Life is in constant flux, what was important yesterday may not be important today. What was considered superior yesterday may be considered inferior today. Nothing lasts forever, everything changes, and accepting life the way it unfolds and changes is a sign of wisdom. Understanding that life is unpredictable makes us prepared for the sufferings and turmoil that we may face at any moment in life. Being aware of the transient nature of life makes us appreciate relationships and our existence.
Subdue fear of death:
We are all scared of death and we try our level best to avoid it. We gather more money, and more materials just to feel at ease and eradicate the fear of death. We occupy ourselves with multiple tasks to spend our day, not reflecting on our shortcomings and the impermanence of life. The best way to get rid of the fear of death is to understand that life is unpredictable and we may die at any moment. Death can happen at any moment, we can die in a car accident, we can die in an earthquake, or we can succumb to an unknown disease. When we contemplate deeply the transient nature of our existence and take life seriously towards a goal, we no longer feel scared when death arrives at our door. To let go of the pain of fear, we need to accept the impermanence of life. With the help of spiritual practice, you can overcome the fear of death.
Let go:
The biggest cause of our suffering is getting adhered to things and people. We want life to go smoothly; we are used to comforting and when an unpredictable situation strikes us, we lose our minds and heart and start complaining. To ease your pain and sorrow, let go of attachment and cravings, and insatiable desires. Reflect on how changeable life is, and it will get easy for you to let go of people and relationships that are toxic and unhealthy. You have this moment that is real and you should cherish it. With the help of spiritual practice, you can get rid of unwanted desires.
Know the truth of life and death:
We understand the importance of our existence when we understand that life is impermanent and nothing lasts forever. Our days are filled with joy when we live in the moment and accept happily whatever comes our way since we know that life is not a constant, and we accept it. We live a life of purpose and do not wish to waste a second of our life when we realize our days are numbered and death can happen at any moment.
Conclusion:
Life is unpredictable, we appreciate life when we truly feel it is impermanent and our days are numbered. We live a purposeful life when we focus on the unpredictability of life. We get prepared for tragedies and stop living in fantasies.
Recommended books:
- “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl – This book is a powerful account of Frankl’s experiences as a concentration camp inmate during World War II and his development of logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy that focuses on finding meaning in life.
- “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy – This classic novella tells the story of a man who, on his deathbed, realizes that he has lived his life according to society’s expectations rather than his own desires.
- “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande – This book explores the modern medical system’s approach to death and dying, and how it often fails to address the emotional and spiritual needs of patients.
- “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi – This memoir by a neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer is a moving reflection on life, death, and the search for meaning.
- “The Denial of Death” by Ernest Becker – This Pulitzer Prize-winning book examines the ways in which human beings cope with the inevitability of death and the role that death plays in shaping our individual and collective identities.
- “The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying” by Sogyal Rinpoche – This book draws on Tibetan Buddhist teachings to provide guidance on how to live a meaningful life and prepare for death.
- “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch – This memoir by a computer science professor who is diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer is a poignant reflection on the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and living a fulfilling life.
- “The Book of Dead Days” by Marcus Sedgwick – This young adult novel explores themes of mortality, morality, and the meaning of life through the story of a boy who makes a deal with Death to save his friend’s life.
These books offer different perspectives on death and the meaning of life and can provide valuable insights and reflections to readers.