Divine Timing 6
January 19, 2025
Divine Timing Part 6
How do we stay in the moment? That is a good question, but before we address it, a more fundamental question is: Why should we stay in the moment? And the answer is that by living in the moment, we live more deeply, consciously, and longer. You may ask, "How is it possible to live longer by living in the present?
Years ago, I had a life-changing conversation with a very nice older gentleman who was terminally ill. He said, "For years, I've dreaded this stage of life because I knew that time would run out fast. Now, I face a definitive end, and though I have some more time to live, I am acutely aware of my limited time, so I savor every moment. But I have learned to extend my life."
When he said that he could extend his life, it piqued my curiosity, so I asked his secret, and he replied, "My entire day is extended if I live in the present moment, where time slows down, and I am aware of the layers upon layers of happenings within and without me. It's as if all my receptors are poised to take in the things that attract and interest them. When I was not living in the moment, there was no time to get the most from each moment and each experience.” Things rushed by.
The wise man went on to tell me, “But now, because I know that such a lot is happening in so many aspects of my experience, it takes longer to experience each moment and to process everything. My life is now in slow motion, and as you know, a slow-motion movie lasts much longer than a regular movie or movie that moves fast. In my slow-motion movie, I enjoy so much more; I am not rushing off to the next activity or even to my next thought; I allow myself to savor all that springs up in each moment. Each day is longer, deeper, and life-giving."
What a fantastic gift that this insightful man shared with me. Ever since my conversation, I have been consciously trying to live in the moment. Sometimes, I can't do it so well. Yet when I can, I find that the wise gentleman is right.
Why should we stay in the moment? To get the most out of life and deepen our connection with the Divine. How do we stay in the moment? We slow down; we develop more curiosity and spaciousness to seek and accept all that's happening on all levels of our existence. We become more conscious.
Spiritual practice: If you read this reflection hurriedly to save time, re-read it, but in your presence. Did the second reading bring you more life than the first? Why?
Self-inquiry: Why do you think we go so fast that we sacrifice the life-giving moment?
Dear God,
I pray to deepen and extend my every moment. Amen
