Only my family knows that about seven years ago I started a spiritual journey by meditating daily. The death of my 52 year sister, Dorothy, started me on a journey of meditation that changed my life. I was in Rome at the time celebrating Christmas with my husband Salvatore when I got the call that she had died. She had been ill for some time and although we all knew that she could die, we didn’t want to believe it.
The day that I got the call, I had a wonderful lunch in the plaza of flowers in Rome. On the way to our hotel, my husband and I stopped at a bookstore. I browsed the psychology, philosophy and religion sections, as I usually do in bookstores. Among the many books, impressive in color and size, was the Roman philosopher Seneca’s book on the Shortness of Life. This small 100 page paperback flirted with me to take it home. I bought it. When we returned to our hotel, I picked up the message to call home–my beloved sister had died.
How real those words, the shortness of life, became to me. I turned inward, for many years. I realized through meditation that I was tired. I spent well over 30 years educating myself, building a career, and giving care and love to those in need. It was time for me. Well, in a nutshell, through becoming more mindful, I began to play more. I tried new things in my career that felt new and fun to my spirit, like an internet radio show. And, even starting this blog is a result of my spiritual journey.
Through my sister’s death, I understood how precious time is. This was her message to me. Deb, don’t waste time. Use your life well, psychologically and spiritually. Be happy.
So, when I saw this article this morning, I just had to post it and to share a little bit of my personal journey as a meditator with you. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elisha-goldstein-phd/open-your-mind-_b_883987.html
The author created the acronym PLAY NOW to help us remember the essential attitudes of mindfulness to bring into everyday life. They include play, love, acceptance, yoga, non-judgment, openness, and welcome. I hope you enjoy.
