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Quote of the Day: It’s a Precious Privilege to be Alive
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.– Marcus Aurelius
And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last.– Marcus Aurelius
Both of these quotations reminded me of how easy it is to just drift through life, occasionally being stimulated by
unexpected news or a blessing. To try to make sure I’m engaged at the start of my day with an effort to be positive, I wake up in the morning and say a Hebrew prayer before I get out of bed, and try to say it attentively and sincerely: Thank you, living and eternal king, for returning my soul to me with compassion—abundant is your faithfulness. Although there are many other translations of this prayer, it reminds me that I’ve been blessed with a brand-new day, one where I can do my best to be attentive, loving and helpful to those around me. To take the day to heart and not waste it. As Marcus Aurelius says, it is a “precious privilege” to be alive, and we should make the most of that time.
I also remember reading a book that had suggested a daily practice, and I was going to practice it with a friend. It suggested that we should address and move through each day as if it were our last day on earth. It was a difficult practice for me. It is so easy to get distracted, to let the minutes slip by without careful attention, and to not treasure what a blessing life is. I wasn’t able to maintain the practice for very long, but I think its premise is a powerful one.
So, although many of us feel like just getting through the days, weeks and months ahead, as we wonder about our personal futures and the results of the upcoming election, let’s not forget that life is precious under any circumstances and we can be happy to be alive, no matter what the future holds.
Published in Culture
Gratitude.
I forget who wrote a book about the need for that, not too long ago.
Wasn’t it William F. Buckley?
He did, John, along with others. But since I admire him so much and never read his version, I’ve ordered it!
You may be thinking of Jonah Goldberg’s Suicide of the West. The main premise is that we have a lot to be grateful for, but if people don’t appreciate it, they won’t preserve it.
I try to be grateful even for each little knick I hit on my slide down the old razorblade of life.
That sounds so like you, OB! But underneath that crusty exterior, I sense a loving man.
My autobiography will be subtitled “a Reluctant Optimist.”