Bob Schwartz

First time

The first time
Is this time
Is the last time

What are your constant practices? Ones performed from the earliest time, maybe before memory, maybe every day, maybe every moment. Each time the same, each time different.

Breathing, for example. You may not think of it as a practice, though you know and hope it is constant. You don’t remember the first breath, though somebody else will. You will not remember your final breath, though somebody else may. That previous breath, this breath and that next breath, you know them.

© 2026 Bob Schwartz