Illusions of Permanence
We humans love to think that we are eternal, and that our conquests and contributions will never die. Sit and listen to any hall of fame enshrinement ceremony, retirement party or backyard barbecue and you will hear words like “always” and “forever” casually thrown around. That however is not the reality of our situation. We do not own our lives or this existence, it is merely leased to us for an undisclosed amount of time. Denying or avoiding our natural life cycle does not help us find peace. That can only be done by acknowledging and embracing the fact that all we have is this moment, and that ultimately none of us get out of here alive.
People tend to get understandably squeamish when confronted with their own mortality, and never stop to consider that without death our lives would be virtually worthless. Every economist will tell you that it is scarcity that drives value. Our existence is important exactly because we know it will end, and the simple awareness of that powerful fact has the potential to liberate and unite all of humanity.
Growing up I was constantly on an insatiable hunt for answers to all of life’s biggest questions. The pursuit of them was paramount to me and all that truly mattered. Through the years I had to figure out what to do with the fact I was finding more disappointment and disillusionment than anything close to reasonable explanations. It became clear to me that this existence is far more about asking questions than getting answers. As I learn to release the compulsion to find evidence or proof of the ineffable, my life has become much more peaceful.
For the most part the contents and framework of our time here is not up for debate. We do not choose the family or situation that we are born into. The decisions we make do have a massive impact on the quality of our lives without question, but even they can not reset the realities that greet us at birth, and sweetly release us when we pass.
It is not easy to dive in and explore the final chapter of life in a loving and dignified way. How do we get past the fear? Is it possible to peacefully accept this existence in its entirety? The pain associated with death, whether it is physical or emotional, tends to be what draws most of our attention. But in that moment, if we can find the strength to look within ourselves, and beyond the hurt, perhaps we could exchange the terror of the unknown for a ticket to freedom that can’t be taken away.