Wednesday, November 11, 2009

This Day Will Never Come Again

This day will never come again” wrote Thomas Merton, Trappist Monk and writer. I heard my teacher Caroline Myss quote this the other day and it made the hair on my arms stand tall. It literally took my breath away. Merton’s words have been floating in my mind ever since.

I will never have the opportunity to experience this day again. When this day is over, it is over forever. If I truly understood the power behind these words, how would I change the way that I live?

The answer… I would see beyond the nonsense. I would live beyond the pettiness. I would savor the sunsets and the sunrise. I would drink the nectar of every moment. I would live fully on this day and in this moment.
My yoga practice helps me to make these “woulds” a reality. In each and every breath, I have the opportunity to live fully. In every pose, I can step beyond the judgments, doubts and petty thoughts. On my mat, I am learning to live fully and to savor the preciousness of the moment.

Recently, my husband and I lost a friend of many years to a terrible car accident. Suddenly, his life was extinguished. In a split second his children no longer had a father and his wife no longer had a husband. Had Steve lived his last day fully? I hope so.

Can you live this day fully? I hope so.

Can I live this day fully? Weel, I am going to give it my best shot.

Peace.

4 comments:

anna maria said...

I just listened to the Sounds True podcast in which she quoted that phrase and it had the same effect on me!
When you say she is your teacher, how do you mean that?
I am very sorry for the loss of your friend.

Unknown said...

Great entry! On Dec. 14, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (in Haverford) will be holding a free yoga program at the Philadelphia Marriott West. The program will focus on the emotional benefits of yoga, esp. for women going through breast cancer treatment. Is this something you can promote in future entries? We'd also love it if you could spread the word...especially since we're practically neighbors! You can get more info here: http://lbbc.org/content/event/yoga-uniting-body-mind-spirit.asp?c=educational&t=participate&sn=networking

Cara said...

Anna Maria, thanks for your comment. I have never met Caroline Myss but have been devouring her work for the past 10 years. She has been right there for me as I continue to grow. Be well. Cara

Cara said...

MZ, by all means call us at Verge Yoga. We have always support llbc and would love to continue to do what we can for this most important cause. Cara