I remember first reading Oliver Sack’s reflections posted upon learning he had terminal cancer.

He had always lived a robust life, one filled with the gratitude attained only by way of that ‘road less traveled.’ At the age of 81, he was still swimming a mile a day – and, finding peace in all those moments in between.

His observations upon learning of his imminent death were not as one might expect. One might expect sorrow, regret – anger, sadness – and, what can only be described as a plethora of feelings now displaced. One might expect an overwhelming sense of resignation and defeat.

Instead, Sack’s spoke of his renewed perspective, his clarity of vision. But more so, he spoke of an immeasurable gratitude shared at the moment of his diagnosis; and a realization that is was ‘up to him to choose how to live out the months that remain to him.’

“Over the last few days,” he wrote. “I have been able to see my life as from a great altitude, as a sort of landscape, and with a deepening sense of the connection of all its parts. This does not mean I am finished with life. On the contrary, I feel intensely alive, and I want and hope in the time that remains to deepen my friendships, to say farewell to those I love, to write more, to travel if I have the strength, to achieve new levels of understanding and insight.”

Too often, the fullness of our lives are defined by an impossible standard. We are guided by an inner dialogue, coaxed into the pace of expectations. We force ourselves out of bed, drag ourselves into work – listen to the droning on of meeting after meeting. And, why?

Because, we feel we have to.

We lose ourselves in this flawed illusion of ‘connection’. We convince ourselves of the value of these singular achievements.

Though, really – what have we gained? And, more importantly – have we lived our lives with the fullness it was intended?

Have we walked along a distant stretch of beach, simply to marvel at the advent of the rising sun? Have we pondered the imponderables, deepened our gaze – and, reconciled the miracle of this moment against that much simpler need?

But, more so – have we lived; or, are we simply existing upon this generosity of breath?

Only you alone may answer, my loves ~ and, only you may choose how to live out the fullness of each day.

A little something to consider, my friends –

In peace…

Namaste