Jack Kornfield, in Buddha’s Little Instruction Book, highlights a common issue: we often think we have more time than we actually do. This mindset can lead us to postpone important actions, but the truth is, we may not have “later.” Life is short, so it’s crucial to make the most of it.
Although this quote is frequently attributed to the Buddha, it’s actually Jack Kornfield’s take on a concept from Carlos Castaneda’s fictional character Don Juan in “Journey to Ixtlan.” Don Juan challenges us by saying that we wrongly believe we have plenty of time, and questions why we hesitate to change if we know our lives aren’t infinite. Jack Kornfield touches on this in one of his talks.
Understanding the brevity of our time can help us appreciate life more and focus on what truly matters. The Buddha encouraged us to reflect on our impermanence, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for our lives given that our time is limited.
Some interpret “Life is short; make good use of it” to mean “have as much fun as possible.” However, truly acknowledging our limited time forces us to identify what’s most valuable—usually love, being loved, and living with meaning. Fun is secondary to the deeper fulfillment that comes from love and meaningful connections.
Pay attention to your breathing; each breath is unique and will never come again. This awareness makes each breath more significant. By recognizing that each moment is fleeting and unique, it becomes evident that each moment is precious.
Consider those around you, whether close or distant, loved or disliked. Everyone, including yourself, will eventually die. This reality underscores the unpredictability of life—every encounter might be your last. Reflecting on this can make you treat every interaction as potentially final, ensuring your last words or actions are kind.
Adopting the mantra “We may never meet again” can foster a sense of vulnerability, tenderness, and affection. It encourages you to appreciate the basic goodness in others, to focus on the positive, and recognize that everyone is seeking happiness, despite how rare true happiness can be.
The mistake is thinking you’ll have time to love later. Act as if you have no time to waste and allow yourself to love now. Life is unpredictable and finite. Embracing the present and treating each moment as precious can be profoundly transformative. Remember, there is no guarantee of tomorrow.