Curated Meditation: What if This Is the Last Time You Get High?
A Stoic Meditation That Helps Us Appreciate What We Have – 12 Mins
One of the most incredible and often frustrating parts about the human experience is our tendency to get used to things. For example, when I look around me, I see countless items I once wanted or even yearned for: my laptop, phone, water bottle, stand-up desk and backpack, for example. And while I still vaguely remember the thrill of acquiring them, the truth is that I basically take most of them for granted.
And of course, this is a very human trait: we can’t stay overjoyed for long, but rather tend to just revert to our happiness set point. But unfortunately, this same tendency to take things for granted can also reach the truly important things in life: our health, loved ones, security, career, hobbies, and so forth. It’s as if we tacitly assume that they’ll be there forever for us to enjoy.
This is, of course, completely irrational. The fact of our mortality means that all of us are destined to lose everything and everyone we love. There will be last time you walk in the woods, eat pizza, spend time with someone you care about, or get high.
And though this thought may sound like a depressing one to dwell on, periodically reminding ourselves of it can actually help us appreciate and enjoy what we have now.
Today’s curated mediation aims to achieve just this. It’s called "The Last Time Meditation," part of the Stoic Path series by William B. Irvine in the Waking Up app.
🎧 Here it is. 🎧
(This and any other meditations I share are always accessible to anyone without signing up for Waking Up or any other meditation services.)
Enjoy!
-G. G.
Smart Cannabis Use is for informational purposes only. You need to be aware of and abide by the laws in your area. Please also be aware that cannabis is not suitable for everyone, such as minors or those with certain mental health conditions. You are responsible for your own choices and actions.