Acceptance

Begin to find acceptance, rather than denial, for death and dying. Easier said than done. In this practice, gently explore one of the biggest unknowns ever to exist in the human realm. We won't know what it's like to die until it happens. However, in contemplating it with an open heart, begin to dissolve any fears or anxieties you may have.

Transcript

The Funny thing about being human,

We all know we're going to die,

But we act as if we're going to live forever.

In fact,

We spend a lot of time and energy,

Whether we realize it or not,

Trying to avoid this reality.

In his book,

The Denial of Death,

Ernest Becker wrote,

The irony of man's condition is that the deepest need is to be free of the anxiety of death and annihilation,

But it is life itself which weakens it,

And so we must shrink from being fully alive.

It's only when we become familiar with our death,

And not just intellectually,

That we can unlock a state of greater awareness of our own aliveness.

It can lead to higher levels of well-being,

Better decisions,

And an overall sense of meaning in who we are and what it means to be here.

But it's not comfortable.

Our minds don't want to go there.

This is not an education that we have from the time that we're born and often until the moment where we take our last breaths.

And this is why we practice contemplating our death.

It helps us work through these fears and allows us to feel more alive and embodied,

More present and connected.

So for today,

We're going to practice a simple death contemplation.

Take a moment and just imagine that you have reached the end of your life.

Where are you?

Who is there to honor you?

What do you feel you have left behind?

And now,

With all of that in mind,

Think of the problems in your life today.

All judgments aside,

Problems big and small,

Spend the next moment.

What are these things that we call problems?

Does thinking about your own death change everything?

Imagine when you're ready in your own time,

Let all of that go.

And before you step back into your day,

Remind yourself of just how very much alive you are.

Reviews

Thank you 🙏

Thank you 😊

Thanks

Very good! thank you

Thought evoking. Thank you .

Excellent presentation

Thank you..beautiful reminder 🙏🏻🤍💫✨💛

Really great… thank you

Thank you.

Thank you for this most appropriate practice which has come up as I prepare the pathway to my own passing. Namaste

Short to the point and left me with a smile and a hope in my body and mind. It was difficult to breathe into this for a few seconds. It went away quickly. Great job.

Contemplating and gracefully accepting death goes with the teachings of the Stoics. A very helpful and empowering way of living fully.

Beautiful..after my death I leave love, courage and acceptance 😌💕🍂🍁

Very nice, thank you.