समय के समक्ष
In the Presence of Time
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
When I turned eighty years old, I decided to take an inner journey back in time, which I now would call “having a conversation with time.” I wanted to look back at my long life and take stock of what went well, what was challenging, what I wish I’d done differently, and all that still gives me joy. I set this intention: “May this self-inquiry enable me to appreciate and honor the life I’ve led so far, and may all I learn help guide me in my remaining years.”
I made a detailed timeline to illuminate the many phases I’d gone through at different times of my life, and I asked myself many questions, including, “Whom did I love and who loved me?” “Whom did I mentor and who mentored me?” “What identities did I develop, and what roles did I play?” “What are the most surprising things I did?” “What phases and highlights did I experience in my spiritual life?”
My “conversation with time” was very fruitful and even reassuring, and continues to this day.
I made a detailed timeline to illuminate the many phases I’d gone through at different times of my life, and I asked myself many questions, including, “Whom did I love and who loved me?” “Whom did I mentor and who mentored me?” “What identities did I develop, and what roles did I play?” “What are the most surprising things I did?” “What phases and highlights did I experience in my spiritual life?”
My “conversation with time” was very fruitful and even reassuring, and continues to this day.
Illinois, United States