If you only had a year to live, what would you do?
In his work with the dying, author Stephen Levine observed the radical changes people can make in the face of death - how they heal relationships, open up to love, act on plans put off for years, even quit dead-end jobs. Levine challenged himself to live an entire year as if it were his last - and in this revealing narrative he shares what he learned. Through a series of month-by-month practices anyone can do, and including special meditations and exercises, A Year to Live teaches a way to live every day of your life with vivid fullness.
Write Now!
Make a list in your journal of ten changes you would make in your life if you knew that the coming year would be your last and a list of ten things you would want to accomplish.
List everyone whom you need to forgive, and everyone from whom you ask need to ask forgiveness.
List everyone you want to thank for their contribution to your life, and then write thank you letters to them.
Write a letter to the person who means the most to you in your life right now, and send that letter.
Keep a daily journal of your thoughts about making the last year of your life the BEST year of your life, and do this as a spiritual practice. If you already keep a journal, add in any reflections you have on this (imaginary) final year.
Order the full lecture from Sounds True, or buy the book, and use these tools to dive deeply into this extremely rewarding subject.
Hi Alex!
Cloud Walker from Cowbird! I LOVE your Ginger story, beautifully written and deep - of course it is beautiful, hence the story of the day! Congrates! But what makes me want to write to you so bad is how you thought of 'Grief' I read that story at 19 and it moved me to earth's core. I couldn't stop thinking about the man, the imagery of people walking on the streets, the drunk boys, the man and the horse and that very sad thing that brought him grief.
Posted by: Mubin Sultan | 03/20/2012 at 07:16 PM