Since reading teaching 18 earlier this morning—which to me sounds like a sutra—I have already applied it several times, and it is still only morning.
I have had a few opportunities to perform brief chores and activities that, normally, I might postpone or choose not to do, despite them being beneficial. But then I repeat, “If there is time, there is time,” and I realize, “Oh, I do have time to do that, and it would be a good thing to do now,” and I do it.
This teaching has been a wonderful antidote to my tendency toward procrastination. The result is deeper breathing and the lovely feeling that arises along with it.
New York, United States
For me this teaching is like a koan that takes me away from limiting thoughts and into the realm of grace. Yesterday when I was preparing to leave for work, I was running a bit late and still had several more things to accomplish. I began to repeat aloud “If there is time, there is time” as I completed my final tasks. I didn’t really understand the teaching intellectually, but I felt joy bubble up; everything got done, and I got to work on time.
Then, while working at a busy clinic and attending to each patient’s needs, I found I was getting behind schedule and started to feel concerned. Again I repeated this teaching; my worries ceased, and I felt filled with happiness and blessings. I continued to flow from patient to patient and the day unfolded well.
I love this teaching!
California, United States
As soon as I read Gurumayi’s teaching, “If there is time, there is time,” I experienced an immediate and keen sense of relief. I received Gurumayi’s teaching as meaning “There is more than enough time.” Until I read her words, I didn’t realize that I was operating under the belief that I did not have enough time to get every task done that needed to be addressed day after day, or to accomplish what I came here to do. Unknowingly, I had been priming each of my actions with a quiet sense of futility and feeling overwhelmed, and was startled to recognize how much unconscious anxiety this was generating.
What a superb sense of freedom I now feel knowing that time is not limiting me. Rather, it is supporting me! I am continuously grateful for and delighted by how Gurumayi’s teachings illumine and completely renew my perception and understanding. Such a breath of fresh air!
California, United States
This is a powerful teaching for me at this time. Over two years ago I lost my beloved son. Although I have no more time with him in his physical form, I am grateful for every moment in time we had.
I am now acutely aware of how fleeting and fragile life is. I often think that this could be my last day and ask myself, “How do I want to show up?” As long as I have time, there is time to choose to love and act with kindness. I often ask, “God, how can I serve you?”
Over time my tears of sadness have turned into tears of love. As long as I have a human heart, I have time to love.
Nora, Sweden
When I read this teaching of Gurumayi’s, I realized that as long as I am living and breathing, I have been given time—time to pursue my dreams, honor my Guru, practice the teachings, and live my life to the fullest. So, as long as I am alive, what I sometimes see as the “if” of time becomes a “when,” and therefore, “there is time.”
Gurumayi reminds me that this gift of life that I have been given is steeped in precious moments of time not to be squandered but to be cherished and experienced with intention and purpose.
Missouri, United States