Living to your fullest potential

Do you know what your fullest potential could be? This thought struck me today during an easy and long solo bike ride while listening to The Knowledge Project’s podcast. (Right earbud in only. Safety first.)  These past couple days I’ve been experiencing this feeling that my life could suddenly end soon, and I’m wondering if I’m doing the right things while I’m alive right now. Is my time being spent on these right things?

Marcus Aurelius writes “At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: “I have to go to work – as a human being… Don’t you see the plants, the birds, the ants and spiders and bees going about their individual tasks, putting the world in order, as best they can? And you’re not willing to do your job as a human being? Why aren’t you running to do what your nature demands?” (Meditations, Book 5, p. 53)

At a time when we are asked to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this is an opportunity to spend some time in self-reflection and meditation. Being still, calm, and quiet for even just a short amount time provides a moment for reflection. I encourage you to take this opportunity to carve out some time to sit quietly and breathe. (If you’d like help with sitting still and an introduction to meditation, check out the free Insight Timer app. I started meditating by setting the timer for 5 minutes.)

If you find yourself with more than five minutes of reflection time, think about what you spend your free time doing.  Is it necessary?  Is it in line with your values? Do you feel like you are living your life to your fullest potential? You don’t need to answer that last question at this exact moment; it’s no small task. Be kind to yourself, take some time to think about what’s truly important to you. In determining this, you will begin to discover your true nature and potential.