The recent unexpected and tragic death of Natasha Richardson demonstrates how life can change in an instant in ways that cannot be changed back again.  As I listened to the news reports of her death, I thought of all the things I take for granted – I’ll get to a task later, I’ll tell a friend I miss them later, I’ll send a card to a friend who’s ill or has lost someone later, I’ll do whatever later.  The fact is, there may not be a “later”.  It’s a scary thought to imagine that, in any moment, we may no longer be here and won’t have a chance to say and do the things we always intended.

I belong to a meditation/spiritual exploration group that’s been meeting for 15 years or so.  We’ve spent time delving into, discussing and experiencing many approaches to spiritual practices and meditation.  This past year, we’ve been taking a deeper look at death and dying, and have given ourselves the task of preparing our paperwork and other things that need to be in order in case of unexpected death.  With Natasha Richardson’s untimely passing, I realize that I haven’t completed the task set by the group – my affairs still aren’t in order for those I would leave behind.

And so, for this week’s experiment, I invite you to take some time to be in touch with the things you have intended to do, the people you’ve intended to contact, the fun you are going to have later.  Then, notice what you experience when you go ahead and do them right now, today.  For example, in the coming week, whenever you think of wanting to tell someone you love them, or miss them, or appreciate something they’ve done for you, don’t wait.  Go ahead and do it and notice how it feels to follow through and say the things you’ve wanted to say that become gifts to others, as well as yourself.  There are opportunities in each day to share our expressions of care and gratitude, and Natasha’s death can be a reminder not to wait until later.

If there’s something you’ve really wanted to do – a subject you’ve wanted to study, a dance class you’ve been meaning to take, a walk in the woods – whatever it is, give yourself permission to do it now.  For those things that have to wait until another time, notice how you feel if you make a commitment to yourself that you won’t let them go by altogether.

The point of this week’s experiment is not to frighten yourself with thoughts about death or loss.  Rather, it’s to allow yourself to change any habit you may have that causes you to put off sharing your care and gratitude with people, and giving yourself permission to do the things that you really want to do.   It’s an invitation to notice the quality of your life when you share yourself with others generously and spontaneously and when you allow yourself to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do. 

As with all the experiments, the point here is to practice living more consciously and to allow yourself an opportunity to remember the fundamental learning in mindfulness training:  whatever may be uncomfortable or feel overwhelming will pass and whatever is delicious and positive in your life will also pass.  Change keeps happening, and we never know what kind of change is right in front of us.  Notice your experience when you take the moment and live the present moment to the fullest in whatever ways are most positive and constructive for you, and in whatever ways allow you to freely express your lovingkindness and gratitude to others.  Also notice how you feel at the end of a day where you haven’t left important things undone or put aside until “later.”