Last night I was reading the end of a great book called The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer. He surprised me by including a chapter on death. I’m not sure why I was surprised, as I included a similar section in Opening to Life,despite the fact that my editor urged me to steer clear of this “heavy topic.” In a stern voice (writer’s voice), Singer urges us to contemplate death, stating that it could come at any moment, and reminding us that we all leave our possessions and loved one’s behind eventually.
The irony of this sobering, yet liberating reminder, is that as I was preparing to drive up to Sedona last week death was very much in my awareness. I wasn’t sure why, but I allowed myself to contemplate the idea that life as we know it does end, and when it ends is entirely out of our control. The whole drive to Sedona was permeated with these thoughts, and the next day, as I drove around looking for a particular hike, I got lost and found myself in a cemetery. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the irony of it all. Eventually I found Mystic Trail and went for a gorgeous hike.
The feelings and thoughts of death were gone on the way home and replaced with a sense of power and gratitude for myself and my life. I’m certain that a part of me did die on that small journey – a part I no longer needed. When this happens, we make room for more of the good stuff. I was happy to return home to my baby girl fully intact and in a position to appreciate her and myself even more.
What if we all lived as if every week was our last? Would you live louder? Would you express more love? Would you appreciate the trees and sky as you walked out of your house? Being alive, in a human body, is a gift. I believe that our spirit and soul lives on when we die, but we don’t have our bodies anymore. It is an amazing opportunity to experience life through our senses. To have “gut” feelings, to taste sweet fruit, and to even have “heart” ache.
Life can certainly be bitter-sweet, but it is all sweet to me, simply because it is life.
Incredible. like the story, want to read the book, love the tool for really living. I will use it. Thank you. M
M – it’s a great read, I’ll pass it on!