YOU’RE GOING TO DIE, WHAT WILL BE ON YOUR HEADSTONE?

I was in a deep rumination station mode today and decided to do some research about life and inevitably DEATH…somewhat dark I know, it spooks me out often too, but maybe there’s a healthy way to face this ticking clock?!…I found some estimates of how we spend our lives if we live an average of 80 years.  It was something I made for myself to put things in perspective when I am struggling or in a deep worry hole and need a quick reminder that hey “you’re goig to die one day, let’s get to living”.

Did you know that in many cultures and in Buddhist traditions, they contemplate death multiple times a day?  The practice is not meant to scare you, but to cut through distraction and clarify what matters.  I learned a lot about this from my friend Dan Harris, a world renowned journalist, news anchor, podcaster, super hero, fellow panic/anxiety experiencer, avid meditator and all around great human.  He said “Contemplating your finitude may sound hopelessly morbid, but in my experience it’s massively helpful. Remembering the inevitability of death can inject urgency, vitality, and gratitude into your life.” So while contemplating this, I decided to break down a few estimates of how we spend our lives. This is by no means perfect math and some I made to break myself out of a funk on days I need it…maybe it will help you too