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Mortality

I read an article last week about the stages people to go through when they're coming to terms with the fact that death is imminent. The author's observed that because we tend to think dying is something that happens to other people, it almost always comes as a surprise when it happens to us - which is a shame really. If we truly understood how precious and fleeting our time on this planet was, I suspect we'd make better use of it.

Husband tells me that he often thinks about the worst that could happen - not because he's naturally depressed or pessimistic - quite the opposite, in fact - but because it helps him remember to be grateful for all the good things in his life. I'm not sure I have the right temperament to adopt that approach myself but I think he's on to something.

I'm intrigued with the notion of "death doulas", who help people navigate the dying process, and encouraged by the many stories of people who were able able to die in more meaningful and peaceful ways because assisted suicide was available to them.  Perhaps, those changes will help more of us come to terms with mortality so that we can start truly living.
The art of living well and the art of dying well are one. Epicurus
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/epicurus_148954
 "The art of living well and the art of dying well are one." - Epicurus
The art of living well and the art of dying well are one. Epicurus
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/epicurus_148954
The art of living well and the art of dying well are one. Epicurus
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/epicurus_148954
The art of living well and the art of dying well are one. Epicurus
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/epicurus_148954?src=t_dying








Comments

  1. Exactly. I don't think of myself as a morbid person, but a certain amount of life planning to make possible the things you want, involves thinking about the end of life. And the worst isn't death. Dying is easy. So easy that millions do it accidentally every year. I think the worst is trapped in the medical system, too sick to be living, too healthy to be allowed to die.

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