Impermanence

Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light - Dylan Thomas

Time. The certainty of its existence is undeniable; a law of physics that, at the present day, cannot be broken. Yet, the perception of time is something that can be altered and perceived differently by the individual. Backpackers have a unique outlook on this concept as they often go through their journey in a world where time seemingly stands still. The accumulation of memories grows with each passing day, yet there seems to be no expenditure of this precious resource. No longer needed is the notion of what day of the week it is. Weekend transitions seamlessly into weekday and vice versa. Any agenda that you may have can be accomplished in whatever timely manner you see fit. There are no deadlines. No time constraints. A complete polar opposite to the normal Monday to Friday 9-5 that average society participates in. Time seems infinite in the mind of a backpacker. It is when you reach the end of your trip that you come to comprehend that the time you had really was limited. Regardless of how long your journey may have been, there will come a time where that figurative chapter will come to a close. The ephemeral nature of the moments that you experienced will become unquestionably evident; fleeting just like time itself. Understandably, the sudden realization of detachment from this lifestyle can be depressing in the beginning and can prove difficult to address. But really it’s this distinction that makes it so special. The limited amount of time afforded to experience those things will make you appreciate it that much more. Understanding this concept will enhance your interactions with the people you meet along the way, whether it be the locals or fellow backpackers. Friendships will generate with a heightened sense of intensity. Conversations will flow with increased focus and engagement. Sunsets will be seen through a lens of gratitude. Sunrises will be welcomed with energy and vigor. You will laugh a little louder, hug a little longer and dream a little bolder. This all occurs because a thorough understanding of this concept is really a fight against impermanence and entropy; our attempt to extend this given moment to infinity. While it may be a futile attempt, our lives and experiences are forever enriched because of it.