<p class="bodytext">Once a monk, looking for a place to rest after a long day’s travel, walked into the king’s palace. Upon his arrival, the guards at the main entrance opened the gates and never questioned him. The monk asked the king for a room to stay at his inn. The king corrected him that his palace was no inn. He owned the palace as he was the king himself. The traveller replied that he often took the same route and had met different kings seated on the same throne earlier. When the owner of a place changes frequently it can no longer be called a residence. The king deduced monk’s words and bowed down in humility.</p>.<p class="bodytext">We all live in this impermanence where nothing is guaranteed. </p>.<p class="bodytext">A Buddhist saying, “Everything is temporary. Emotions, thoughts, people and scenery. Do not become attached, just flow with it” conveys nothing is permanent except the change. After years of shifting cities, moving bags from Officers Mess to a smaller arrangement and later to a bigger accommodation, our journey in Airforce has been a memorable one etched with some beautiful associations at each station. While the first home was temporary, the next was called a permanent accommodation. Some short meant living throughout in a small room and a kitchen. Change was our new constant and we were happy. The excitement of setting up the house at each new place would be something we all looked forward to. With change of place every two years, one permanent address was required for any major or steady correspondences. Parents’ home was the default permanent address. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Recently, on the day of his superannuation, my husband faced the ubiquitous question at every gathering, “Where are you likely to settle down permanently?” With age, the word ‘permanent’ sounded different now. It felt heavy yet fragile. When nothing in this planet is permanent and all here on a temporary visa, where does the word ‘permanent’ fit? With our clocks ticking and no pauses or promises, we need to prioritise life and cherish the moments with people and places creating an album of memories that guarantees joy within. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The words Memento mori meaning ‘remember you have to die’ in Latin is a reminder that we mortals have limited time and need to live it wisely.</p>
<p class="bodytext">Once a monk, looking for a place to rest after a long day’s travel, walked into the king’s palace. Upon his arrival, the guards at the main entrance opened the gates and never questioned him. The monk asked the king for a room to stay at his inn. The king corrected him that his palace was no inn. He owned the palace as he was the king himself. The traveller replied that he often took the same route and had met different kings seated on the same throne earlier. When the owner of a place changes frequently it can no longer be called a residence. The king deduced monk’s words and bowed down in humility.</p>.<p class="bodytext">We all live in this impermanence where nothing is guaranteed. </p>.<p class="bodytext">A Buddhist saying, “Everything is temporary. Emotions, thoughts, people and scenery. Do not become attached, just flow with it” conveys nothing is permanent except the change. After years of shifting cities, moving bags from Officers Mess to a smaller arrangement and later to a bigger accommodation, our journey in Airforce has been a memorable one etched with some beautiful associations at each station. While the first home was temporary, the next was called a permanent accommodation. Some short meant living throughout in a small room and a kitchen. Change was our new constant and we were happy. The excitement of setting up the house at each new place would be something we all looked forward to. With change of place every two years, one permanent address was required for any major or steady correspondences. Parents’ home was the default permanent address. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Recently, on the day of his superannuation, my husband faced the ubiquitous question at every gathering, “Where are you likely to settle down permanently?” With age, the word ‘permanent’ sounded different now. It felt heavy yet fragile. When nothing in this planet is permanent and all here on a temporary visa, where does the word ‘permanent’ fit? With our clocks ticking and no pauses or promises, we need to prioritise life and cherish the moments with people and places creating an album of memories that guarantees joy within. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The words Memento mori meaning ‘remember you have to die’ in Latin is a reminder that we mortals have limited time and need to live it wisely.</p>