TIME
Time, it’s our most valuable resource. The adage of time is money” isn’t really true, is it? We can always make more money, spend less money, save more money. However, we can’t create or save more time. It passes whether you like it or not. Time is extremely valuable; people spend endless sums of money to make their time on earth last as long as possible. I am honored, that you have decided to spend 90 minutes of it here in class with me, with us.
I had a heart attack two weeks ago. It was a type of heart attack known in medical parlance as a widow-maker. What a terrible name. My wife took me to the hospital promptly and I had surgery and here I am ready to practice alongside you.
When my wife was rushing me to the hospital, I tried to keep calm and breathe through the pain I was feeling and took a few minutes to remind her of the various banks where our money sits. My thoughts were not drifting towards any regrets, regrets about what I should have done or not done, said or not said. My thoughts were not drifting towards fear of dying.
I have three beautiful girls ages 15, 13, and 12. I am one of those dads that has spent an insane amount of time with his kids. In the early years of our marriage my wife’s job was very demanding and I had to be there for my girls while my wife was at work. Any spare time I have goes to being with them and being in their company. As they get older that becomes more and more a privilege. I have a very close relationship with all three.
Most people, when they go through an experience like having a heart attack, they often come out of it realizing they need to spend more time with the people that mean the most to them. Sometimes they make an effort, and sometimes they go back to their old way of prioritizing where their time is spent.
After my health scare, I am so happy to have prioritized my girls over everything; over, the golf course, sleep, drinks with my friends, work obligations, television, and my phone. My mantra before and after the attack is that my girls are my priority. If I die today, I go in peace knowing that I spent my time exactly where it should have been spent.
As you practice today on your mat, use the time to reflect on where your time goes and where it should go. See if you can dive deep into each inhale and exhale to make this 90 minutes last longer than 90 minutes. Take the time to make this hour and half worth it.