Memento Mori: Reflecting On Mortality, Awakening To Life

In this 5-day Memento Mori course, we’ll explore how awareness of death can deepen our appreciation for life. We’ll begin by looking at the history and cultural roots of Memento Mori, then gently face common fears around death and learn ways to meet them with acceptance and understanding. Next, we’ll use journaling as a powerful tool to reflect on our mortality, guided by ten thoughtful prompts. From there, you’ll find inspiration to craft your own meaningful Memento Mori keepsake. Finally, we’ll close the course with a nurturing guided meditation, featuring a body scan, gentle visualization, a loving-kindness practice, and Stoic wisdom. By the end, you’ll have practical tools to live with more presence, gratitude, and heart.

Trigger Warning: This course involves reflections on death.

Music: Spiritual Alchemy's "Embodied Wisdom" and Enlightened Audio's "Mystic Dawn - Theta - Subtle Edition"

Leçon 1: Memento Mori In History And Culture

Find out what Memento Mori means and why it matters, and how reflecting on mortality has guided people throughout history. We’ll explore how different cultures and traditions have used this awareness of death to live with more presence, purpose, and gratitude. You’ll see how these timeless practices can still inspire and support us in our daily lives today, helping us focus on what truly matters.

Leçon 2: Facing Death, Embracing Life

In this lesson, we’ll explore the fear of death and how it shapes the way we live. You’ll learn ways to meet this fear with acceptance and understanding, and discover how awareness of mortality can actually deepen gratitude for life. By shifting perspective, we can cultivate presence, appreciation, and a greater sense of purpose in each moment.

Leçon 3: Journaling To Explore Mortality

In this lesson, you’ll discover how journaling can support a Memento Mori practice, helping you reflect on mortality and the preciousness of life. You’ll be guided through prompts designed to inspire self-reflection, giving you practical tools to deepen awareness and live with intention. Whether you’re new to journaling or have an established practice, this session offers a gentle space to explore your thoughts and insights.

Leçon 4: A Daily Reminder: Crafting Your Memento Mori Keepsake

In this lesson, you’ll find inspiration for creating a personal Memento Mori symbol—a tangible reminder of life’s impermanence that you can engage with daily. Whether you enjoy art or prefer simple, meaningful objects, you’ll explore ways to craft something that speaks to you, helping bring awareness, gratitude, and presence into everyday life.

Leçon 5: Memento Mori Guided Meditation

In this final lesson, you’ll be guided through a Memento Mori meditation while lying down, allowing yourself to fully relax. The practice includes a gentle body scan with mindful breathing, a soft visualization, a loving-kindness practice, and closing Stoic wisdom to inspire reflection and presence. This meditation offers a nurturing space to connect with mortality, cultivate gratitude, and embrace life with greater awareness and heart.

Reviews

yes to this course! May I keep the notion of Memento Mori in mind each day-as a reminder to live with love, passion, gratitude, appreciation and kindness. I didn’t finish the course right away as I enjoyed it and really didn’t want it to end-but know I can return anytime. Well done, Rebecca, and thank you! 🙏🏼

So much information in bite-sized lessons. Especially loved the meditation with the flower visualization. 🌹 Thank you!