Happy Halfway Day: passion to profit

Have others ever felt a passion -- a sense of urgency -- to do what is profitable, what is wholesome and useful toward liberation? If one, there is an accompanying feeling that one is not doing nearly enough to make reasonable progress toward the goal. How much time has passed, and how much time will pass, before we get on the ball? "Long enough, wanderers," the Buddha frequently said, "has it been that we have wandered on in this round (samsara) -- long enough to have become dispassionate toward all formations."

Lord Time clips Cupid's wings

(TOI) It’s July 2nd. You’re sipping ice water, wondering where [half] the year went, maybe even scrolling photos thinking, Didn’t we just celebrate New Year’s? Suddenly, someone says, “Hey, you know today is exactly halfway through the year?”

Wait, what? Yep. July 2nd isn’t just another random summer day stuck between fireworks and a cousin’s birthday party. It’s Halfway Day — the dead-center midpoint of the year.

Half of 2025 is behind us. The other half? Still ahead, ready to be claimed [if we seize the day, or squandered if we worry about Trump and other corrupt politicians advancing Project 2025].

Whether feeling super accomplished or lowkey behind on every goal made back in January, this little calendar milestone is a gentle nudge from the universe to pause, [meditate like you thought you would], reflect, and maybe even restart. More

• Words Leading to Disenchantment and Samsara: Two Essays (Bodhi Leaves, BPS.lk)

Why would anyone meditate?

Time keeps on ticking, ticking...How can I gain energy to make effort in meditation?

Overcoming complacency in meditation

(Beth Upton) April 21, 2025: Here I discuss what we can do if we notice ourselves becoming complacent (lazy, fatigued, unenthusiastic) in our daily meditation practice.

These videos are only made possible by generous donations. Please consider supporting this work: bethupton.com/support-my-work. Patreon: bethupton Find out more about my work here: bethupton.com. Shot by Alexis P.N. and Zsolt Batar. @GuavaFunk: laffcotchtv. Contact: alexispn777@gmail.com.

• Moment of Zen videos | Watch
• Carpe diem: "Seize the Day"
• New Year's Resolution Recommitment Day: June 1, 2026 (National Today)
• Model Ekaterina Stukanova; Times of India, July 2, 2025; Beth Upton, meditation advice, 2025; Dhr. Seven, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Jen B. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly