“Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost.”
This verse comes from the intentional practice of Sharing the Merit that is engaged at the close of many sangha meetings. The period of one human being’s life isn’t that long, say an average of 75 years. That seems like a long time when you are twenty years old, not so long when you reach 50.
With each moment that passes there are opportunities to accomplish goals, to do what needs to be done. To take advantage of time and opportunity requires steady movement forward toward the goal. It takes momentum. All phenomena are affected by the passage of time (at least as far as we know right now). The Universe is a simultaneous experience from which time cannot be separated. All things in the Universe exist in each moment of time. With each moment of the Universe ALL things are interconnected.
Multi-tasking is a practice of dualism when the bodymind feels it is capable of accomplishing two things at once. Two things may, in fact, be getting done, but neither is being done with the focus, energy and mindfulness necessary to excel at either task. Attempts at multi-tasking will result in a loss of momentum as the bodymind bounces back-and-forth. Focusing on one task, keeping momentum until the task is complete (or if a natural stopping point is reached) allows us to transfer that momentum on to a different task.
Taking a short meditative or stretching break in the midst of a strenuous or demanding task can be a way to maintain momentum. A soccer player who takes a moment to stretch a muscle while the ball is at the other end of the field adds to their momentum when the ball comes their way again. Once in motion we’re more likely to stay in motion . . . momentum. The momentum we gain and maintain at the completion of one task can smoothly be transferred to the next task. Even a restful sleep is part of maintaining momentum as it renews the energy and dynamism that is transferred to the new day, to the refreshed not-self.
Time swiftly passes by . . .and momentum is needed to keep us in each moment. Success in this life (by any definition) comes from taking the initiative and following up… persisting… eloquently expressing the depth of your love through each moment. Enthusiasm is the energy and force that builds literal momentum of the human soul and mind. What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?
Peace and Love, Jim
