Here at the frontier, the leaves fall like rain. Although my neighbors are all barbarians, and you, you are a thousand miles away, there are still two cups at my table.


Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.

~ Wu-men ~


Wednesday, September 03, 2008

The Bucket List


One of my daughters brought home a great movie, which I hadn't seen before: The Bucket List.

It stars Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. It's about two old men (one of whom is fabulously rich) who both find out that they are terminally ill. Nothing will save them.

They make a list of things to do before they "kick the bucket." Travel to exotic places, do thing like sky dive and drive fast cars.

It's a wonderful movie. It left me wondering though, if I knew that I didn't have much time, and money was no object, what would I do? What would be on my list?

For quite a while I was stumped. It's a big question.

I would move to a house on a large body of water. I would continue to practice taijiquan because it makes me feel good; especially the standing practice for an hour each day, because that clears my mind. I'd listen to all manner of music, especially classical music, which I particularly love.

I'd get through as many books as I could. I'd also leave the people at Netflix with blistered fingers, sending me movies. I really like watching movies with my kids (my wife doesn't particularly like movies).

That's it. Besides the lake house, I'd do pretty much what I'm doing now, except more of it since I wouldn't have to work.

You know, that's a pretty reassuring thought: I'd do what I'm doing now, just more of it.

What's on your Bucket List?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a good reminder of our finite days...

I think I'm much like you... I'd do what I'm doing already, just more of the really good parts.

Regards

Rick Matz said...

I think if I had to make wholesale changes, that would tell me I'm going in the wrong direction altogether.

Anonymous said...

I think I would keep striving toward seemingly unreachable goals, right up until my last day.

The progression is what gives me the most satisfaction.

Rick Matz said...

Ikigai has a nice blog. Click on his name and please pay a visit.

Anonymous said...

More of some of the same. Less of some of the same. More reading. More empty spaces. Travel. Yes, a place on a lake would be exquisite. Listening to the water at night, through a screened window, would be a perfect way to fall asleep every night. More time to spend with friends. Time to do craftwork with natural materials.

--ms lili

Anonymous said...

i actually didn't want to watch bucket list in the first place as i already know the story, and i already know i'm not doing as much of the things i want to do more of... i ended up watching it, and still not doing more of tai ji, writing etc... should have used the time watching the movie for tai chi. haha! still, you're right, good movie.