Mortality and the Mindful Life
“What is the benefit of learning about death and dying when there are so many other important matters to focus on in the hustle and bustle of daily life?”
This question is raised more frequently than you might expect, often by those who suspect that their local thanatologist or deathworker spends too much time lingering on the topic of death rather than pursuing the gratification of chasing life and all of its experiences. In discussing the matter of death and dying, there is an opportunity to learn and explore a variety of attitudes and perspectives regarding an inevitable component of the human experience. We share many similarities within the context of our humanity, yet every individual has a unique and multifaceted personality. There are endless opportunities for discovery and reflection that are relevant to a greater understanding of ourselves and those who surround us.
There is much to learn about life, and likewise, much to learn about death. While there’s much to be said about the value of life’s lessons, we would be wise to acknowledge the shrouded wisdom of lessons from death as well. There are many benefits to developing a greater understanding of death and learning to view the world through a thanatological lens. However, the reward and gratification of this understanding are perhaps more easily recognized in the simple context of the relationship between accepting mortality and living mindfully.
Death is an inevitable event at the end of the human lifespan. While there are interventions that can be taken to extend life, these actions delay death rather than achieving permanent prevention. Healthy behaviors can be incorporated into any lifestyle as a proactive effort to maintain ideal health and achieve the average lifespan, but these actions do not guarantee that someone will live a long life. The consideration that our lives are not necessarily guaranteed from one moment to the next can prompt awareness of the limited time we have in this plane of existence. Through that awareness, we might achieve a greater sense of gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities we have in our lives. Similarly, that greater sense of gratitude might lead us to appreciate the value of allowing ourselves to be fully present in each moment.
Priorities become more clearly defined when we accept our mortality. If we believe that our time is limited and we potentially have a narrow window to embody our purpose, trivial matters are far less of a concern. Instead, the greater focus then shifts to pursuing meaningful relationships, investing in personal growth, making a positive impact in the world, and fulfilling our purpose. We also begin to realize the importance of cultivating compassion for those around us.
Finally, we might also discover a new source of motivation. This acceptance of mortality can be a powerful driver in being more intentional about our actions. We might begin to seize every opportunity as it emerges, start living life to the fullest, and ensure that our loved ones are fully aware of how much we love and cherish them. We might recognize the limited time that other people have and gain a deeper appreciation of how meaningful it is for them to spend time with us. We might spend a few extra moments admiring the beauty of the moon during an evening walk, the treasured sound of someone’s laughter, or the joy of an achievement that we have worked so hard to accomplish.
How much has the impulse and demand of our induced burnout culture forced us away from the slower-paced presence and intentionality of simply enjoying life and the gift of its experience? In accepting mortality and the limited time that we are granted, making memories from experiences and taking time to become fully immersed in those experiences without distractions becomes all the more important. As we move into the new year this weekend, I encourage you to consider how you might live more mindfully and intentionally in 2024. You have a brand new year ahead of you, so make the most of it!
