I guess I have reached that stage of life…
In two days, I learnt about the passing away of the dad of a dear friend of mine from first grade and then the young wife of somebody that I was introduced to barely months back.
There is something about death that absolutely stops me in my track. Not sure whether it is the finality of it all or the incredible mystery of the unknown or the the fear of the inevitable… But I do realize that as the years roll by, that finality is touching more and more people I know around me.
And I have always wondered what learnings should I derive from that understanding of finality.
There is a old poem that I had once read and written down, but never quite figured out with authority who penned those words….
In any case, the words went thusly…
DO LESS
————–
Do less thinking,
And pay more attention to your heart
Do less acquiring,
And pay more attention to what you already have
Do less complaining,
And pay more attention to giving
Do less controlling,
And pay more attention to letting go
Do less criticizing,
And pay more attention to complimenting
Do less arguing,
And pay more attention to forgiveness
Do less running around,
And pay more attention to stillness
Do less talking,
And pay more attention to silence.
Certainly, by that above yardstick, I need somebody to postpone my death by a long time!!!!
Very well written, Rajib
Love this Rajib. Would love to share if you are ok with it…
The poem really makes us sit up and pay attention…
As always, Kim
Love it Rajib
Very nicely expressed.
On a different note, if you DO LESS and PAY MORE, then bankruptcy and death both will be inevitable.
Rajib…I guess we are all at the same stage in life….being around the same age….Past two months have been challenging…losing a friend…and two neighbors (one which was expected)…indeed we need to focus on things that matter ! …
Love this, Rajib Roy. Learnt about the demise of a dear friend who I went to law school with just yesterday. Would’ve probably followed some of the actions in the poem, but it is too late…
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. You seem to do most of those things, but I agree with your last 7 words.
Love this poem! Thank you for sharing. We are always “on a run”….at least I know I am…what a good reminder. 🙂
Great reminder.
Life is short.
Tomorrow is not certain.
Carpe Diem!
Life has no dress rehearsal–one time around the track and not all will get a full lap.
As we near the half century mark,we develop some serious thoughts. This happens more ,especially during the middle of the night, when the whole world is asleep and we do some introspection. this exercise is healing as it calms our mind. After all we have something to keep us going,however insignificant it may sound to be. Cheers!!!!!
Loved reading your post and the poem. Can relate to it so..much
Very well said my friend.