There’s a narrative in our culture that we find clarity when we face death.
We come closer to our values and consider what’s truly important to us.
This narrative is evident in an article I read about the top5 regrets of the dying.
But why can’t we make space for these epiphanies before becoming palliative?
Why didn’t these folks consider these important questions earlier?
Well, because death s a scary topic.
In fact, if you’re reading this article, bravo.
We live in adeath-denying culture, where we don’t like to talk or think about death.
It makes us feel uneasy.
We don’t even like the word “die.”
We say things like “pass” or “expire,” and get uncomfortable aroundothers who are grieving.
But what if, by ignoring our mortality, we’re doing ourselves a giant disservice?
Well, it is.
Here’s why:
1.
Thinking about death motivates us.
Imagine if you knew you were immortal.
You’d live for eternity.
All the time in the world.
Would you feel desired to experience, accomplish, and connect?
Knowing our time here is finite motivates us to truly live our lives.
Thinking about death reminds us to not sweat the small stuff.
Thinking of the precarious nature of life lends us some perspective.
The “little things” stay little.
Thinking about death helps us appreciate the present and be mindful.
You might find yourselfsavoring(or at least not hating) moments that were previously uncomfortable.
Thinking about death helps us negotiate our death anxiety and feel more prepared for our exit from this earth.
Anxiety arises when we think about dying.
But the more we think about something, the less frightening it becomes.
There are many different beliefs about what happens when we stop breathing.
Be kind to yourself.
These feelings and thoughts will come and go.
Thinking about death allows us to remember what’s really important to us and live intentionally.
Remembering that this one life is finite helps us find meaning and be attentive and intentional with our actions.
Then start moving in that direction.
So, if you’re feeling courageous, make some space for thinking about death.
Notice what comes up.
Invite in that anxiety, that disquiet, feel the perceivably solid ground of your world tremble slightly.
Notice how it lessens as you think about death more.
A more meaningful, mindful life.
