A little while ago I began to practice focusing my attention on each breath as if it were the last I would ever have. Whilst this might sound morbid, it is actually quite liberating, and is a useful technique to really improve concentration.
Within the week, one person I knew died, and another had a sudden major life altering illness. What struck me was the difference in feeling tone from the imagined 'last" breath I had been experiencing in meditation, and the visceral sense of shock and sadness I felt when hearing the sad news of those I knew.
So this week I have found myself immensely grateful for the joy of being alive, the need to not waste a moment, and the preciousness of this very breath in every moment.
I dedicate this post to all those sufferring and those we have lost.
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