As I write this, I am reminded of a quote by Gregory Maguire which goes, "Remember to breathe. It is, after all, the secret of life." It looks like we as a species have forgotten about this secret of life.
Let me provide you with some context. The world we live in has changed drastically over the past few decades. We don't realise this often but once in a while, something happens that brings you face to face with this fact.
You then realise just how different life is today compared to just a couple of generations ago. Seriously, just talk to your grandparents for some time and that should do it. If you're lucky enough to visit the countryside if they once lived there, you can't help but point out all the differences.
The thing is, the countryside still resembles the peace and quiet of the days gone by to a large extent and even though you might be accustomed to the city life and all the hustle and bustle, you can't help but wonder how peaceful it would be to just live there.
Remember To Breathe
I recently had a similar experience and every time I go to the countryside, I have this lingering thought about the stark difference between modern-day life and the life that our grandparents used to live.
Today it feels like living in a constant race. Life seems to be on a fast forward mode and before you solve a problem, ten more show their faces. It's ok to have problems in life as they help build us into stronger human beings but there is a limit to even that and at one point, you are bound to get overwhelmed.
Add to this the human nature of greed and our tendency to keep accumulating more and more and to enjoy and revel in the race that we are all so unconsciously running without realising there just isn't a finish line, except death maybe.
It is therefore important to remember to breathe once in a while. To take a break, to enjoy the abstract of life, nature, friendships, and everything good that life has to offer. It is ok if you stop for a while, you won't get left behind. Do you really want to be the first to finish the race and ... die?
Our lives are short and it's over before you know it. Don't live a life which you look back with regret. As Avicci would say, live a life you will remember!