Look To This Day

 

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Look to this day,
for it is life, 
the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
the realities and truths of existence:
the joy of growth,
the splendour of action,
the glory of power.
For yesterday is but a memory,
and tomorrow is only a vision.
But today, well lived, 
makes every yesterday
a memory of happiness,
and every tomorrow 
a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.

Translated from the Sanscrit writings of Kalidasa (active late 4th-early 5th century) - India’s master poet and dramatist. 

 

This poem was given to me by a friend long ago, at a difficult time in my life. It was years before I would discover the benefits of mindfulness meditation and of trying to live a mindful life, day to day, but it nevertheless rang true. I was dwelling on past mistakes and difficulties and fearing what the future may hold. It was excellent advice, from someone who knew me well, and wanted me to live 'today' well and mindfully. 

 

"The only time you ever have in which to learn anything or see anything or feel anything, or express any feeling or emotion, or respond to an event, or grow, or heal, is this moment, because this is the only moment any of us ever gets. You're only here now; you're only alive in this moment." (Jon Kabat Zin)

 

Click here for a link to a three-minute breathing space mediation. 

 

Writing prompts:

• Have you lived today well? Write about your day. Tomorrow, when you look back, will today be a happy memory?  
• Do you agree that there is really only today, this moment? What could you do to try to live each day more mindfully?