We rarely realize that we are about to do something for the last time, meaning we may not appreciate the moment for what it is. I find this style of meditation gives me a shift in perspective. Here’s why:
There is only a finite number of days in each of our lives. We often don’t like to think about this fact. Instead, we push it from our minds and let ourselves procrastinate on our goals and desires, saying we’ll do them one day.
On the flip side, we also often don’t realize that we have done something for the last time. We instead think that we will be able to do everything again, some day. Thinking of the experiences we will never have again can be quite a sad thought.
To help with both procrastination of not doing things and regret for not realizing we have done something for the last time, the Stoics conduct last time meditations. In these meditations, you take a few moments to consider that you may be doing a task for the last time.
While not a pleasant thought, it is a quick way to have a shift in perspective on the moment you are in. Drawing your awareness to the moment you are in can make that moment, and whatever you are doing, more special.
Humans have a difficult time remaining in the moment. We are evolutionarily disposed towards thinking about the past (to learn from it) and the future (to survive longer).
Practicing mindfulness or meditations like the last time meditation can help with remaining in the moment. This shift in perspective can allow for a different style of observation of our selves, helping to organize our thoughts and life.
When doing meditation or mindfulness, thoughts will often arise about what we have done and what we need to do. People often get distracted by these thoughts, running down rabbit holes or planning what to eat. They get brought out of the moment and into the past or future.
The point of mindfulness is not to give up when that happens. Instead, the practice is about recognizing that not all problems need to be dealt with right now. Being still and in the moment is like a muscle that can be exercised, improving your ability to stay present.
This ability to stop problem solving and just be is a very valuable skill in modern society’s overload of stimulation and information. It helps with burn out, improves mental health, and can lead to a more engaged and satisfying life.
Many people (though not all) do not need to worry about survival on a day to day basis. We are mostly safe in cities and can easily access food, water, and shelter. We can afford to be in the present, instead of caught in the past or worried about the future.
Practicing mindfulness or meditation regularly can help reinforce this ability to be present. The more I practice, the deeper into the present I am able to go, the more I appreciate the moment that I am in and what it means for my life.
No one knows how many days they have left in life, but we all know that those days are numbered. Spending time in the moment and being present can help improve the quality of the days we have left.
It is not too late to begin this practice of being present. We can still begin again, starting fresh on things we ~used~ to do or be. Taking a step back and imagining that you are doing something for the last time can serve as a wake up call for what is important.
What have you done for the “last time” that you would like to do again? What’s stopping you?
If you found this helpful or interesting, I would love to hear your thoughts! The more we learn how this practice helps each of us, the more we can collectively improve. Please feel free to leave questions or comments below.
Continue reading about the stoic path with: You Are Living the Dream Life.
Find the full list of mindful thoughts here.
