I have learned an important lesson over the last several years. Denial runs deep in our veins. For some reason we are clearly able to see issues that other people hold but are unable to acknowledge those same issues in ourselves. We insist on perceiving the world through our own distorted lens. It does not matter a hill of beans what the reality of the situation is.
There is no question about it. Denial runs deep in everyone’s veins. We deny – and I’m holding my hand up here – that life is very fragile indeed. I think to myself,
“I’ve got many years to live. I’m in a strong body. I’m healthy. I’m good to go for years and years.”
The truth of the matter is that this is a form of denial. There are bacterial infections out there that I may be exposed to and unable to release. There are delicate balances of potassium and magnesium in my body that must be maintained for life to be sustained. These could spin out of balance anytime.
There are certain systems in our body that maintain the sleep cycle. It could be that when driving I will slip off to sleep and veer off the road. Who knows what might happen to anyone in the future?
I’m not intending to be pessimistic or dire in any sense of the word. What I’m really doing with this mindfulness challenge, for myself and for you is to respect the magical mystery of each and every moment. When we do just that, each moment is enriched immeasurably.
We can all continue to have conversations with others when we are only partially present. When we choose to switch the habit of listening partially and haphazardly to being fully and completely present, we become fully engaged with the present moment. We connect to the other person with our heart and soul.
When we part, we know that we have made a profound encounter and connection. The experience of being present in the moment taps into the juice of our life force. It feeds our energy and enthusiasm for life
The Japanese honor a very special tradition. When a person leaves, whether through walking or through a car or through a train or plane, the person waving them goodbye waits until the car or the plane or the person has disappeared. Why? This may be the last time they will ever see that individual. It is a divine ritual for all of us to adopt whether we are Japanese or not!
The chant quoted below is taken from a Zen monastery of Jan Bays, who is a medical doctor and author of Mindful Eating as well as How to Train a Wild Elephant. I invite you to say it every day this week.
“May I respectfully remind you life and death are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost.
When this day is past, our days of life will be decreased by one.
Each of you should strive to awaken.
Awaken! Take heed. Do not squander our life.”
Robert
© Parkinsons Recovery