You know, it is easy for us to think of Life as being too short. But how do you measure short? Is ten years short? How about 40 years? How about 65?
Here is another question. When are we likely to say Life is too short? For me, it is when I am having fun. On the other hand, when does it seem life is too long? Again, for me, it is when I am bored, in pain or just having a bad moment.
Granted. We all want to, at least, be ok…, and when we are not…, time could not fly by fast enough, right?
You know, it is easy for us to think of Life as being too short. But how do you measure short? Is ten years short? How about 40 years? How about 65?
Here is another question. When are we likely to say Life is too short? For me, it is when I am having fun. On the other hand, when does it seem life is too long? Again, for me, it is when I am bored, in pain or just having a bad moment.
Granted. We all want to, at least, be ok…, and when we are not…, time could not fly by fast enough, right?
Welcome to season 2…, Mindful Quotes, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. A series of my own fresh and original inspirational quotes…. Of course, we can all benefit from being inspired…, and many of us have our favorite quote.
Some of you may be searching for yours…. That one quote that inspires you to be a better, healthier, and happier You…. Of course, Success as well…, embodies these attributes.
There is a quote here for almost everyone. Listen for yours.
Hello. I am William Garcia, Philosopher, author of the book titled, Now O’ Clock. Being Mindful, it Always is, and…, your host.
Being a Mindfulness practitioner…, and before I open with the quote of this day, I invite you to join me in a mindfulness affirmation… Ready…. First…, take a deep breath with me…. That felt good, right? Now…, repeat after me…, It is Now O’ Clock…. I am… I am here … I am here now… I am open to be inspired.
Now…, let’s take another deep breath.
Of course…, you can affirm your mindfulness and do the breathing exercise on your own or with someone else, and I strongly recommend you do. Make it at least a twice daily routine. But if you also want to do it with me…, let’s do it.
I believe this mindfulness affirmation will help tune your sense of presence…, your mindful sense of presence in the only occasion that matters in your life…Now.
It is Now O’ Clock…, time for the quote of this day.
What comes to mind when you hear someone say, “Life is too short”? What would make you, say that?
Today’s quote is titled: THE SPAN OF AN INSTANT
“Life’s most powerful and intriguing paradox is that we live our entire lives in the span of an instant, yet there is so much you can do in a lifetime”, unquote.
You know, it is easy for us to think of Life as being too short. But how do you measure short? Is ten years short? How about 40 years? How about 65?
Here is another question. When are we likely to say Life is too short? For me, it is when I am having fun. On the other hand, when does it seem life is too long? Again, for me, it is when I am bored, in pain or just having a bad moment.
Granted. We all want to, at least, be ok…, and when we are not…, time could not fly by fast enough, right?
By now, I want to believe those of you who know my thinking, get the point. If you don’t, let me try make it.
Whether we are experiencing good times or undesirable ones, the reality is that neither changes the value of Time. Five minutes in pain or finding yourself in an unfortunate situation, is no longer than five minutes in pain or in that situation. It is only our perception that makes it seem longer.
Obviously, the same is true when the good times are rolling. Time seems to go by too fast. If I could ask Time a question, it would be, where are you going in such a hurry? But it would be a wasted question, right? Because it is not that Time flies. It is only our perception that it does.
So, how can we calibrate time in our minds, whether we are doing good, or not so well?
Again, if you have been listening to me since season 1, or have read or listened to my book, you would know what I mean by calibrating Time in our minds, even though I have not used the term until now.
Here, I only use the word Calibrate as a picture word. A way for you to see what I am trying to say, and not, that it is at all possible to calibrate time. As you already know, we cannot calibrate time, much less manage it.
So, I go back to the present; to the now, and again, the only time we are good or not so good. The only time we can do something about almost anything.
Fortunately, one of those things we can do, is to be mindful that there is absolutely nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing at all, going on outside the Now. Nothing good, nothing bad. All we can do is shift our thoughts outside of the now. But to do so, we give up the present moment. But this is not to say it is a bad thing. Sometimes it is necessary and helpful to reflect or to expect when coping with the present.
I digress. Still, what should we do? That’s a good question…, and I will tell you what I think. I may have already told you in a past episode, but in a different context. But here goes. We cannot entertain two different thoughts in our minds at the same time.
If you are not convinced, try it right now. I will give you a moment……. Well…, how did it go? Were you thinking about the challenge and something else at the same time?
I’m sure some of you will say you were. But don’t confuse perception with reality. Don’t be fooled by the seamlessness of your thoughts on the canvas of Time.
See if this metaphor helps. On my tv I can only watch one channel at a time. To watch another, I would have to change to that channel. I cannot watch both at the same time.
Ok, smart pants. I hear you. You have a wall covered with TVs, and you can have them on at different channels and at the same time. Ok. Then answer this. Can you watch any 2 screens at the same time?
Listen, you do not have to be honest with me or whoever else is listening. Just be honest to yourself. Still, please don’t tell me that you can focus one eyeball on one screen and the other on another screen. Come on…, even you know there is a distinction between watching and seeing.
The fact remains that you have only one brain and one mind and that you do not possess the ability to entertain 2 thoughts at the same time.
Life already lasts but an instant. If you had been following me, you know this to be true. I gave you the proof you need in chapter 2 of my book.
Anyway, it is only because we exist and live in a seamless stream of instances that it seems life is short. Furthermore, what makes it seem short or long is our ability to think; to remember the past; to imagine the future. But those are just thoughts, the only things outside the Now.
Still, it is what we do with the abilities we possess in the instance of our lives; the opportunity cost involved when choosing one thought for the other, because we do not have the ability to entertain both at the same time, the same Now.
Right now, is a good time to tell or remind you that we are always living our entire lives; not some of it; not most of it, but all of it, all the time.
Also, remember, life last but an instant and that we live in one instant at a time in a seamless stream of, Nows that make up an entire lifetime.
Tune in next time for the quote of the day…. It may be that one quote you are searching for…. That quote that ignites your passion and gears you up for achievement…, or…, it may be the quote that…, as you journey through life…, illuminates your path…, brings you peace…, love…, and happiness. Share what you find here with someone else. It may be a quote…, that for them…, may set them…, or keep them on a path to a better life.
Find me at www.buzzsprout.com/1721725 or wherever you go to listen to podcasts.