Chapter 1: The Importance of Acknowledging Death

The concept of death is often met with fear or avoidance, but it can be approached in a constructive manner. For many, believing in an afterlife offers comfort and clarity. Personally, I have grown to understand that contemplating death can be beneficial; when viewed correctly, it ceases to be an object of fear or longing, transforming instead into a gentle reminder that deserves occasional reflection.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed individuals grappling with profound grief after losing a loved one. This observation leads me to ponder: why are they so deeply affected? I often see their lives unravel, their joy seemingly extinguished. As the saying goes, part of them seems to die alongside their loved one, leaving behind a lingering cloud of sorrow. This notion is unsettling; it’s likely that the deceased would not want their absence to overshadow the lives of those they left behind.

This is a delicate subject, and I sometimes question whether I am wrong in my perspective. However, I feel sadness at the thought of losing those I care about, just as anyone would. When I experienced the death of loved ones, I, too, felt shaken from my lofty intellectual pedestal. Despite the inevitability of death, I observed how it could cast a long shadow over the lives of the living, including my own.

Initially, my response to this realization was anger. Why should something so inherently painful further disrupt the lives of the living? People often accuse me of being overly logical, but I must recognize that grief is a process that requires time. Discussing this topic can be contentious; many prefer to adhere to an "acceptable" level of sensitivity surrounding death. This societal pressure often feels constraining, which leads me to do what all good writers should: write about it.

I’ve come to understand that ignoring the reality of death is not a viable strategy. The belief that if we remain silent about death, it will not affect us, is a flawed mindset that can lead to significant emotional turmoil.

Chapter 2: The Benefits of Contemplating Death

Engaging with the idea of death need not be a grim endeavor. Initially, it may evoke strong emotions and even tears. In the past, I tended to shy away from these uncomfortable thoughts, hoping to evade them altogether. This mindset is akin to wishing to outlive others to avoid facing my own feelings—a rather selfish thought!

Upon deeper reflection, I recognized the necessity for everyone to safely discuss, feel, and consider death as openly as possible. I incorporate this practice into my life regularly. My wife often looks perplexed when I remark, “We won’t be here forever, so let’s make a decision about our vacation.” Yet, I am serious; our time is finite. Whether it’s five years or twenty-five, the reality remains, and addressing it can alleviate the burdensome overthinking associated with daily life. Paradoxically, as many others have noted, contemplating death can accelerate our appreciation for living.

I intentionally set aside time to reflect on my mortality and consider what my life will look like, and how I will cope with the loss of others. I believe this prepares me to be more present in my own life. By engaging in these mental exercises now, I hope to free my mind to be more present and supportive for those around me when difficult moments arise.

This practice is not intended to be morose; if you are not ready or feel mentally unwell, it’s okay to postpone it—but not indefinitely. Developing this mindset took time and was built upon addressing various psychological challenges. Each person must evaluate their own psychological journey before deciding to contemplate death. Remember, we are all progressing in our unique ways, whether swiftly or gradually.

In the future, I might explore how we can effectively contemplate death and how it influences our behavior. The answer may elude me, but I propose that facing the reality of death allows us to confront our fears and envision a destination we often avoid. By imagining and processing the details of death, I find it becomes less intimidating, normalized in my mind, and more manageable. This shift minimizes the distractions associated with death, allowing for a richer experience of living.

Thank you for reading.

In the video "Die While You're Alive — The Way to Lasting Inner Peace," the speaker discusses how embracing the concept of death can lead to a more fulfilling life.

The video "Contemplate Death, and How to Live | 52 Weeks of Stoicism (Week 16)" explores the stoic perspective on mortality and its implications for a meaningful existence.