In the whispering rustle of leaves and the gentle flow of rivers, there's a hidden message, a call to mindfulness and presence, much like the words of the ancient philosopher Seneca:
“Let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life.”
In the simplicity and profound depth of this statement, there lies a guiding light for our often hurried, cluttered lives.
Seneca, a stoic philosopher, invites us to adopt a perspective that many of us might find daunting – to live as though each day is our last. But there is warmth and wisdom in this.
Imagine the clarity and purpose we would find if every morning, as the sun casts its first light through our windows, we embrace the day as a unique, irreplaceable gift.
Through impactful experiences with hospice patients, I’ve glimpsed the profound truth in Seneca’s words.
Observing those at life’s threshold, the recurring theme of regret as a heavy burden in life’s final moments has only reinforced the importance of living fully and without delay.
It's not about harboring a morbid fascination with the end, but rather, finding a deeper appreciation for the now.
Like Mary Oliver’s gentle touch in her poetry, let us see the ‘extraordinary in the ordinary.’
The chirping of birds, the laughter of a child, even the mundane tasks, all take on a new significance when we balance life’s books each day, as Seneca suggests.
This philosophy encourages us not to postpone joy, love, or living fully.
There’s a tender urgency in
“Let us postpone nothing.”
How often do we put off phone calls to loved ones, delay our passions for 'someday', or fail to notice the beauty in our everyday surroundings?
Seneca's words gently prod us to awaken to the fullness of life that's happening right here, right now.
Seneca's wisdom urges us to live fully, deeply, and with a heart open to the moment.
As we walk our paths, let’s carry these words as a lantern in the dark, reminding us that every day is a precious chance to live with intention, love, and gratitude.
After all, in the end, it’s not the years in our life that count, but the life in our years.
"Timeless Resilience: Legacy of an Ancient Oak" Watercolor on Paper.
Original SOLD, prints available here: https://www.amaliayosefa.com/product-page/timeless-resilience-legacy-of-an-ancient-oak
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