A conversation with a soul

What is this feeling I woke up with? Something is nagging me. I feel rushed, flustered, like I can’t catch up. It doesn’t feel right—I’m all over the place. But how could that be? It’s four in the morning; I’m supposed to be asleep. My heart races, my chest pounds, my breathing is shallow. Why is this happening? Meditation doesn’t help; my thoughts leap from one place to another.

A sudden chill runs through me. It feels as though my body is cold from the inside—I feel it in my bones. Then, a realization sets in: I’m feeling emotions and pains that aren’t mine, but I am witnessing them nonetheless. A soul is here. A soul that is not mine. Someone’s spirit is passing by and wants me to bear witness.

This soul was always on the go when they walked among us, never slowing down—one success after another. By the time they finished one project, they had already started the next. They thought they still had time to make up for not being present, for always being at work. They hoped to compensate later for neglecting those around them. They had a plan, you see—a vision of how life was supposed to go, how they would enjoy it and travel once they had enough. But that time never came.

How sad it must be to spend life constantly on the go, only to realize too late that your time is up—before you’ve enjoyed the fruits of your labor. People often assume there will always be more time, but if you don’t make time, it won’t happen. In an instant, it can all end, because this life is only temporary.

“Life is funny this way,” they said. “The more you chase after material things, the less satisfied you feel. You keep trying to make more, take more, buy more, but the satisfaction is only fleeting. If fulfillment doesn’t come from within, no amount of accolades, success, or wealth will ever be enough.”

“All I know is that I missed my chance. I wish I could go back and make different choices. If I could, I would be more present, more available. I would pause to admire the birds and trees. I would cherish those around me, celebrating them more. I would be grateful for what I already have and immerse myself fully in the world. Maybe that’s why I’ve come to you—to share this before you, too, regret your choices.”