had I not been awake, I would have missed it

There’s a beautiful poem by Heaney that starts with this line.

I discovered it not long after it was published.

For me, it captures one of the most precious teachings in life: to live an extraordinary existence, you must be Awake.

Being Awake comes from the daily cultivation of excellence.

Excellence of thought, of word, of action. Excellence of spirit towards others.

Being Awake to life means that you are like a night watch.

Better. Like an eagle, high in the sky: infinitely patient, sustained by faith, unburdened by expectation.

And always ready to answer to Life.

Life is abundant, Life is generous, endless and wise: it will never, ever, betray you.

But it opens the best doors only if you are Awake when the time comes.

Life rewards you when you practice excellence in the smallest gestures and are capable of generosity without calculation.

And especially when you keep your values immaculate, even when someone else around you decides not to.

I have countless examples, in my experience, of the opening of doors.

And it always coincided with me being truly Awake to the endless beauty of Life.

Had I not been awake, I would have missed it.

Stay Awake, Life is on your side.