I remind myself nearly every day of something that a doctor told me six months before my friend Pammy died. This was a doctor who always gave me straight answers. When I called on this one particular night, I was hoping she could put a positive slant on some distressing developments. She couldn't, but she said something that changed my life. "Watch her carefully right now," she said, "because she's teaching you how to live". I remind myself of this when I cannot get any work done: to live as if I am dying, because the truth is we are all terminal on this bus. To live as if we are dying gives us a chance to experience some real presence.
In her book "Bird by Bird," Anne Lamott reflects on a profound conversation with a doctor before her friend Pammy's death. The doctor advised her to observe Pammy closely, as she was imparting important life lessons. This insight resonated deeply with Lamott, prompting her to consider the value of living with urgency and awareness. Instead of seeking comfort in false optimism, the stark reality of mortality encouraged her to embrace life's moments more fully.
Lamott uses this advice as a reminder to approach her daily life with intention. Recognizing that we are all on a journey with an uncertain end, she emphasizes the importance of experiencing the present. By adopting the mindset of living as if we are dying, we can cultivate genuine appreciation for our lives and the people in them, fostering a deeper connection to our experiences and relationships.
