Most men die at 25… we just don’t bury them until they are 70.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin himself died in 1790. Assuming that he really said this, it is a quite famous quote, it must have been some time before death. So the observation that most people don’t live their full potential is older than us. The only difference is that we are having more and more opportunities to develop ourselves as a human being. Even in Ben Franklin’s time people were meant to make the most of their lives but we might have more resources. Also, I feel, we have an obligation to give back to humanity, especially if you are born under very fortunate circumstances.
We can think of plenty reasons why we should suffer. The fact alone that we are getting closer to our death every day is pretty hard to swallow for the most of us. And there is no guarantee that we will die old, worn out and sick, we might as well die a lot younger and quite unexpected. I mean, let’s be realistic. We spend so much time trying to avoid or deny our upcoming death and nothing really works. We are still afraid. We try to keep our minds busy and distracted, fleeing into entertainment, procrastination, tranquilizers, anti-depressants, fashion, plastic surgery, clinging to the illusion that our suffering will stop if we just deny our mortality.
But how about accepting what we cannot change? And count your blessings?
“Before you die, please live a little”. It is a quote from Hojo-san, the younger brother of my Dharma grandfather Maezumi Roshi and also a zen master. It is very good advice. Sometimes we forget that our existence has created for us the opportunity to celebrate life. Yes, celebrate it! This is your chance, this is your moment! You are here on this planet, you are breathing, it’s an amazing miracle to be alive. And because a YouTube video says more than a thousand words:
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This is episode 89 in a series of 100 blog posts that will be published daily during the 100 Day Warrior, a unique program around physical strength, inner wisdom and meaning. All posts are written by Atalwin Pilon, founder of Basic Goodness and creator of the 100 Day Warrior. For requests for motivational speaking, in-company workshops, online coaching and mindfulness training click here. If you would like to join our international community of brave and inspiring human beings or just follow this blog and receive updates, please click here or sign up on the right side of the page. Atalwin specializes in coaching smart and creative people, both groups and individuals. If you are interested in a free coaching session click here.
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