Enjoy Your Brief Stay
“Pass then through this little space of time conformably to nature, and end your journey feeling content, just as an olive falls off when it is ripe, blessing nature who produced it, and thanking the tree on which it grew.”
—Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
Our time here is short.
Marcus reminds us we should journey through life true to our nature, that intrinsic essence of who we are. Like a ripe olive that falls from the tree, ready and complete, we too should aim to reach the end of our days with a sense of fulfillment and graciousness.
How often do you move through your day with this sense of natural purpose? Do you acknowledge and appreciate each moment for the unique opportunity it presents?
In applying this wisdom to our daily lives, we're prompted to consider how we interact with the world and ourselves. Are we fighting against the current of life or flowing with it? To live conformably to nature is to embrace change, to grow through challenges, and to express gratitude, just as the olive thanks the tree that sustained it.
It's about finding contentment in the process of living and appreciating the nourishment we've received along the way.
How might you express more gratitude for your journey today? Consider those in your life that have supported your growth—perhaps it's time to thank them.