Death - the price of humanity
Many of us close the thoughts of death out of our minds. Thinking about death can arouse fear and anxiety, which is why the thoughts are pushed aside, hidden behind defensive walls. But what if we opened the gates of this wall and looked at our mortality in a new light? Could there be any benefit in thinking about one's own death?
Could there be any benefit in thinking about one's own death?
Death from an eye to an eye
Hiding death in the fabric of society's institutions has alienated many from its naturalness and inevitability. However, death is as essential a part of the life cycle as birth, and dealing with it openly can help to alleviate death-related fears and uncertainties, opening the door to deep reflections on the meaning of life and death. Normalizing death expands compassion and deepens understanding of humanity's shared destiny. When we accept that everyone faces the same inevitable end point, our ability to form deeper connections with others is strengthened, regardless of their backgrounds or life situations. It encourages people to act more empathetically and support each other in life's many challenges.
When death becomes part of the natural continuum of life and is no longer considered a taboo, society can also develop more empathetic and humane. We learn to appreciate life in all its diversity and build communities that support their members at all stages of life, including the final moments. Such an approach to death alleviates grief and prepares us to face our own and our loved ones' last moments with dignity and peace.
With the help of death, the essence of life becomes clear - what really matters
Thinking about our own death acts as a powerful catalyst, challenging us to evaluate what is really important in our lives. Our daily worries are put into a new perspective when we compare them to the limitations of life. Being aware of death does not belittle everyday things, but helps to weed out the useless and secondary, encourages valuing and investing more in meaningful relationships and experiences.
Facing mortality often serves as an impetus for personal change. When you realize that life does not go on forever, the courage to face the necessary changes deepens. The reality of life's finitude sharpens decision-making and brings before us the inescapable facts: now is the time to live according to our desires and implement the changes we have postponed waiting for a "better moment". The presence of death serves as a powerful reminder that life happens in the here and now, and the future may not offer the opportunity to realize long-term aspirations.
The reality of life's finitude sharpens decision-making and brings before us the inescapable facts: now is the time to live according to our desires and implement the changes we have postponed waiting for a "better moment".
Raising existential questions
The contemplation of death invites us to dive into the deep water of existential questions. To the questions "Why are we here?" and "What is the meaning of life?" there may not be clear answers, but dealing with them opens paths to self-reflection and spiritual growth. Although there are no definite answers, exploring the questions is valuable in itself, as it helps us to understand humanity and its challenges more deeply.
When there is little consideration of existential questions, our perception of life can remain more superficial, and values and principles may be deprived of deeper reflection. This limits mental growth and makes dealing with crisis situations more challenging. When life's big questions are not dealt with, the capacity for empathy and deep human relationships can also weaken. Reflecting on existential questions deepens appreciation for the momentary and helps to understand and respect the fragility of life.
Reflecting on existential questions deepens appreciation for the momentary and helps to understand and respect the fragility of life.
Through meditation to the heart of death and life
Tibetan Buddhist monks practice meditation with the goal of achieving deep peace and preparing for death in a conscious and focused state. The tradition emphasizes the belief that conscious presence and maintaining a meditative state at the moment of death enables a clearer transition and a deeper understanding of the nature of life and death. In meditation, they experience continuity of consciousness and a deep connection to something greater than themselves—a universal force or higher consciousness—reflecting respect for the never-ending cycle of life and its cyclical nature.
A deep meditative state can open doors to levels of consciousness that resonate deep within the core of human experience. Similar accounts are often heard in connection with near-death experiences (NDE). In deep states of meditation, much like NDE experiences, people often report experiencing a connection with the universal life force in a way that transcends the boundaries of ordinary everyday reality.
The deep connection that meditation and near-death experiences can lead to offers the opportunity to experience a constant stream of consciousness where death is seen as a natural and inseparable part of life. Meditative deepening can help recognize that death is not the end of all life but a change, part of a wider cycle. This can help reduce the fear of death and increase inner peace. With increased understanding, we can approach life's challenges and the inevitability of death with greater courage and clarity of mind.
Recognizing the fear of death and living with it can ultimately be an asset that promotes adaptability and improves the quality of life.
Facing death - courage to control your fears
Facing death is a profound psychological process that strengthens the courage to face other fears in life as well. Courage does not come from fearlessness, but from the ability to act despite fear, which is central to the development of emotional resilience. Courage helps to face challenging situations and obstacles, enabling the achievement of goals and the full utilization of one's own potential. Recognizing the fear of death and living with it can ultimately be an asset that promotes adaptability and improves the quality of life.
So thinking about death is not just a dark or scary task. It is a way to deepen our understanding of life and its meaning. By accepting our mortality, we face our fears and at the same time open up the opportunity to live fully, appreciating every moment and creating meaningful relationships. Therefore, thinking about death should not be taboo, but an integral part of the rich fabric of life.
