“Since death is certain, but the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing?”
– Pema Chödrön
This contemplation plagues and invigorates me. It’s kept me up at night questioning if I’ve done enough, and motivated me throughout the day to ensure that I do. It creates a sense of urgency that has the ability to focus my attention. It’s a push, not to do more, but to do more things of meaning. It forces me to always ask myself: is this the best use of my limited time?
Bringing your awareness to death is not a glamorous topic. It doesn't promise instant happiness or success, and you won’t find books about it on the best-sellers list. The entrepreneur in me understands this as a terrible marketing tactic, but the human in me knows it’s some of the most important work you can do.
Embracing your mortality acts as a wonderful catalyst for intentional living. And there’s a big difference between living and mere existence.
The moment you took your first breath, you simultaneously inched closer to your last. When you’re mindful of this fact, you’re more likely to make the most of the time you have.
Making the most of your limited time involves living in a more conscious and engaged way. And I know of no better motivator toward doing this than being mindful of your mortality.
Here are a few practices and reflections to get you started.
Spend Time In Cemeteries
Seriously. It can be the most rewarding experience.
There's something visceral about walking through a cemetery. You read the names, dates, and epitaphs on the gravestones and it creates a sense of connection. Each grave represents a person who, like you, once faced the joys and challenges of life. They had problems like yours. They worried about their finances, experienced anxiety, went through a divorce–you name it.
This reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. It can be comforting to recognize that our experiences, fears, and triumphs are part of a universal human journey.
Reflect On Your Mortality
Set aside time each day to reflect on your own mortality. Sit and contemplate the fact that your life is finite and that death is a natural part of existence.
I used to add a few extra minutes to my morning meditation by visualizing my funeral. I'd picture family and friends surrounding me. What would they say about how I lived? What did I want to do but never got around to because life got in the way?
Feel free to add your own.
These type of questions help keep you on track in life. It puts things in perspective. Your priorities become clear and you begin to focus on the important things in life.
The Five Remembrances
Reflect daily on the Buddhist Five Remembrances. They remind you of the inevitability of aging, illness and death. The impermanence of all things, and the responsibility for your own actions.
- I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.
- I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape having ill health.
- I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.
- All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.
- My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground on which I stand.
I had The Five Remembrances written on a piece of paper that I kept displayed on my desk for years. I would look at it every day. It was a concise reminder to stay present and to accept life for what it is. It helped me to avoid trying to manipulate my experiences to fit my expectations.
Mindfulness of death is not meant to be a morbid experience. The value is in bringing the immediacy of life to your present awareness.
If the above examples seem too extreme, easing yourself into practice might be useful. We can all find small ways to begin.
If you see a dead animal on the side of the road, don’t be so quick to look away. You can pause with that image, contemplate the fact that this being was alive and breathing not so long ago.
What arises within you?
These practices and reflections offer opportunities to transform your perspective on life. By facing the inevitability of death, you learn to live with more intentionality. You approach each moment with presence. You focus on what matters most to you, not what society tells you to focus on. It’s not about inducing fear. It's about cultivating a deeper understanding and acceptance of the human condition. And in that understanding, it leads to a richer, more fulfilling life.
So, since death is certain, but the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing… for you?
Reflect on this and let me know what you come up with.
Thanks for reading. If you found some value, let me know here.
Chris
P.S.
I love to write in-depth content on important topics. These posts are short reflections and summaries of my longer pieces. To dive deeper and gain access to my complete letters, subscribe here.
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