in japan there is a tradition of zen buddhist monks and nuns writing death poems.
the poems can be written at any time of life or at the author’s imminent death. almost universally they contain a meaningful observation on life. this is one of my favourites, written by the most famous poet of the edo period in 15th century japan, matsuo basho. autumn night don’ think your life didn’t matter
it is an autumn night, a life approaching near to its end. it is a time of reflection, of introspection, of contemplation. at this moment we might reflect on the challenges, losses and accomplishments of a lifetime. there may be thoughts of “not good enough”, or “i didn't do enough”, “i’ll just sit and wait to die”.or we might take these reflective moments to know deeply inside that all life matters. we are all important energies in the world, regardless of what we have done or not done. we are each unique, a facet on the jewel of life.in the autumn of life we have the capacity to reframe and repair, to find forgiveness in ourselves (both for ourselves and others), to transform the paradigm of ageing. it is in the autumn of a life that we have enough experience to grow wisdom and to manifest that wisdom as a gift to all those we touch.no matter what the season outside the window, the autumn of life is filled with potential when we live it with curiosity, compassion and open-heartedness. each day can be filled with adventure, even when we can’t leave the chair.
it might be the inner adventures that fill our life in its autumn. it might be that then we know that our life matters.