Morning Stoic Meditations: Living Each Day As Your Last

“This is the mark of perfection of character—to spend each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, laziness, or any pretending.”
—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.69
In this morning meditation, we look at stoic outlooks, specifically the practice of ' Living each day as your last', to set an intention and mindset for the day.

Transcript

Hello and welcome to this morning's Stoic meditation.

In his book on meditations,

Marcus Aurelius wrote,

This is the mark of perfection of character,

To spend each day as if it were your last,

Without frenzy,

Laziness or any pretending.

So for this meditation,

We will be embodying the idea that today is our last day alive.

So when you're ready,

Getting into your meditation position,

This may be lying down or seated.

Take a moment now to feel into your body.

Relax your shoulders.

Relax your tummy.

Gently close off your eyes.

Relax your brow.

And we'll begin now with three deep breaths.

So breathing in and releasing.

And breathing in.

And letting go.

And letting go.

So we'll begin now by returning to some body awareness.

Consider how this body has been your life vessel for years.

And today you will experience it for the last time.

Consider how it has served you and taught you throughout your life for the next few moments.

Let love interoperate among souls.

Now I'd like you to move your attention to the day ahead imagine what the sky might be like today perhaps you will see the sun for the final time or watch how the clouds move across the sky or see the millions of raindrops that will fall from the sky and when you meditate on each of these things deeply you remember that they are both phenomenal and beautiful now consider daily worries or stresses that you might encounter today feel how irrelevant and insignificant they feel in the face of mortality allow yourself to let these go contemplate meet the family and friends you may encounter remember this is the last time you will see them consider the opportunities for connection that will arise today for the last time now think of a resolution for yourself that you can do that will make the world a better place for tomorrow when you might not be around and we'll finish with one deep breath so breathing in and letting go

Reviews

Just lovely… as with a handful amidst the multitude of other contributors, here on Insight Timer, your voice’s tone and the pace, approach and music (and music volume level) you’ve chosen all contributed to such a soothing environment that I fell asleep before your recording ended, which was wonderful! The only thing that’s “less than wonderful” is that since this was my first time listening to it, and since this feedback/review/dialog page of I.T.’s is so generic, I have no idea what your name is or where you’re located, just that I loved your work and hope to find it again, in the future (which is unfair to both of us). Even so, I am grateful to you, and to the Universe for the unique set of circumstances that first led to the creation of your beautiful voice, and then led you to record it and add it here.

All and only my best,
Doug

This was a great way to begin my day. Very helpful to me. Thank you 🙏🏻

What is the one thing I can do that will make a difference today?I like this meditation and will consider the question throughout this blessed day. Thank you

Powerful. Darkly humbling 🙏

Such a poignant reminder.

Simple and gentle. Thank you. Namaste 🙏🏽

A very beautiful way of self reflection, it brought me closer to my centre and brought clarity to my situation. Thank you 🙏

It impacted me in a good way. Fantastic!

Amazing feeling of gratitude for my life, as hard as it was. I've gained so much. I'm ready for the next. Thank you for this journey.

This was one of the most humbling meditation I have done. Darkly calming, insightful ( no pun intended) and beautiful. If you are frustrated with things , worried or angry , this will clear up your mind gratefully and make you take a look at yourself. Thank you so much for this Allie , this effected me in such a unique way.
As the Stoics say “ Memento Mori “
Jay

So very beautiful! Thank you for helping me cultivate deep inne peace this morning 🙏

Very thought provoking.

Thank you, very thought-provoking

Funny have just recently started the daily stoic! Thsnk you this was surreal 🙏🙏🙏

Great reminders. Namaste.

This meditation held my heart well today. Thank you for your meditations on mortality.

Incredible! 💫 Such a Beautiful, Empowering Meditation! Powerfully shifted my Energy for the day! Thank you 😊 💗 💜💚🌟

Beautiful, soothing meditation.
I commit to stop and look to the millions of rain drops every time it starts raining ♡

Beautiful start to my morning. Thank you 🙏🏻