Moments

Each moment is a living choice. We live on a wire, but seldom awaken ourselves to see that we are suspended in time and space on a fragile inner narrative of false security and imagined safety. The wakeful wisdom of the elder sage is bought with life's predictable pain and tragedy. The exuberance and adventurous grace of youth is based in happy ignorance.

Intentional awakening to life's moments for their potential in spite of their dangers comes with reflection and meditation. For some, it comes with hard work in psychotherapy. For others, it comes when they suffer a tragedy or participate in the tragedy of someone they love. Most people roll over and go back to sleep once a crisis passes. They are lulled by fear, depression and/or religion. Some crisis junkies are people who want desperately to remain awake to life's reality but need a crisis to keep their eyes open.

Living an intentionally wakeful life in which the moments are lived compassionately with awareness of the fluid nature of the human condition requires strength, resolve and dedication to healthy living. This is practice. In my humanist practice, the goals of living this wakeful life are sharing peace, sharing wisdom and sharing joy.