Caretake this moment. (by Epictetus)
Caretake this moment.
Immerse yourself in its particulars.
Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed.
Quit the evasions.
Stop giving yourself needless trouble.
It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.
You are not some disinterested bystander.
Exert yourself.
Respect your partnership with providence.
Ask yourself often, How may I perform this particular deed
such that it would be consistent with and acceptable to the divine will?
Heed the answer and get to work.
When your doors are shut and your room is dark you are not alone.
The will of nature is within you as your natural genius is within.
Listen to its importunings.
Follow its directives.
As concerns the art of living, the material is your own life.
No great thing is created suddenly.
There must be time.
Give your best and always be kind.
Beautiful words by Epictetus – a Greek Stoic philosopher who lived between 55-135 AD. Another wonderful reminder about being in the present moment.
My prayer based on this poem:
O God, may I live just in the moments of this day. To take care of the moments, to enjoy my surroundings, to notice the particulars of my life. When I see the specifics and the bits and the details, there is a richness and sacredness all around me all the time.
Change me O God who stops giving myself needless trouble. I can make myself so miserable. Today rather than being a master of misery may I be a master of mindfulness, awareness and joy. And to live by being fully in life now. O God, help me to fully inhabit my life. It may take some effort, but may I exert myself to this end – of enjoyment.
May I be sensitive to your answers and your voice throughout this day and get to work on what you tell me.
Help me to remember that I am never alone, even though I may feel like it. My feelings deceive me. And I put them aside to know your truth and the truth of your presence and love within. May I listen to your promptings and nudges and follow and act on them. And what joy there is in doing so.
Increase my trust in you. I would like to change quickly to be who you created me to be. But if it is slower than I would like, help me as I heard one say, to “trust in the slow work of God.” In my mind, I’m changed in an instant as I remember the truth and may my behavior and actions catch up quickly.
Finally Lord, help me to always give my best, that comes not from frantic working or over working, but from the best part of me within – in and through my own beautiful spirit of love, which is really yours through me that I express and extend in the world in love, joy and kindness.
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