Chapter 1: The Reality of Mortality

Confronting the most challenging truth of existence requires us to place it within the right context.

Photo by RosZie on Pixabay

Humans possess a certain level of practicality that allows us to navigate daily life while often overlooking life’s most daunting truths. Indeed, life may seem trivial, and we find ourselves adrift in an infinite cosmos, grappling with questions we cannot answer. Yet, we manage to focus on mundane concerns, like arriving on time for work. However, there are moments when these existential realizations invade our awareness, transforming our perception of reality.

Rather than viewing the inevitability of death as the saddest truth, I believe the most poignant aspect is the separation from our loved ones. This thought transforms my affection into an overwhelming fear, as each moment brings us closer to an unavoidable goodbye. I cannot predict when or how this will occur, but I am painfully aware that it is an inescapable fate.

Despite life's myriad joys or my natural optimism, this particular reality often halts me in my tracks. As vivid memories of those I cherish—family, friends, partners, and even pets—flood my mind, I grapple with the thought of their departure. The prospect of losing them leaves me at a loss for how to cope.

I initially believed that I had to accept this painful truth, which seemed to cast a shadow over existence. However, when I fully surrendered to this reality, I experienced an epiphany. I questioned whether life is so wretched that, given the option, I would choose never to have lived—or to have them live. This contemplation illuminated the duality of existence. While the weight of loss is profound, there is an equally significant joy on the opposite end of the spectrum.

To avoid the sorrow of separation, would I sacrifice the memory of a spontaneous reunion, where my partner rushed to embrace me, heels breaking in her haste? Would I trade the quiet, unappreciated evenings spent together for the dread of eventual loss? Even regarding my beloved cat, would I exchange memories of her joyful presence for the pain of parting? I have been gifted countless moments that outweigh the shadow of death, making it difficult to believe that life isn't worth living.

Though I acknowledge that we will eventually part ways, I hold onto the memories we created together. We shared laughter, embraced with genuine affection, and reveled in music that transcended human capability. We experienced beautiful literature that ignited sparks within us we never knew existed. How could I allow myself to succumb to despair when I have been blessed with so much?

The beauty of life encompasses everything—the breathtaking sunsets, the dawn's golden light, the vibrant flowers, and the soothing ocean waves. What is death, if not an absence? It is a void, devoid of pain and color.

How many blessings have we each experienced? Even if a solitary afterlife were to exist, we would still emerge victorious. Yet, we often lament death, viewing it as an unbearable finality. The hardest challenge I face is accepting the relentless passage of time, but I cherish the moments that have been gifts beyond measure. Each fragment of joy we shared was a piece of divinity, and that essence remains with me.

The most trying times spent with loved ones would be worth reliving infinitely. The simple car rides filled with laughter, the mundane yet cherished moments, all hold immense value. I often overlook these treasures, caught in moments of trivial dissatisfaction, forgetting the bounty of joy I have received.

In recognizing the positive aspects of mortality, I ponder whether we would truly appreciate life without contemplating its temporary nature. While I do not seek death for myself or others, life is so bountiful that it casts light even on the darkest thoughts. The inevitability of death compels us to appreciate life more deeply, infusing it with a vibrant richness.

Chapter 2: The Paradox of Life and Death

The first video titled "I think about death every single day - here's why it will help you live the life you want" delves into how contemplating mortality can lead to a more fulfilling existence. By embracing this truth, we can better appreciate our lives and the moments we share.

The second video, "Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life | Alua Arthur | TED - YouTube," explores how recognizing the impermanence of life can enhance our appreciation for the present and strengthen our connections with others.

The saddest truth remains that I and those I love will ultimately be separated by death. This realization once felt suffocating, as if it were an inescapable burden. However, I can now present it in a context that dispels the accompanying sorrow. Death, in essence, is a negative—it is the absence of life. Our aversion to death signifies our profound love for life itself.

Life is so extraordinarily beautiful, even in its darkest moments, that I cannot help but smile in the face of such a harsh truth. The very existence of life gives meaning to death; without life, death holds no significance. Thus, we can learn to embrace both life and death with gratitude.

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