"Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then
we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows."
~ Pope Paul VI
Today's Touchstone is inspired by a note from a subscriber. Like me, while facing cancer, she gained a beautiful perspective on living life richly and gratefully each day. And, like me, as time
went by, she began to take life for granted again.
"I find myself back in the daily routine of life, and sometimes I even forget that I had cancer, and I forget to be thankful for life," she wrote. "Your daily reminders help me, but it doesn't last with me all throughout the day...I let little things bother me...then I get frustrated...Why is it so difficult to just be, and be in the moment?"
Most of us can probably relate to her question.
We get busy. We have much on our minds. We hurry. We worry.
Remembering that "there are only so many tomorrows," may we slow down and live this day
mindfully, joyfully, gratefully...fully.
With loving,
Charlene
PS - Here is a simple "Be Present" practice to consider:
Keep with you each day a mini-box or small bag of raisins. At some point in the day, take a "Live
in the Moment" retreat. Take one raisin, just one. Look at it closely. Smell it. Place it in your mouth. Leave it on your tongue for a few moments. Then chew it very, very slowly. Notice the sensations of the raisin dissolving and the increase of saliva in your mouth. Savor the taste. Before resuming other activities, keep focused on your body. Notice how you are feeling in your neck and shoulders, your hands and feet, your stomach, your jaw, everywhere. Tighten then relax your
muscles. Breathe deeply and slowly at least three times. Give thanks.
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