The Longness of Life
Life is long.
Seneca stated, “Life is long if you know how to use it.” So how can we use it to make life longer?
Physically life isn’t particularly long. Almost 120 billion people have ever lived, and today there exists just over 8 billion. That’s a lot of people who have been and gone. They too had dreams and sought growth, deep relationships, and happiness. Maybe you knew some of them.
When we say life is long, what we’re really saying is we’re content. We’ve found meaning and purpose in life. We’re present. As morbid as it is, we understand death is inevitable, and so we don’t take tomorrow for granted. We make the most of today. This collects together an array of days filled with presence, which regardless of how long we’re here, contributes to a long, meaningful life.
How To Be Present
Build Legacy Relationships – This is something I get through Substack. Legacy relationships are those that we have with others when together we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Individual newsletters are a part of us in written form. Together, we’re a community going through similar feelings and struggles. This sense of togetherness and the cultivation of these relationships are a key part of being present with others in life.
What Makes Time Go Quickly? Counter It With Boredom – When we’re truly present, life can move quickly. On our best days, we won’t check the time once. We live in the moment. These moments are what make life long due to our complete presence. If we couple this with allowing boredom into our lives, we can be present with ourselves. This can cultivate better ideas and self-awareness.
Limit Multitasking – It’s proven that when multitasking, we make more mistakes. If you’re constantly rushing and multitasking to get things done, consider if you’re asking too much of yourself. Consider if there are any areas you can cut back on.
Photo by Desiray Green on Unsplash Disconnect From The Digital World – I recently wrote about the negativity associated with our online lives. We’re surrounded by information pulling at us. These demands can put a continuous strain on our lives. Emails, social media, and games are all toying for our attention. Turn off your notifications and use apps like Opal or OneSec to limit your screen time. Even better, leave your phone in a drawer when you’re busy doing other tasks you enjoy, or when you’re spending time with others. Don’t even leave it on the table, it will distract you! Be present in your pursuits, one task at a time, and be present with those around you.
Get Good Sleep – A prerequisite for mental and physical well-being is good sleep. Without it, we’re sluggish and don’t perform at our best. It contributes to a struggle to be present, as we stumble through our days like zombies. Ensure you get the right amount of sleep for you. Also, consider your waking-up routine. Loud alarms shock us awake, and if we were in the middle of a deep sleep cycle, we’d be slow to get started with our days. Sleeping and waking up at the same time every day can get us in a natural sleep cycle. Eventually, we might not need an alarm at all. Self-opening blinds and artificial sunlight alarms are two products I haven’t tried but always catch my attention.
Surround Yourself With Nature – Spend a day with Mother Nature. Be in complete awe of everything surrounding you. The birds, the wind, even the rain! Physical activity can boost our moods and greatly reduce stress hormones such as cortisol. It also gives us a connection to Something Greater!
Concluding Remarks
When people are asked what they regret most in life, it often they wish they didn’t work as hard, or they apologised more, or they travelled often, or didn’t surround themselves with petty dramas, or that they didn’t listen to their inner voice vs the opinions of others. Life is long only if we know how to use it. If we waste it, we spend less time living, and more time dying. Go out and do some living!
Thanks. Great post.
Great ideas here. Thanks for sharing.