Don’t Seize the Moment

“He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy;
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity’s sun rise.”
~ William Blake
“We never can capture the rapture of NOW”.
~ Ron Rattner, Sutra Sayings
“The more we live moment by moment,
the more momentous our lives.”
~ Ron Rattner, Sutra Sayings




Don’t Seize the Moment

Live moment by moment.

The more we live moment by moment,
the more momentous our lives.

Each moment is perfect;
it expands infinitely and eternally.

So, mindfully welcome each moment;
but don’t try to seize it – or freeze it.

Trying to seize it – or freeze it,
we’ll spoil it.

Say “yes” to each moment;
accept it, and don’t try to capture it.

We never can capture
the rapture of NOW.

Let each moment be –
let it go, let it flow.

And then, timeless Peace
shall we ever – KNOW.



Ron’s spoken explanation and recitation of “Don’t Seize the Moment”

Listen to



Ron’s explanation and dedication of “Don’t Seize the Moment”

Dear Friends,

The above “Don’t Seize the Moment” poem was inspired by this enlightened verse from 18th century English visionary artist and poet William Blake:

“He who binds to himself a joy

Does the winged life destroy;

But he who kisses the joy as it flies

Lives in eternity’s sun rise.”


For millennia mystics have recognized the permanent-impermanence of all forms and experiences in our space/time energetic ‘reality’ – an insight now confirmed by quantum physicists.   

Thus Buddhists have realized the futility of ego attachments to fleeting earthly forms and experiences, which are like an ephemeral mirage; and, that all such attachments inevitably lead to suffering.  That living love and letting go of ego ultimately matter most in our earth lives.

So Blake’s elegantly enlightened verse is consistent with Buddhist wisdom. And it especially inspired my “Don’t Seize the Moment” line that:  

“We never can capture the rapture of NOW”.


The foregoing verses are dedicated to reminding us of the permanent impermanence of everything/everyone/everywhere; and, thereby to encourage us to become ever less attached and judgmental, while leading ever happier lives.

May they inspire us to let go of ego and let life live us as LOVE!

Thereby may we ultimately realize our common spiritual self-identity as Infinite Awareness beyond time – beyond birth and death.

And so shall it be!

Ron Rattner