How I did it: I've always struggled with the idea of death, and I often tried to ignore it... I figured it was like purposefully breaking a mirror. If I think about death, will it "curse" me?

It seemed, however, that the more I tried to avoid thinking about it, the more the idea slipped into my mind. At that point, I decided it was better to face my fears.

Someone told me once that all of our fears are rooted in the fear of death. Some people are afraid of spiders, but subconsciously, it's because they're afraid of the ill effects of being bitten. Others are afraid of heights, but subconsciously, it's a fear of the result of falling.

I took all of this to heart, and then I started to realize something really simple. If I am alive right here, and right now, death is not here. I don't have to worry about it. Eventually, yes, it will happen to all of us... but when it does, we will never worry about it again.

Meditating on these thoughts, studying a bit of philosophy, and talking openly about it with my friends has really helped me to accept death as a reality... And even though I'm never going to be excited about it, that acceptance offers me comfort, because I know that I am now able to live my life freely and more fully.

Lessons & tips:

• Don't be afraid to talk about it.

• Discuss it with other people. Listen to their ideas and thoughts.

• Mediate.

Resources: The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

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Nov 06, 07:50AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer