Each Breath

“The trouble is, you think you have time.”

This is such a great line. It seems simple, almost even silly on the surface yet becomes much more complicated upon further consideration.

The quote is telling us that death is here among us, not some far away distance. It’s almost to say, not that it will occur but that it is occurring as we speak. That is, we do not have time.

If I understand correctly, Buddhism is about presence. To be in the time and place in which one physically occupies. To take full advantage of every breath we make. To enjoy the miracle that is our own existence. This will take away our fear and hopes of the future and our regrets or pride of our past, which could be called wasted breath. When we die, all we have is the single moment of its very occurrence. Nothing else holds weight, has any value.

What are you doing this very moment? Whatever the answer, that’s it, all there is. It is all of you. This very moment is our entire life.

At first, it’s a terrible thought, to stare death in the face. It goes against human nature too, to ignore all the distractions of the human mind.

But ultimately it is a beautiful idea. It suggests death cannot conquer they who smile in its presence, those who are present with great serenity in every breath.