Only my family knows that about seven years ago I started a spiritual journey by meditating daily. The death of my 52 year sister, Dorothy, started me on a journey of meditation that changed my life. I was in Rome at the time celebrating Christmas with my husband Salvatore when I got the call that she had died. She had been ill for some time and although we all knew that she could die, we didn’t want to believe it.
The day that I got the call, I had a wonderful lunch in the plaza of flowers in Rome. On the way to our hotel, my husband and I stopped at a bookstore. I browsed the psychology, philosophy and religion sections, as I usually do in bookstores. Among the many books, impressive in color and size, was the Roman philosopher Seneca’s book on the Shortness of Life. This small 100 page paperback flirted with me to take it home. I bought it. When we returned to our hotel, I picked up the message to call home–my beloved sister had died.
How real those words, the shortness of life, became to me. I turned inward, for many years. I realized through meditation that I was tired. I spent well over 30 years educating myself, building a career, and giving care and love to those in need. It was time for me. Well, in a nutshell, through becoming more mindful, I began to play more. I tried new things in my career that felt new and fun to my spirit, like an internet radio show. And, even starting this blog is a result of my spiritual journey.
Through my sister’s death, I understood how precious time is. This was her message to me. Deb, don’t waste time. Use your life well, psychologically and spiritually. Be happy.
So, when I saw this article this morning, I just had to post it and to share a little bit of my personal journey as a meditator with you. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elisha-goldstein-phd/open-your-mind-_b_883987.html
The author created the acronym PLAY NOW to help us remember the essential attitudes of mindfulness to bring into everyday life. They include play, love, acceptance, yoga, non-judgment, openness, and welcome. I hope you enjoy.
Excellent article- I agree completely! But- my take on this is that you have to reach a certain age to really understand all this. We are at an age when it is time to focus more on ourselves, rejuvenate our spirits and take time for our interests. It's time to take care of ourselves after years of taking care of others- this is especially true for us women.
Dear Deb,
I believe everything happens for a reason and reading this blog today was so good for my soul! My mom (84) suffered a bad fall at my brother’s home last week. On the outside she was ok but an MRI and CT Scan found massive amounts of blood in her brain. Thank God no neurological damage. My point is that in these busy times we live many of us, myself included, take our loved ones for granted. Life is short and life is a gift, so precious a jewel we become numb to it’s shine. Only when the jewel is gone do we miss what we have lost…I pray I never take anyone for granted again….
Thank you Annabelle. I hope your mom continues to get better. I like what you said that it’s a jewel that we often take for granted. There’s never enough time with loved ones. Our loved ones are our memories and the most precious part of living. Warmly, Deborah!
Super cool! Thanks for the read.
Thank you for this blog, it was just what I was searching for. There is so much information here, so I thank you so much for enlightening my mind.