Once upon a time, Philosophy & Spirituality were twins, with a common vision: to prepare us for dying well. In order to do so, of course, we had to live well.
This meant existing, mindfully, living a life of service and cultivating detachment. That way, when the inevitable exit came, we would not panic or be filled with fear or regret. We would have done the best we could in this life and take our leave, gratefully, gracefully…
Every stage of life is a letting go and a small dying. Certainly, relinquishing the gifts of youth is an instructive lesson and dress rehearsal for passing.
Yet, we are lazy and forgetful and often live in denial of this inescapable reality — until Death comes knowing on our door and snatches a loved one.
Never mind that they were once full of life, strong, young, beautiful, intelligent, rich, you name it… Death does not differentiate. We are all humbled in the end; pray that we are not humiliated…
A relative might be in agony (final hours or days) as we speak and in contemplating their mortality, I contemplate my own & that of loved ones.
All is illusion, except the good we do and thanks we give for our countless blessings 🙏🏽✨
May we tread lightly, heeding the tenderness of all things, and live gently, so we might die gently, too.
Heaven have mercy on our souls 🙌🏼
