...ignoring it is
Any concepts won't stand the force of death. Definitions of self get swept away. Possessiveness vanishes. There is no past, present or future. There is easiness, stillness, and equanimity.
As a therapist, my journey in guiding individuals through the depths of their emotions and experiences has been both enlightening and humbling. Among the many profound topics that have surfaced during my therapeutic sessions, one theme has consistently emerged—our relationship with death. In this blog, I aim to explore the significance of embracing the concept of death and how the powerful practice of shadow work helps.
Making peace with mortality
Our fear of death, the uncertainty of when and how it will come, often leads to a sense of helplessness. But that doesn’t need to be.
Yet, it's essential to acknowledge that this fear is part of the human condition. Instead of dwelling in dread, we can choose to make peace with our mortality. Imagine the burden it would be if we could control the time and manner of our own death. The acceptance of the inevitability of death can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
Death is a Teacher
In the realm of therapy, embracing the concept of death is akin to inviting a wise and solemn teacher into our lives. Just as we can decide our preferences regarding end-of-life care, organ donation, and the disposition of our belongings, we can also choose to examine our mortality.
The Unknown Beyond
Regardless of one's beliefs about the afterlife, death signifies the end of the physical body. Whether it leads to a realm of peace, rebirth, or simply the cessation of consciousness it is crucial to give it some thought.
Transforming Fear
As with any fear, the key to transformation lies in facing it head-on. Rather than shying away from the concept of death, it can be beneficial to ask ourselves: "What is the worst thing that can happen?" By examining various scenarios, from pain to the loss of cognitive abilities, we can create a roadmap for ourselves. This preparation can include legal decisions, assigning someone to make decisions on our behalf, or choosing not to prolong life through medications. Again, by
working through those scenarios we might lose some fear.
The Ideal of facing death fearless
The image of a courageous warrior in the face of death seems to be desirable. But they are just pushing their fear further down so that they can function. Instead - being conscious allows all aspects of our being to understand the transition, and it can also provide solace to those we leave behind. In recognizing their strength, we can release the notion that they are entirely dependent on us.
The Final Preparations
One crucial aspect of preparing for death is the practical side of life—writing a will, deciding on a burial or memorial location, and addressing our beliefs and desires. Out of respect for the people you leave behind.
Embracing the Unknown
Shadow work can be an invaluable tool in confronting our fear and learning to embrace the lessons that death offers. While meditating upon death any concepts of self are impermanent, possessiveness is fleeting, and we fall into stillness, equanimity- and ironically the absence of fear.
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