Comments on: Why the “Six Months to Live” Question Is The Wrong One To Ask

By: Adam Kayce

Adam Kayce — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:22:05 +0000

I think that's a great point, Gina — there are things we do (or can do) that work across both domains. I agree; exercising and eating well is one of those, because the way they help us feel is both quick and enduring. Relationships, with other people and with ourselves, is another biggie, like you said, because when we choose to live consciously and in-the-moment with others, we become "current"—nothing left out, nothing shoved away, nothing overwhelming the urge to be present—and that's a huge gift for our collective well-being. Great awareness; thanks for sharing!

By: Gina Loree Marks

Gina Loree Marks — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:38:11 +0000

Excellent post. Again. And yes, another thing I was thinking about.

And so, how to hone in on those things that would also apply to both time frames, and serve both the short and long term experiences.

Like cultivating conscious relationships. Taking care of my body (‘cuz eating well and moving around feel pretty darn good right now). And trying to be present and awake during as many moments as possible, so it really doesn’t matter if I’ll be here for 40 years, or only 40 minutes.

By: Adam Kayce

Adam Kayce — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:00:18 +0000

I’m sure you’ll still be sparkling at 86, Shawn… if anyone knows about sparkling, it’s you.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:43:44 +0000

Being a bit of a procrastinator…and 40 years seems like I’ve got quite a while…I’ve preferred to approach it as, “If I want to be gleaming and vibrantly alive at 86, what would I be doing today?” That way, I’m really picturing and getting a sense of myself as this really elegant, vibrant 86 year old woman – still a real “sparkler”.

By: Adam Kayce

Adam Kayce — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:11:22 +0000

Davina and Randa: you've highlighted the genius in the question - there's nothing like the idea of death to wake us up and live, huh? And, Randa, I like the way you said it:

... since the truth is that (hopefully) most of us will be around much longer than that the answer is not one to life your life by.

That's my point, exactly. Brilliant tool, but incomplete as a life motto. Nice to see you both again, too! Danielle - welcome! Great to have you here. And I'm glad you liked it. (Folks, if you don't know Danielle, you should check out her blog... great writing, great focus: White Hot Truth.)

By: Danielle LaPorte

Danielle LaPorte — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:00:39 +0000

refreshing to have this turned upside down. nice one.

By: Randa Clay

Randa Clay — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:51:27 +0000

Very thought-provoking post Adam. The 6-month question is helpful in that it can refocus one on what is really important in life, but since the truth is that (hopefully) most of us will be around much longer than that the answer is not one to life your life by. If I had only 6 months to live, I suppose I’d turn off the computer and spend every spare second with my sons (tearing up a little just thinking about that…). Hoping that I’ll be around longer though doesn’t mean I should lose valuable time with them in favor of my *little* internet addiction.

By: Davina

Davina — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:21:04 +0000

Hi Adam. This really made me think. If I knew I only had 6 months I’d live differently for sure. I’d be less concerned with my survival and live more in the moment. Your post also made me consider the idea that although most folk would make different choices, they’d also appreciate everything they did more. Talk about living consciously! Great post — thanks.

By: Adam Kayce

Adam Kayce — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:54:08 +0000

Isn’t it interesting, Meredith, how a question can be so enlivening? I love how you said you’ve been working with that question for 10 years.

Have you played with the Six Month Question, too? I suppose it’d be hard not to, since it’s pretty ubiquitous… and, I’d enjoy hearing how you experience a balance of the two, if you do.

By: Meredith Curtin

Meredith Curtin — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:41:52 +0000

Thank you so much for this, Adam. I have been working on the 40-year question for about 10 years. It is THE question that helps me select activities that keep me green and growing.

Even today – I looked at my want-to-get-all-this-done (all 14 hours of stuff), and ended up selecting maintaining activities (Shiva Dance, running) and previous commitment activities, things that I had said that I would do. Only one activity – one hour of my day – will be working on something new – for the future.

That feels like the right balance, for today at any rate.