“Birth is the beginning. Death is the destination. Life is the journey.”
—Quote from the rabbi who led funeral services we attended yesterday.
Sometimes things happen in sets, and this week, Mitch and I attended 2 funerals in 3 days. While they are always terribly sad, they are also a celebration of life and an opportunity to be silent, listen and ponder. There is much to learn from lives that were well lived and well loved.
Having listened to Chopra speak about how to increase happiness and better enjoy the journey, the words of the rabbis as well as the family members who spoke at both services, seemed to just reinforce all he lectured on. By giving freely of our love, being active daily and practicing spirituality (this might be religion, but it certainly doesn’t have to be) and by practicing gratitude we can increase our own joy. I believe it really is true that by giving, our returns multiply. That’s a win/win in my book.
We have already been born, and death will unquestionably be our final destination. We all owe it to ourselves to make the time spent in between the most awesome journey we can. Get out there and make this Saturday the best one ever. If there is snow where you are, build the best snowman of your life. Teach a kid how to make snow angels. Help someone shovel their driveway. Make a pot of soup for someone who can’t get out. Snow or no snow, play games with your kids. Sing, dance, draw, write and nurture your creative side. Tell someone you appreciate them. Put your cell phone on silent and spend quality time with a loved one. Chopra says if you are on your cell phone while in personal conversation with someone else, you aren’t really giving either person the proper attention. I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you for stopping in to visit peaceandfitness today. I certainly appreciate your visit. Namaste!
I agree about enjoying the journey. I want to add my own philosophy about the joy of “doing nothing much.” If you want to do nothing more productive than video games, tv & pjs then you enjoy i, own it and (no shame) feel the joy.
This winter I have perfected my sleeping and listing my favorite comfort foods. Imagine this, penguins doing winter sports flannel pjs and dreams of home made mac and cheese later on.
My joy is in hibernating and looking forward to Spring. Namaste!
Sunday is always a day a practice the joy of “doing nothing much.” It is a wonderful way to reboot! And as for hibernation, I totally understand the bears. Enjoy, Ellyn!