Jack Kornfield, in Buddha’s Little Instruction Book, mentions, “The trouble is, you think you have time.” This means we often delay important tasks, assuming we’ll have time later, but there may not be a “later.” Life is fleeting, so make the most of it.
Many people mistakenly attribute this quote to the Buddha. However, it actually comes from Jack Kornfield, who was inspired by a character from Carlos Castaneda’s third book, “Journey to Ixtlan,” where a shaman advises against procrastination by highlighting the brevity of life.
Realizing our time is limited can make us value life more and prioritize what’s truly important. The Buddha encouraged us to reflect on our impermanence and take responsibility for our lives. “Life is short; make good use of it” doesn’t mean we should just have fun. Instead, understanding the brevity of our time makes us focus on what’s genuinely valuable—loving, being loved, and living a meaningful life. Fun becomes secondary compared to love and significance, which ultimately are more fulfilling.
Pay attention to your breathing, recognizing that each breath is unique and won’t come again. Understand that each moment is precious. This realization, while sounding simple, is deeply profound once grasped: each moment is irreplaceable.
Consider the people around you—those close to you, those you barely notice, and even those you dislike. Remember that every one of them, including yourself, will die someday. This awareness can prompt us to act with kindness and understanding, as each interaction could be the last.
Adopting a mantra like “We may never meet again” can make you feel more compassionate and appreciative of others. It helps to focus less on negative aspects and recognize the basic goodness in people. Everyone is striving for happiness in a challenging world.
Time is not always on our side. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have plenty of time to express love and kindness. Act now, cherishing each moment and each relationship, as life’s impermanence is a fundamental truth.