the Buddha urged his monks to practice like this each morning:

[bhasa leona]

I am of the nature to grow old.

There is no way to escape growing old.
Instead of repressing it, invite it up, look directly at it.
I am of the nature to grow old, I must accept that.

I am of the nature to have ill-health. 

When I grow old, I will know it!
There is no way to escape having ill-health.

I am of the nature to die. 

There is no way to escape death.
All that is dear to me and everyone I love 
are of the nature to change. 

There is no way to escape being separated from them.

My actions are my only true belongings.

I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. 

My actions are the ground on which I stand.