Impermanence: A Law of the Universe
A (not so) short note on impermanence
This, too, shall pass. Possibly one of the most banal, worn-out sayings of all time. But, have you stopped to really think about what it means?
I’ve heard two slightly different stories of how this saying came to be, both involving a king and some wise men (of course). The first is that a king once ordered his wise men to provide him with a saying that is forever true, in any circumstance. The other is that a very reactive king, always in either despair or bliss, asked a wise man in his kingdom to bring him something that would provide balance, serenity and wisdom. The man returned with a ring bearing an inscription of the saying.
We tend to hear the phrase in question when we’re experiencing something unpleasant—a heartbreak, a challenge at work, bad weather. But, what the second origin story sheds light on is the applicability of its message to pleasant things, as well. I admit that I’m quite often guilty of forgetting that even all the good we experience is destined to change, and we can’t cling onto anything too tightly.
Often referred to as “anicca” in Buddhism, Impermanence is one of the Buddha’s three marks of existence, or conditions that characterize all of life. Recognition and acceptance of this fact is one of the first steps toward a better existence; once we realize that there’s nothing we can count on to endure, we can choose to live in a way that reduces the friction which causes us suffering.
While all of this change can be really unsettling, embracing it sets us free in two ways: we can count on any given cause of suffering to pass, and we can completely, unreservedly enjoy what is good while it lasts. In that regard, gratitude and willingness to let go are the name of the game.
The quilt
It’s this message of transience that inspired the Impermanence design. The phased moons represent the ephemeral nature of everything, that we are always in transition, in one way or another. The corner blocks, with their dispersing triangles, symbolize the resulting need to let go, if we are to find peace and contentment in our lives. I hope that as you make your own Impermanence Quilt, you’ll have the opportunity to meditate on what this means for you, more personally.
Because the Impermanence design was born out of a search for more equanimity and emotional health, and in observance of May as Mental Health Awareness month, 10% of all proceeds from this pattern through May 31, 2021 will benefit Mental Health America, an organization that is dedicated to increasing access to mental health resources for all.
So, are you ready to make your quilt yet? Grab the Impermanence Quilt pattern, and snag one (or two!) of the truly lovely, custom curated bundles from one of these incredible fabric shops:
Brooke with her original Impermanence Quilt. Photo by Patrick Duncan Photography
Black & white Impermanence Quilt. Photo by Patrick Duncan Photography
Three versions of the Impermanence Quilt. Photo by Patrick Duncan Photography
Some thoughts on fabric selection for your Impermanence Quilt
If quilt kits aren’t your jam—I get it!—I wanted to share a few things that I learned while doing many (and I mean, many…) Impermanence Quilt mock-ups. These are merely suggestions, as there are no hard-and-fast rules around here when it comes to color & fabric. You can also check out #ImpermanenceQuilt on Instagram for more color inspiration!
For two-tone:
I find the solid (or very muted), mono-tone style quite striking, especially with light on top of a dark background, so long as there is enough contrast between the background and Color 1.
Patterned fabric can also look great here, and I recommend at least one pattern be quite subtle such that the design doesn't get lost, and colors should be fairly contrasting in value. My original version (slate & lingerie) uses two very muted prints—the background, especially, which is also dark enough to allow the lighter Color 1 to pop.
Given how large the blocks are and the amount of negative space, a subtle, larger-scale print could make a really nice background with a solid-like, sufficiently contrasting Color 1; or a bolder, large-scale print making a nice Color 1 with a highly contrasting background.
I would exercise caution if using stripes or anything very linear for the moons, as sewing curves often stretches and warps the final result. (applicable to both versions)
For scrappy:
All-solids is pretty safe here, but patterns are also beautiful, especially if the same above guidance is followed.
I also love the mono-tone style for this version, which gives you the option to create an ombre-looking effect you'll see in one of the mockups included in the PDF.
Whatever your selections for your version, be sure to tag @EudaimoniaStudioUS on Instagram and Facebook—I love seeing your progress and what you create!
Live well & happy quilting!
Brooke