I’m not afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens ~ Woody Allen
I went to my Doc recently and we were speaking of getting older and the decay of things, lots of things, and she explained in simple terms — “life’s terminal”. We laughed. It’s a relief to hear someone say it when you’re ill. Thinking of the end of days is a bit gloomy but comedic relief is often one of our best options.
I have confronted death head on just the once in this wonderful life. Not pleasant. Traumatic in fact at the time but, as many who go through such an experience, and come out the other side, tritely say — “it was a learning experience”. And for me it really was. Since this harrowing experience a few years ago, I rarely dwell on death. Maybe I have even accepted it. I’m not sure. Can we ever truly accept it?
One thing I do know is that I appreciate, with all the profundity I can gather, the moments life has to offer. Senses are heightened — a meal, a kindness from a stranger, walks in nature, the rain, a neighbours smile. One gets to even celebrate the marvels of bureaucracy from time to time. I’m not joking! Life has been more of a day to day kaleidoscope of wonder these past few years.
I was listening to an interview with the actor Rupert Everett the other day and a question about death and dying was put to him. He said he likes to see it as an adventure.
He quickly went on to clarify that he is probably not going to be celebrating when he is lying there about to snuff it. But it helps him come to terms with the terminal nature of life by viewing it as a part of this marvellous journey It’s the gist of what he said as far as I recall i).
I like this very much and have taken it on board.
It’s sad when people leave this dimension. What is on the other side is anybody’s guess. I get an inkling that there is something beyond this corporeal existence. I feel it but of course have no evidence. It has nothing to do with what is written down in books, scriptures or what some guru told me. Just a feeling. And why not — maybe even something to look forward to. An adventure.
Some people don’t believe in random events. They believe everything happens for a reason — it’s called determinism. It’s kind of true. No event is entirely random. But there is a randomness woven into the fabric of the universe and these things are not ours to control. Some deaths are patterned (not predestined). You can see the process unfold in retrospect.
Someone is walking across the street with their dog and a drunk driver cleans them up after losing control of their vehicle and in the process hits a tree and dies. For the walker that’s highly random — to be in that place at that moment in time. For the driver, not so — they were distracted talking on their cell or had a few too many drinks. There is a distinct pattern leading to an event. The walker has done this hundreds of times before without mishap.
So we treat death differently depending on the circumstances. It’s natural. A mountaineer plunges to their death and everyone is sad but we understand the risks and their burning desire to live an intrepid life. The aforementioned walker is different. We are angry at the carelessness of the driver. The walker is innocent. All this makes sense and these are fairly black and white examples.
However causes and responsibilities linked to death can be nuanced. Heart disease is mostly a lifestyle disease is it not? We are responsible for many aspects of our health. Cancer and some autoimmune diseases have a high degree of randomness. We have to accept that.
I don’t want to get morbid. Dwelling on death is futile, as is focussing on longevity. After all, what does it really matter if you die at 70 or 110. The old 3 score and 10 was once a good innings. Now it’s 4 score I guess. But beyond that I reckon most people are hobbling about taking up valuable space.
Live life. Never a day spent on the mind numbing and soul destroying banality of this dimension. Do art daily. Find that feminine Yin place within that cradles you through the coldness and judgement. Take care of what matters in your heart. Respect and be good to your fellow beings and all of life.
Death will come when it comes and as long as there are enough drugs to send you on to the next dimension then all well and good.
Find the peace in that.
Maybe we meet on the other side. Until then, keep on.
CJ Wild
I love putting out Lighthouse33 so thanks for reading! We are all on some kind of remarkable quest and my wholehearted goal is to provide a little illumination on your journey.
Ready for more? Subscribe to receive new posts.
Spot on!