It always amazes me to observe politicians and titans of the business world act as if they are going to live forever. I mention these two types because they are in the public domain and give me more than enough material to base my claim.
Most of us live in this way too. We spend too much time going through the motions, thinking that there will always be another day to achieve our goals and desires.
The painful reality is that anything can happen and our number can be called at any time. This need not be cause for anxiety or depression. Instead, we can recognize our finite time here on this planet and learn to invest our time and attention on what is most important.
A great way to appreciate the brief moment of time that we call a life is to meditate on death. Remember, being on The Longevity Path is not just about adding the maximum number of years to your life; it’s also about optimizing the years you have to provide as much meaning and fulfillment as possible so that when your number is inevitably called you are ready.
When you meditate on your mortality it’s possible to clearly see that most of what we fret and obsess over doesn’t matter much. You can realize that your days are numbered and approach life with a sense of awe, gratitude, and humility. Extend this meditation by reflecting on what it would mean to lose a loved one, such as a partner, spouse, sibling or child. The next time you see that person don’t be surprised if you notice a greater sense of compassion in their presence. Look at the individual and spend a moment thinking about what it would mean to not have that person around.
Do this regularly to maintain your sense of balance and perspective as you navigate the Path.
