We should all strive to learn before we die, what we are running from, and to, and why. James Thurber
In a Baghdad marketplace, there was a servant who bumped into death himself. Terrified, the man dropped his purchases and ran home on foot.
When he arrived, he breathlessly begged his master, “Please, may I borrow your fastest horse? I met Death in the marketplace and he gestured to me like he was about to take me, so I ran here as fast as I could, I must escape from him!”
The master said, “Take my fastest steed, and perhaps you can outrun death tonight. Flee to Sammara, for he will never find you there.”
The master then went to the marketplace, and when he saw Death, he asked, “Why did you threaten my poor servant when he was here earlier today?”
Death replied, “I wasn’t threatening him. I was just shocked to see him. You see, I was expecting to meet up with him tonight, — In Sammara.”
Courageous Dreaming – Alberto Villoldo, PH.D
I have just spent a week at the beach, and the stillness and beauty of the water and sky, really helped re-balance my energy and increase my gratefulness.
My 32yr old cousin has now been told he is terminal and has a 5% chance to live. This news is a sobering reminder that none of us can outrun our death. Where and when Death meets us, is not for us to know, but we do have a choice how we live.
Fear of our death causes us to rush about here and there, doing whatever we can to outwit it, only to feel trapped and unfulfilled in life. Our excuses are rooted in our fears. Our justification is that we don’t have enough money, resources or time.
When we understand deeply that we could face our death at any time, it is only then, we can have the courage, to truly live.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
I have just been on the phone to a friend whose daughter lost a baby recently and she may have cancer – this is a timely post.
Very sad news for her Julie. Often when we are given news like this, we really start to appreciate and honor life. Many blessings to her and her family.
Very inspiring post.
Thankyou. Grazie Mille.
Life is short. Dead is for a very long time. Enjoy life.
Dead is for a long time. Its a good reminder for us all. Thankyou.
I just love to read your posts Karen. You are very often hit the nail.
Thankyou Irene. I appreciate all your comments.
A beautiful reminder to live each moment fully and with gratitude. Thank you Karen 💛
My cousin is reminding me of that everyday Val. Our life is a gift.
It’s true, facing death teaches us to live each – oh haha, I was just about to write something, but saw that Val just wrote it! I was going to say exactly that. Loved the story. And I remember James Thurber as saying funny things. This is pretty profound. Nice post, Karen. Thank you.
Mary
I had not heard of James Thurber before, he does have interesting quotes. Death has taught me to live fully, I am grateful to know this. Thanks Mary.
So sorry to hear about your cousin. May he be in that 5%. Your last line is lovely and spot on.
Thankyou Carrie. He definitely wants to be in that 5% and I know he is really striving to achieve that.
Wise words, Karen. So sorry to hear about your cousin. I’ll second what Carrie said and hope he’s in the 5%
Thankyou Jennifer, we are really encouraging him to stay positive and to live each day fully. It is a difficult journey for him.
Poor guy, and so young.
So true.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder of life.
It is a reminder to live Elizabeth.
I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. You make a good point–that no one of us knows when it’s our time to move on. And yet, to live with this knowledge all the time, day in and day out, is almost impossible, right? I wonder how differently we’d all live if we could . . .
I certainly don’t remember it everyday Kay, but if I ever feel stressed or impatient about anything, I really try to remember what is important in this moment, and that always helps me have perspective. We would all live fully if we could.
So beautiful.
Thankyou David.
You’re welcome but I’m Nico. 🙂
Sorry Nico, my apologies. Bad with names 🙂
No problem. Peace.
Sorry to hear the news of your cousin Karen. HUGS. ❤
Diana xo
Thankyou Diana. He is well loved and supported.
A great reminder to live fully now ~ none of us is guaranteed a “tomorrow”. But we tend to forget.
We too tend to forget, Helen. I think it sometimes has to affect us very personally before we really believe it.
So sorry to hear your sad news, Karen, but if your cousin is anything like you, I’m sure he’s living each day to the fullest. You’re in my heart….
Thankyou so much Lori. He is a gorgeous soul, and is really trying to focus on living fully.
Once again you give me something I can take away and use in my day. Thank you Karen life can get challenging with my son’s anxiety and I feel drained and helpless, but when I use those words truly live in that moment it changes my perspective.
Anxiety affects the whole family, so always make sure you are nurturing yourself so you have enough energy for him. Perspective has been a gift, it has really helped me in every situation. Thankyou Kath.
I made sure their first day of school ended with a trip to the pool and it was all smiles Karen, they love surprises and yes i carry his anxiety with me too.
Sounds like a good way to end the first day. Enjoy this weather. 🙂
And today we all went into town and road our bikes along the river pathway in Bega it definitely helps us all sleep better. Tomorrow they have karate and I get some writing time. Thats my week wrap up Karen hope your week is good.
Sounds like a great week Kath. Enjoy your writing time. 🙂
Karen,
There is much wisdom in your words. Very valuable for anyone wishing to live life to its fullest.
When we are born into this world we are sure of one thing from a physical standpoint; that one day we will die.
But, two thousand years ago someone of two natures came into this world and by His death removed death’s sting for all mankind from all eternity.
So, with that in the bank, live life well; in love, charity, humility, truth, justice and mercy. For those who do, the promise made on a cross will be fulfilled. That death is no more than the passing from a womb. As when we were born into this world and opened our eyes to the joy of seeing the loving face of our mother, we will close our eyes to this world only to open them again to the joy of seeing the loving face of God.
-Alan
Absolutely agree Alan, and I believe we will meet up with all those that have departed in this life. Thankyou for your thoughts.
That is one more truth to be counted among the many that you bring forth through your wonderful posts.
-Alan
Thankyou 🙂