Renowned artist and peace activist Yoko Ono frequently addresses the fleeting nature of existence in her writings and artwork. She highlights how everything in our lives is ephemeral and transient, like sand passing through an hourglass.
Ono's viewpoint is based on both personal experiences and more general philosophical and spiritual understandings. People and things in our lives come and go, leaving behind memories but never a permanent presence, much like leaves fall from trees only to reappear with the changing of the seasons. Ono argues that by recognizing these moments' transience, they can become even more valuable, not that they are worthless.
At first glance, her advice against wanting to own things or people that hold special meaning for us may seem contradictory. Ono clarifies, though, that if we cling too tightly to these belongings, we run the risk of feeling even more hurt when they eventually alter or vanish from our lives. She advocates living in the present and savoring each moment while it lasts rather than holding on to things that are fleeting.
Consider life as a huge ocean with ever-changing waves to better understand this concept. Every wave symbolizes a meeting, a love, or a possession that briefly enriches us before vanishing into the distance. The only way to avoid being dragged under by these waves' violent departure would be to try to catch onto them. Ono, on the other hand, promotes embracing each wave as it comes and letting go gracefully when its time has come.
Yoko Ono continues to spread this message of acceptance and non-attachment via her writings and public appearances, urging people to embrace life's fleeting beauty instead of aiming for stability in a world that is constantly changing.