I wanted to share a profound experience I had during a retreat with the great Thich Nhat Hanh. His words and teachings have a way of piercing through the noise of daily life, bringing us back to what truly matters. One exercise he led at the retreat has stayed with me ever since, and I believe it’s something we can all benefit from.
It started with something simple: a bow and the word Namaste, which, as we know, means “I see the divine in you.” But Thich Nhat Hanh took us deeper. After bowing to one another, he asked us to embrace. And while we were hugging, he gave us three breaths with a powerful reflection for each.
On the first breath, we were to think, “I am going to die. I am going to die.”
A simple thought, yet it shook me to my core. It was a stark reminder of life’s fragility, the impermanence that we often push aside. Each breath brought me closer to this truth.
On the second breath, he said, “You are going to die. You are going to die.”
As I held this person, someone I hadn’t even known before that moment, the thought felt even heavier. The realization that we all share this same fate hit me deeply—life is short, and we are all just passing through.
Then, on the third breath, came the final reflection: “We have just these precious moments together.”
Those words brought a sense of calm, but also urgency. There was nothing but the present moment. No past, no future—just the now. As I stood there with this person, there was a deep connection, an openness that I had never experienced before. It wasn’t about words; it was simply about being.
This exercise was a beautiful reminder of how fragile and short life truly is, and how lucky we are to be on this path—this yogic path that helps us reflect on the bigger picture. I couldn’t help but feel blessed to be part of this ancient heritage, passed down by the masters, that reminds us to live with purpose, awareness, and love in each moment.
So, here’s what I’d love for you to do: take a few moments today and try this exercise with someone close to you. Bow to them, say Namaste, and then embrace them. With each breath, reflect on these thoughts:
First breath: “I am going to die. I am going to die.”
Second breath: “You are going to die. You are going to die.”
Third breath: “We have just these precious moments together.”
Afterward, take a moment to sit with what you felt, what arose within you. Did it change the way you see that person, or even yourself? I’d love for you to share your experience with me—what did you notice? How did it make you feel?
Wishing you peace, presence, and connection in each moment.
With love and light,
Sumit
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