We should always remind ourselves of this. One of the things people realize when they are diagnosed as terminal, is that they didn't appreciate the little things in life quite as much as they should have. They treated everything as more mundane than it really was -- which is precious. No matter how long we live - the universe is for all intents and purposes infinite - so each moment you have needs to be treasured. I'm going to have a coffee -- and I'll treat it like it's my last coffee. Coffee is beautiful.
I was actually going to respond and say I try to do this constantly with every moment. I meditate and practice mindfulness, and this is kind of part of that whole Zen Buddhist thing. EVERY moment is the last time I'll experience that moment. They are all precious. Not only think of things you do as if you were doing it for the last time, but also try to just find the beauty in any situation, like it's the last time you're going to see anything. Sitting at a dirty bus stop in a bad part of town? There's still something you can appreciate that will make you smile if you're looking for it.We should always remind ourselves of this.
It's enough to make you tear up a little bit (not that I would ever tear up).
Awesome. I've been practicing for the past couple of years, ever since I realized my life is finite, but it's hard to do all the time. I'm lucky if I manage 4 or 5 times a day... in fact, I think 4 or 5 times a day is pretty good. Is it possible to progress to the point where it happens continuously? I like the idea that it's something that can be practiced, it's a habit that can be developed, something that can be more and more natural. I really can't think of a better goal in life.
Are you talking about practicing mindfulness 4 to 5 times a day or meditation? I agree. Changing your thoughts, which change your mood and attitude, is very rewarding, and something I really wouldn't have thought made sense or was possible a decade ago. But just like anything else, with practice comes perfection. It's a skill, and it can be trained just like anything else.I like the idea that it's something that can be practiced, it's a habit that can be developed, something that can be more and more natural. I really can't think of a better goal in life.