This is something to conquer

It is all around us, all the time. Yet, most of us forget that which we all have most in common: our mortality. We don’t know when our last day will be. Our last meal, last hug, last goodbye; we’re so used to our good fortune that we’re desensitized to it, and naturally we take it all for granted. The roof over our heads, the food in the fridge, a stable job. Our pets, friends, family. What guarantees we’ll get back home tonight to greet those we love once more? Absolutely nothing. Even those things we’re struggling with are taken for granted, for if we were to die and look at our lives and all we’ve left behind, even our problems would be cherished. Even though life is hard and painful, at least alive, we’ve got a shot at making it better. What shot is there when we’re dead? Anyway, the odds in many ways, are not in our favor. Death hangs upon us all, all the time. Pretty grim, but that’s not my intention, even if it seems like it.

This weekend in Mexico, Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) was celebrated. A day to celebrate and remember those who are no longer with us. Skull parades, Cempasuchil leaf trails to guide the deceased to their altar loaded with all the things they once loved, dancing and celebrations, all in honor of those gone at the hand of that which binds us all.

But for many, death is one of those things you don’t talk about. It’s perceived as something negative, evil, and to some, even unnatural. What makes it that much more scary is that we don’t really know anything about it. What happens after death? Is there really a heaven and hell? Reincarnation? What if there isn’t? Then, do I become a spirit that wanders, or do I simply cease to exist? With all this in mind, to fear death is only natural. And to think of how things would play off if you or someone you love died? That’s a one-way ticket to a dreadfully overwhelming and anxiety-inducing trip.

If I were suddenly gone, how would my family handle it?
If this person died, how would I ever go on?

Again, to fear death is understandable. But to celebrate such a thing? For many, it is almost unthinkable; they find the whole ordeal to be nothing short of wicked. But is it really so? To remember our mortality, and not only celebrate its inevitability but to dance with it. Isn’t it that much weirder to ignore death, and stay in this blissful bubble of death-ignorance until you’re forced to face it and come to terms with it when it comes and pops your bubble, only to find you unprepared for the only certainty in life? How about we accept it, come to terms with it, embrace it, and prepare to face it courageously?

As scary as it may be, it’s what makes life so precious and meaningful. What’s a life without an end? The ticking of your life, though not knowing when it’ll stop, is always in the background. If there’s no ticking, then why bother? Once this is understood, death is just another milestone in life. As natural as going from youth to adulthood, to old age.
So, if we can’t escape the inevitable and the natural, may we focus our brief time, attention, and efforts not on fearing our mortality, for that is truly a waste of resources. Instead, may we invest our resources in conquering the fear of it. This is in your control. This is a worthy practice, and it’s one that not only enriches your brief time here but also that of those around you.