How often do you think about death? Not just death in
general, but your death? Fun conversation starter, I know. But it has struck me
recently how this subject seems to elicit pure terror in many members of our
society. It’s as if they are just now learning they are mortal and coming to
grips with the fact that at some point, something is going to get them. And for
quite a few folks, it seems their solution to escaping death is to also avoid
living.
But could it be a healthy practice to spend more time
considering death? Instead of avoiding death, what if we embraced it to see
what it can teach us?
I know some people who actually write and rewrite their own
obituary every so often. Why? Because contemplating death creates a deeper
appreciation for life. It helps us cling to what really matters in this existence
and works to loosen our grip on the trivial matters of the present. Musing on
our own mortality produces perspective.
Even the mundane aspects of our days become sweetened when
considering our own eventual demise. If for no other reason, our perspective is
enhanced simply through contrast. Sunshine would not be so invigorating if we
never experienced rain. Connection and community are easily taken for granted
until we battle loneliness. Pleasure cannot fully be appreciated unless we
experience pain. Life is sweeter when contrasted with the bitterness of death.
Try viewing your life through the lens of your own mortality
and see if it does not appear just a bit more beautiful and precious. Don’t
live in fear of your expiration date. Rather, live in appreciation of all the
moments between now and then.
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