The past few weeks have been rich in reflection and renewal, inspiring me to reach out and share some. My own birthday was followed by the Jewish New Year (belated Shana Tova), which was followed by our son’s first birthday!

Looking back, I feel a mixture of wonder, celebration, and relief. I’m astounded at the tremendous amount of energy it takes to keep an infant alive, and at the vast transformation in the first year of a human life—from being totally helpless to walking, eating, and relating.

This joy has been accompanied by the ache of my own father’s absence, who passed away suddenly earlier this year. His memory highlights the preciousness of time and reminds me of the inseparable nature of joy and grief. Living fully honors both the presence and the disappearance of what we love.

From day to day, our lives can feel so linear: yesterday gives way to today, which flows into tomorrow. Years can pass in the blink of an eye.

Anniversaries, holidays, and rituals invite us to contemplate our sojourn on the planet. We look back at where we’ve been, connect more fully with where we are, and envision where we’re headed. 

Reflecting more deeply, we can move outside of linear time and sense the cyclical nature of life—seasons turn, the moon chases the sun, our breath flows in and out. Just as time can pass quickly, we all have the potential to touch an experience of timelessness.

But first, we must give ourselves the space to slow down and listen. Such introspection broadens our perspective and helps us live with more awareness. 

So, as I orient to another year of life, I invite you to join me in a kind of early "New Years" reflection: mourning whatever you've lost, and cherishing the gifts you’ve received. 

Marvel at the improbable miracle of being alive. What is this mysterious experience of being self-aware on the planet? How are we using the time we have been granted?

In kindness,

Oren

PS: FREE Events

I’ll be speaking at the free Buddhist Wisdom for Life Summit, happening September 26 – October 2. Join me and over 30 renowned Buddhist teachers and scholars, including Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Robert Thurman, Fleet Maull, Ruth King, and Roshi Joan Halifax. My interview airs Wednesday, September 27. Register for free here.

Check out my other free and donation-based events here.

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See past reflections here.