Oliver Sacks, acclaimed author and neurologist, died this past Sunday.  Known for his acute observations, deep commitment to his patients, and best-selling case histories such as "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" and "Awakenings", Dr. Sacks wrote with honesty and compassion.  As it became clear that his own life was coming to an end, Dr. Sacks mused eloquently about his life and impending death.

His last essay, "Sabbath" appeared in The New York Times and he wrote of the importance of living a "good life" and taking time to consider what that might mean. 

“And now, weak, short of breath, my once-firm muscles melted away by cancer, I find my thoughts, increasingly, not on the supernatural or spiritual, but on what is meant by living a good and worthwhile life — achieving a sense of peace within oneself. I find my thoughts drifting to the Sabbath, the day of rest, the seventh day of the week, and perhaps the seventh day of one’s life as well, when one can feel that one’s work is done, and one may, in good conscience, rest.”

As we head into another academic year, may Dr. Sack's words encourage us to consider what is a life worth living, and give ourselves the gift of taking the time to figure it out. This fall, Radius will offer two programs that will provide the space and thoughtfulness that can assist in this journey.  Please check our calendar for programs on finding purpose in your work and for ways to incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life.