Time is Almost Up

This was the message that appeared on the screen during the first virtual meditation class I offered. It was succeeded by the prompt to “upgrade now”. While the immediate context of the message referred to my Zoom session, the underlying significance extended to the value of our fleeting human existence. Impermanence, a subject often shied away from in our culture, held little prominence in my early years, whether at home or in school. Nonetheless, the undeniable truth remains that our time is finite, urging us to be mindful of how we intend to honor this existence. This reality becomes most vividly apparent when we experience the departure of loved ones. With the passing of my father, father-in-law, and a dear friend in the last several years, the magnitude of impermanence has been felt on the deepest of levels. Upgrade now means to improve the quality or usefulness of something. Relating to the human experience it signifies embarking on a journey that imparts purpose in ones life.

A commitment to spiritual practice is the upgrade that resonates with me at this point in my life. Through meditation, I’m able to nurture both calm (Samatha) and awareness (Vipassana). While this constitutes an essential element of my practice, it is just one facet that makes this journey incredibly enriching. The compassion and kindness bestowed upon me by so many deserve to be honored. Being mindful of this finite time I dedicate moments to pay homage to my predecessors—those who selflessly provided guidance and empathy—which can be shared with all beings.