3. Notice What Knows (2 minutes)​
Now gently turn attention toward that which is aware of all of this.
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Breath changes, sounds change, thoughts change, yet awareness is quietly here.

No need to analyse it. Simply notice the presence that is already noticing.

4. Rest as Presence (1 minute)​
For a few moments, stop following experience and rest as the one who is aware. Open, spacious, uncomplicated.

5. Close (1 minute)​
Quietly reflect:

So much moves through life. What if something essential in me is already still?

Why This Helps

We often focus only on the changing surface of life. This practice invites us to sense the deeper ground beneath movement, where steadiness, clarity and peace are often already present.

🏢 Workplace Mindfulness Training

Nationwide in-person or online mindfulness training for workplaces.
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– Build team mental and emotional resilience.
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🤔 Mindful Check-In. Vote to See Results.

Why this reflection matters

Naming where we are brings clarity. Once we can see our current life situation honestly, we tend to meet it with more wisdom and less struggle. By focusing on change and our relationship to it, we can also start to become aware of and delve into the aspect of our existence that is changeless.

📝 Mindful Meme of The Week

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