The World in Constant Flux

I was sitting in a philosophy class the other day and we were debating whether the world is constant or constantly in flux. Later in the week I brought up this question with some of my friends: "Can you ever step into the same river twice? Is it actually the same river?" I will tell you, there is nothing more entertaining than breaking out an obscure question like this at a party or gathering. You definitely get some interesting looks, and some great conversation!

But the question remains, does anything in our world stay the same? Even if the river is in the same place, with the same name, is it actually the same as it was yesterday? And even if we are who we are, with the same name and identity, are we really the same as last week? Or even 5 minutes ago?

Change is constant. Even if we grasp onto our current reality in a desperate attempt to avoid change, it will inevitably come. So why do so many want to dodge change? Fear...fear of the unknown. We have the illusion of security in who we are and how our life is right now, because we are familiar with it. But if you consider who you are now in comparison to who you were a year ago, you will realize that even if you strove to keep things exactly the same, you are different. So change comes along no matter what you do to stop it. Realize that you will never be the same as you are at this moment, you will grow, and learn, and experience. Why not accept change then, and embrace the good that comes from it?