Carpe Diem? Hardly.
The fervor that comes across in the world today is that of quick, breathless success. Grab life by the horns, they say - you can only live once! As a Buddhist, that view is no longer valid for me - life should not be grabbed by the horns, it should be ridden carefully and with distinction. When you rush headlong into success, who knows what reprecussions stem from your actions? With mindfulness and distinction one can live life knowing exactly where one stands in contrast with others - only then can we call ourselves successful. When waiting in line at the store, do not be impatient - rather, take this as an opportunity to practice your patience. If we all did this for five minutes each day, the world would be a much better place...obviously, we don't. When you see that someone has done something unknowingly that hurts or in some way hinders you, give them a break - they're human too. I was at the bookstore today, and I left my books on a chair so that I could pick up the last one I needed. When I came back, the books were on the floor, and someone was sitting in my seat. What did I do? Did I "carpe jugulum?" No, instead I calmlu picked up the books and sat down on the floor - problem averted and solved. I did not even feel any negative feelings, mind you - I knew that the person is as tired standing up as I am. With such distinctions, we can live life in the present moment, without rushing. My mother always tells me "stand up for yourself - don't let them get the best of you!" I say, let them get the best of me - we'll all be the happier. Carpe diem? Not for me, thanks.