Embrace the Present Moment: The Wisdom of the Clock of Life
The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop,
At late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own,
Live, love, toil with a will;
Place no faith in tomorrow,
For the clock may then be still.
To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one’s health is more;
To lose one’s soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.
The present only is our own,
So live, love, toil with a will;
Place no faith in tomorrow,
For the clock may then be still.
I found this short poem in a gift shop in Sydney Australia back in 1990, and the words really resonated with me then, and still do today. The Clock of Life by Robert H. Smith, is a great reminder to live in the moment – be present now for yourself, your love ones and the clients and students you interact and engage with each day.
In our fast-paced, constantly changing world, it’s easy to get caught up in the future; planning for what’s to come, worrying about what might happen, and dreaming of what we can accomplish. But there is wisdom in the words of this wonderful poem, which reminds us that the only moment we truly have is now.
For Reiki practitioners and those immersed in wellness, this poem resonates deeply. It speaks to the heart of what we do: healing, balancing energy, and helping others to reconnect with their true selves. But before we can truly help others, we must first learn to embrace the present moment ourselves.
As Reiki practitioners, we know that energy is constantly flowing. The chakras spin, the aura shifts, and the energetic field around us is ever-changing. However, our true power lies in being present; being fully aware and grounded in the now. We often remind our clients to “let go of the past” and to “stop worrying about the future,” but do we always heed this advice ourselves?
The poem’s reminder is simple yet profound: we only have this moment. The clock of life will not stop for us to catch up, and it will not wait for us to feel ready. Now is the time to heal, to grow, to evolve, and to create.
In Reiki, the energy we channel flows in the present moment. The hand positions we use, the symbols we activate, and the intent we set all happen here and now. The time spent worrying about what’s coming or dwelling on the past only distracts us from the healing potential of the present.
Life’s True Wealth is the Gift of Now and as wellness practitioners, we often guide others to nourish their mind, body, and spirit. But it’s important to remember that the true wealth of our lives is found in how we live in the present. We can spend hours planning for the future—setting goals, making to-do lists, or visualizing our success. However, true growth happens when we show up fully in the now.
Reiki encourages us to be in the moment, aligning with our clients’ energy and listening to the subtle shifts that guide us. This practice can be carried into our everyday lives. Take time to be present in your relationships, in your self-care, and in your work. Appreciate the beauty in every breath, in every step, and in every thought.
The Clock of Life reminds us that the external rewards we often chase; wealth, status, material possessions, pale in comparison to the richness of inner peace, spiritual alignment, and well-being. Many Reiki practitioners enter this field because they seek to heal themselves first. The wellness journey is deeply personal, and we must not neglect our inner health while serving others.
If we lose sight of our connection to the present moment, we risk losing that precious alignment with our soul. Life’s true wealth lies in our ability to nurture ourselves and stay grounded in the now, regardless of the distractions around us.
Living the Reiki Principles in Everyday Life!
As Reiki practitioners, we follow a set of guiding principles that encourage us to live consciously in each moment:
- Just for today, I will not be angry.
- Just for today, I will not worry.
- Just for today, I will be grateful.
- Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
- Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
Each of these principles is a call to action in the present. Whether we are sending Reiki energy to ourselves or others, or simply navigating our daily lives, these principles guide us to make the most of now. When we let go of anger, worry, and expectations, we create space for healing energy to flow freely.
The clock of life reminds us that our time is finite. The “tomorrow” we so often plan for may never come, and the past can no longer be changed. We have the power to choose how we live today. Are we living with intention, love, and presence?
Conclusion: Be Present, Be Powerful
As you move through your Reiki and wellness journey, remember that time waits for no one. The hands of the clock move forward relentlessly, and the only time you can control is now.
The next time you begin a Reiki session, whether it’s for yourself or a client, take a moment to remind yourself to be fully present. Allow yourself to let go of the past and not worry about the future. Trust that everything unfolds in its own perfect time.
Live your life as you would guide a client; gently, purposefully, and with love. Embrace the present moment, for it is all we truly have. And in the now, you are powerful beyond measure.
Have a Top Day!
