Day 35: Memento mori

I want to talk about a very disturbing topic today, one that no one really talks about. Not because it's not important or significant, neither the fact that it only applies to a few and not to many, no. It's because in its very nature death is quite uncomfortable to talk about. Not unless there is a funeral or even in the event where a loved one is remembered. Rarely do we talk about death in application to self. Yet in all of that we will die, all of us, eventually. At a glimpse that is very scary isn't it, no one wants that to happen to them but well it will happen to us, everyone you and me, all of us.

And so there is a story of a young man in Baghdad who met death in the marketplace. Out of terror he ran to Samari hoping to escape death, little did he know that later that evening death had long set an appointment with him in Samari. We all have an appointment with the man death. The fact that we haven't been sent a Microsoft Teams Link makes us believe that appointment is not now neither is it in 5 years or 10, perhaps it's in 60 years time we plead with ourselves.

So one would ask why should we even talk about death, what's the agenda? Aren't we merely just inviting it to our midst when we talk about it? And isn't that quite an awful thing to do? Well the wisest philosophers according to me rather, the Greeks and Stoics used to keep a skull on the side of their desks, meaning 'Memento mori' which translates to Remember that you will die. But why? What is the significance of remembering and talking about dying?

Well...besides the fact that it's inevitable and it happens to all of us at the most unexpected times? I believe then if we started talking about dying, or rather even one better, I believe if we started being mindful about death we would quickly start living a more authentic and happier life.

Here is an excerpt from Steve Jobs in a Stanford University commencement address in 2005: "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything, all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure, these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Jobs's words, though stark, hold a profound truth. When we remember our mortality, we gain clarity. The things that once seemed so important, the material possessions, the social status, the fear of failure all fade away in the face of our inevitable end. What remains is what truly matters: our relationships, our passions, our contributions to the world.

Think about it. If you knew you only had a limited time left on this earth, how would you spend it? Would you waste your precious hours on meaningless tasks, petty squabbles, or chasing after things that don't truly matter? Or would you focus on living a life of purpose, of meaning, of connection?

The Bible also speaks to this truth. In Psalm 90:12, it says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." This verse reminds us that our time on this earth is finite, and that we should use it wisely. We should live each day to the fullest, pursuing our passions, loving our families, and making a positive impact on the world.

But remembering our mortality is not about living in fear or dwelling on death. It's about living with intention, with purpose, with a deep appreciation for the gift of life. It's about embracing the present moment and making the most of every opportunity.

As the great philosopher Seneca once said, "Let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life's books each day. … The one who puts the finishing ¹ touches on their life each day is never short of time." 

So, how do we live a life that embraces memento mori? Here are a few suggestions:

• Identify your values: What is truly important to you? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Once you know your values, you can start making choices that align with them.
• Pursue your passions: What makes your heart sing? What are you truly passionate about? Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
• Connect with loved ones: Spend quality time with the people who matter most to you. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them.
• Make a difference: Find ways to contribute to the world, whether it's through volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being kind to others.
• Practice gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate the good things in your life. Focus on the present moment and be thankful for all that you have.

Remember, memento mori is not about dwelling on death, but about embracing life. It's about living each day to the fullest, with intention, purpose, and gratitude. It's about making the most of our time on this earth and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

As the great poet Mary Oliver wrote, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

So, go out there and live your life to the fullest. Embrace your passions, connect with your loved ones, make a difference in the world, and be grateful for every moment. Because, as the saying goes, "Life is short, but it's wide." And it's up to us to make the most of it.

Because, This is what we do now!