Hugging Meditation
The purpose of living as if each day were our last is not to create an overwrought sense of having to grab every experience right now. Nor is it an excuse to ignore the garbage that needs to go out, the bills that need to be paid, the clutter that needs to be picked up. Rather, it is merely a reminder to be present in our lives as they unfold, to take in, as much as we can, our daily existence.
Thich Nhat Hanh has a wonderful meditation for this, called The Hugging Meditation. It's very simple -- all you do is hug someone three times, breathing in and out with awareness.
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During the first hug, you both think about how, at some time -- you don't know when -- you will no longer be here.
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During the second hug, you both focus on how, at some time -- you don't know when -- the other person will no longer be here.
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During the third hug, you truly take in that you both are here now, together in this precious moment.
I try to do this with my husband and daughter whenever I am to be away for any significant length of time, but my new goal is to do it every morning before I walk out the door.
-- M.J. Ryan
Attitudes of Gratitude
(Conari Press 1999
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