Thoughts on a Sunday Morning

Some people tell me I talk about death too much. But how can we appreciate life if we don’t acknowledge that we are all going to die?

I was reminded of the precariousness of our lives a couple times this week. I lost a relative who lived a good, long life after a short battle with cancer. And our community came together to help a friend who is courageously facing her own battle with cancer.

Both brought me back to some valuable ideas that can be transformative. If we are willing to acknowledge life’s fragility.

“Without a reminder of death, we tend to take life for granted and we become lost in the endless pursuits of self-gratification. But when we keep death close at hand, it reminds us not to hold on to things so tightly. We don’t take ourselves so seriously. We let go a little more easily.

When we reflect on death, we understand we are all in the boat together and this helps us to be kinder and gentler to one another. And we realize we don’t want to waste a moment. We want to tell people that we love them.”

Paraphrased from Frank Ostaeski

“What if we reminded ourselves in our encounters, ‘this person could die tonight.’? 

 When we acknowledge death, the veil of denial lifts and we see the truth of the fragility of life. And awareness of impermanence can help us cherish the people we encounter every day. Instead of talking ‘to’ someone we bring more presence to each encounter. And how comforting it would be if we said ‘goodbye’ with care.

When we realize that we too could die tonight, we become more present, more alive in each moment of our life.”

Paraphrased from Jan Clozen Bays 

May we all cherish life and death. 

And may we all share our love while we have the opportunity.Peace and Love to All!