The Last Lecture
April 10, 2008 by Tracee Sioux
Filed under Parenting
Who saw Randy Pausch’s interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC last night?
It is phenomenal what effect one professor’s lecture has had on the entire world.
My prevailing emotion was gratitude.
The most surprising emotion was envy. I envied the romance in his life.
Then came resolution. I resolve to live my life in a more present way. I’ve been making a concerted effort to be present in my life of late - this lecture gives me even more motive.
Lately, I’ve heard a lot of people say “the planet is experiencing an awakening right now.” I hope it’s true, and I’m loving the experience.
Did you see the interview? What were your prevailing emotions? Are you experiencing an awakening?
I felt a strong need to
-pray for a miracle for this family
-kiss my sleeping babies
-wake up my snoring husband and make passionate love to him..
-pray for forgiveness for taking such a cool life for granted
I lost it when he got to play football with the professional team..then again when she revisited him and he said that about crying in the shower..
Did you do it - wake your husband?
No, I did the other ones though - and I tried to stay up until he stirred, but I ended up watching 1 boring hour of the FLDS scandal and went to bed.
Does the thought count?
Living in the present moment is a simple yet profound concept. So often, people get “stuck in the past” and have trouble moving past the things that somehow hold them back (grudges, negative past experiences, inability to move forward with their lives). Also, many people get so fixated, worried, and distracted with trying to predict or change their futures that they lose the moments they are currently in. In contrast, living in the present moment is a different philosophy altogether. My acupuncturist has talked with me for years now about living in the present moment and its importance. It has taken me some time to wrap my brain around it but I really believe it makes a lot of sense. One facet of living in the present moment that my acupuncturist has introduced me to is meditation. My husband and I actually took a class from him on it. When I watched Randy Pausch’s positive attitude, his method of using the time he has now (like knitting nets vs. curling in a ball), and his overall zest for life and optimism and when I read Tracee’s comments about “living in a more present way”, it tied together, for me, with the sorts of things my acupuncturist has been trying to teach me. Every moment is precious in this life. Each moment we waste (i.e. by being an Eeyore, for example) is lost time. So I am inspired to strengthen my inner Tigger. I’m sure anyone who saw/sees the program and/or the lecture will be inspired likewise.
Jeanne - I have been awakened to the present moment since reading A New Earth too. Actually for a while now I’ve been noticing my greatest pleasures are mundane. Sitting on the couch watching tv with my kids snuggled up = bliss.
I regret - except regret too is not living in the present - spending so much time living in my head in either past or potential future - nursing my wounds, if you will. I found his wife’s words to be so wise “Not helpful” is a great way to redirect one’s own brain.
I too have been learning to meditate. It’s a discipline I am starting to see as more useful than any other part of my day.
I was diagnosed Monday with Breast Cancer and was feeling pretty sorry for myself, then Tuesday night I wanted the interview with Randy with Diane Sawyer and realized I have nothing to feel sorry for myself for. Here is a bright, handsome, caring young man with a wife and 3 beautiful children that is will be leaving behind and if he can be upbeat so can I.
Tracee, I haven’t read the book A New Earth but after hearing so much about it on your blog, I’m starting to think I need to get on it!
I agree that some of the greatest pleasures are the “little”, everyday things many take for granted. Our society is so commercialized that many people think acquiring material objects is the key to happiness when it’s not. I understand that slipping momentarily into a thought like regret can stir an “oops” moment when one is working so hard to focus on the present. My personal opinion is that reflection on the past (not ruminating or fixating on the past, just reflecting on it for a limited time for the purpose of learning from past experiences/mistakes) can be productive. I personally think never, ever thinking about the past or future is difficult if not impossible to implement. Certainly focusing too much on the future (obsessing over things, “mental rehearsal”) is not healthy. However, as with many things, I think the key is moderation and striking a balance. The concept of focusing on the present moment is something I never really gave much thought before meeting my acupuncturist. Also, I believe meditation gets a bad rap in the media and that most people don’t understand it. Meditation is a very powerful tool for quieting the mind, relaxation, reducing anxiety, addressing many physical and/or mental health issues… It’s really amazing. Don’t beat yourself up about “spending so much time living in your head in either past or potential future”. You did the best you could with the info you had at the time. Now you have more info and can move forward with that. My therapist says the phrase “not helpful” to me and when his wife said this phrase, I turned to my husband & said “Kristie says that”! Meditation really is powerful.
Carole- I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’ve not dealt with this issue personally, so I’m not sure how helpful my sympathies can be.
I’m so happy you have gotten a lot out of Randy’s experience. From a statistical standpoint having a positive attitude is a key component of beating cancer. I would also direct you to Crazy Sexy Cancer, a woman’s documentary about her experience LIVING with cancer. It is super-powerful. I wrote about it here and if you follow the links it will take you to the website, book and DVDs. http://www.blogfabulous.com/crazy-sexy-cancer/
I wish you good health and healing.
Carole,
I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’ve not dealt with breast cancer personally but one of my best friends was recently diagnosed and I believe her outstandingly positive attitude is truly helping her through this time. (I have had cancer but of a much different sort and one that was much easier to treat. So I don’t pretend to understand what it’s like to have breast cancer).
I couldn’t get over the timing you mentioned… diagnosed on Monday and that show being on TV on Tuesday. I don’t know about you but I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe the fact that you heard about the show in time to watch it when you did is remarkable.
I’m really glad you found the show with Randy so helpful. I went through about a half a box of tissues while watching the show with my husband. I found it very moving, inspirational, grounding, and truly profound.
I agree w/Tracee on the stats. I have read MANY studies on the huge impact positive thoughts can have on thriving through cancer and coming out the other side stronger.
If you have never practiced meditation, I would highly recommend it. My husband and I took a class on it from my acupuncturist but there may be other ways to take a class near you. Visualization techniques have helped many patients shrink tumors, based on much reading I’ve done and programs I’ve watched. Obviously you’ll want to follow the advice of your doctors! I’m just suggesting additional non-invasive methods that may assist you in your recovery.
My friend with breast cancer is getting regular acupuncture as a key element of her regimen combining Traditional Western Medicine techniques with alternative methods.
I wish you the best of luck. That positive attitude can only help you on this journey! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace,
Jeanne
Carole - I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m happy to hear that God’s obviously working quickly to comfort you. You’ll be in our prayers.
positive note: (My grandmother survived breast cancer 30 years ago - before all the treatments we have today.. she’s 84 now and still going strong!)
thanks for posting the video…i normally won’t watch a youtube that is more than 10-12 minutes (about the length of my attention span), but this one was riveting…i watched the whole thing, then i watched all 5 parts of the Diane Sawyer interview, then i googled and found randy’s website…what an awesome testimony!
lord, thank you for the miracle of randy’s life…thank you for loving his kids enough to give them this special time and all the memories that he’s made for them…if it is your will, give him a lot more time to love on his kids here on earth, i humbly pray, amen
Amen
I GUESS I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO FELT WEIRD ABOUT HIM NOT MENTIONING GOD-AT ALL. HE SAID HIS FATHER WAS THE MOST CHRISTIAN MAN HE EVER KNEW. WELL I GUESS THAT MESSAGE WON’T GET YOU A BOOK DEAL- OR OPRAH,OR SAWYER.
– OH YAH AND THAT THAT VIDEO HE SHOWED FROM ONE OF HIS STUDENTS WAS A METAPHOR FOR HOW HE FEELS ABOUT HIS LIFE.
I got the impression he felt his spiritual journey and relationship with God was a private and intimate thing - one he felt the public would analyze and criticize. I wonder where he got that impression Marcella?
It’s interesting because I perceived the identical impression as Tracee when I watched it (long before I read these last 2 posts). To me, it was clear that he didn’t want to impose his religious beliefs on anyone else. Yes, he mentioned that his father was the most Christian man he had known. I suppose that could be interpreted other ways but I took that as him making a general, sweeping reference to religion without feeling compelled to impose his views on others. I agree strongly that he seemed to be taking pains to keep his private religious beliefs private. He certainly has every right to do so. Also, regarding the references to Oprah and Diane Sawyer… I highly doubt that his motives are financial (I’m responding to your book deal comment). We’re talking about a man who is terminally ill and is using his last days to create a legacy for his children with the videotaped lecture, the interviews, and the book. That way when they get older they will have something to help them understand their father and how much he loved them! The idea that his motivation is book deals (with the implication a book deal would be about money rather than spreading his positive message which is helping millions of people) just boggles my mind completely!
I think that’s a really silly implication - seeing as how he’s making his final plans here. Although I’m praying for a miracle recovery for him - I don’t see him sitting down to start his auto-biography.
I know right.
To question this guy’s motive. He’s a professor who made a lecture at the college he worked at.
Hello! The fact that it went viral and that millions of people were willing to watch and be changed by a college lecture was DIVINE intervention.
Christianity and hiding God don’t go together.
If he’s not saying he’s a Christian- he’s saying he’s not.
And for me- that took away from his message.
Marcella - I believe he’s a Christian.
If you don’t want to get anything out of it Marcella - then don’t.
Who made you the judge of who’s “Christian enough?”
Marcella,
I have noticed that often those who wear religion on their sleeve may have dirty cuffs. The point of the story is being missed completely by this tangent that takes away from the message and inspiration of the Randy Pausch’s story: LOVE, living in the moment, leaving a legacy for his children, devotion to his wife, educating his students, and now sharing his motivational story with millions. I am sorry for what has caused you to have such bitterness. Professor Pausch is sharing such a large amount of love and yet somehow you are upset by it. His message was overwhelmingly positive. I’m sorry that you didn’t find it uplifting. Many around the world have. It’s unfortunate that you couldn’t feel a similar benefit from his message. I wish you peace.
Jeanne
I must have a different standered for what really matters in a persons life.
His stories were entertaining, his situation sad, but his message- misguided.
What message did you take from it Marcella?
That this life (on earth) is all we have so we must accomplish everything on our “list” before we die. A pretty typical sentiment of anyone who lacks faith. People of faith think differently about death and dying. Sometimes people who reach a high level of education have a hard time having faith in anything but themselves-and
oh-ya “karma?!”. He may know God but he nearly denies it when asked if this experience drew him closer to God, in one statement saying that he did not know but it has given him more faith in man. The way I see it God has Faith in man, Man should have Faith in God. From Matthew.. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Don’t get me wrong -my heart hurts for him and his family-though probably not for the same reasons.
Marcella - I understand as a Christian where you are coming from. I have to tell you that at first I had the same thoughts and wondered the same thing. But he never came out and said anything in opposition of Christianity or the Bible. But, he seemed very at peace with dying - very unusual for someone who doesn’t believe in the afterlife or God. And the bible says that our life does count and that it does matter what we do here and that how we touch others does matter. I don’t believe Christianity can be stripped down as much as some would like..
The very idea that what we do in this life somehow doesn’t matter somehow strikes me as sacrilegious. Do you think God does NOT want people helping each other… as exemplified by Randy Pausch!? Of course how we touch others’ lives matters. In fact, the absence of such compassion and desire to reach out & inspire others to provide support, comfort, and healing strikes me as being very in line with Christianity AND other religions. I’m going to go out on a limb here and go on record as saying that there are many different organized religions. By the way, the vast majority of Randy Pausch’s “list” of things he wanted to accomplish before dying (it struck me like about 98%) were about LOVE… showing his love for his family by using the time they have now to enjoy each other’s company while they can. LOVE in the for of “knitting nets” to prepare them for after he has passed on. LOVE in the form of The Last Lecture video his children will be able to watch. LOVE in the obvious adoration and respect he had for his wife. Those are just a few examples. So what if someone got wind of the fact that he was a football fan and arranged for him (without his knowledge) to go play with the Steelers? Does that make him a bad person because having fun playing football shouldn’t be on his “list”? Oh, that right, he’s not supposed to have a list. Marcella, could you please tell me what you (the apparent judge and jury here) would sooner see him do than his “list”? Should he spend 24 hours a day in church praying? Or should he curl up in a ball and cry? It seems to me that he is making conscious, purposeful, mindful, thoughtful, considerate, wise decisions about how to use his remaining time with his family. I repeat what I said earlier… I truly wish you peace. Your comments seem closer to judgment, arrogance, condescension, and even borderline rage than anywhere near peace. To me it seems like peace is in better alignment with Christian thoughts than those other things your posts are emanating. Of course, I’m no theologian or anything. But then if I was, my education level would probably be too high to allow me have faith in anything, according to your logic. (Now how much sense does that make)?? By the way, Randy Pausch strikes me as having a healthy, vibrant, strong, positive soul. I honestly hope you find peace and serenity, Marcella. I really do.
I found his words to be full of the Grace of God. He is teaching us how to live not how to die. Where he goes from here is up to God. What you take from his words is up to you.
God lives in us. I have faith in Humankind too.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your perspective Marcella.
Marcella,
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” I’m pretty sure this verse is referring to the aquisition of material posessions and power..
The accomplishments of Professor Pausch aren’t materialistic in the least. Everyone is so enamored with his life because he seems to have really LIVED it. He seems to have had his priorities straight, his heart in the right place, his head in the game unlike most of us. He has led a very clean, decent, loving life.. He struck me as a VERY faithful man and, frankly, it’s none of our business which religion he is.
As a Christian I pray that he knows Jesus - but Christianity teaches us that we never know a man’s heart - only God does. And I believe (because the bible says it) that applies to the little, old, church lady that has occupied the same pew since 1954 and taught Sunday school for 30 years just as it applies to the drug dealer around the corner..
Honestly, I believe it is a WASTE of time for a woman of faith to sit around pondering wether or not a person she doesn’t even know is getting into heaven..there are people you do know that need your concern, your prayers and maybe even your opinion..
FYI everyone:
Today’s Oprah will supposedly have an update on Randy Pausch today (show airing currently EST).
I love it when there’s a chick fight!
His message is nothing more than a watered down “liberal-friendly” summerization of the bible.
This guy spent his life discoverying things that most learned as a child. To the typical person that wastes their lives eating bon-bons and watching Oprah, he is a God-send, to the small percentage of us that live thier lives quietly to the fulliest, he is a just another joe. His message is for the masses, “Get off you couches and live!”. To the people that are doing it already, its like no shit, try to keep up with me!
Take care ladies….
Thanks for stopping by my blog Dennis.
Can’t talk,
Oprah is on. Bye - going to watch.
Kids! Who ate all the damn bon bons?
Wow - and humble too..
Jeanne,
-what part of his list was 98% love?
Going in space, his stuffed annimal collection, playing in the NFL, or working for Disney??!!
Ashly-
the verse I mentioned refers to all things relating to works without faith. That WAS the summary of Randy’s lecture. Randy has led a rich full life and maybe as Dennis wrote inspired people to get off the couch and live life.
I was asked what I would be doing if I were dying-well I have no idea. But if Oprah, or Sawyer ever interviewed me,dying or not, I certainly wouldn’t say that my faith was a “private matter?!”
What? Dennis - are you also Marcella?
Leave me alone…..All of you!
Marcella is Randy, Randy is Marcella, now stop it!
How inspiring Randy Pausch is! If you liked “The Last Lecture”, another fantastic memoir I just read and highly recommend is “My Stroke of Insight” by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. Her TEDTalk video (ted.com) has been seen as many times as The Last Lecture I think, and Oprah did 4 shows on her book, so there are a lot of similarities. In My Stroke of Insight, there’s a happy ending though. It’s an incredible story! I hear they’re making it into a movie.