Everything We Love, We Will Lose

Overview:

This gate is perhaps the most universally recognized form of grief, dealing with the inevitable losses that come with loving anything in this world. It represents the core truth that nothing in life is permanent—everything we cherish, whether people, pets, or possessions, will one day be lost. This form of grief is often the most personal and intimate, as it touches directly on our emotional bonds and attachments.

Deeper Insights:

Grief at this gate emerges from the pain of having something or someone deeply loved taken away. It could be the death of a loved one, the ending of a meaningful relationship, or the loss of a treasured possession or home. This kind of grief can also manifest in more abstract ways—like when we lose a sense of identity, purpose, or even hope.

The profound nature of this gate teaches us about vulnerability. Loving something means opening ourselves to the possibility of loss. While this can be a source of deep sorrow, it also deepens our appreciation for life’s fleeting beauty. The recognition of impermanence is central here: the more we understand that loss is inevitable, the more present and engaged we can become with the people and things we love.

Healing Through This Gate:

Grieving through this gate often involves mourning not just the loss itself, but the future we envisioned with what was lost. Healing comes from allowing the pain of that loss to be felt fully, rather than avoiding it. Rituals of remembrance, sharing stories about what was lost, and finding gratitude for the time we had with it are all helpful tools for moving through this gate.