Chapter 1: The Importance of Acknowledging Mortality

Throughout my life, I've grappled with certain thoughts that may come across as judgmental, reflecting my own development stages. I often found myself preoccupied with issues that seemed trivial to others—until they faced a crisis and suddenly felt lost, upset that no one had prepared them for it.

The realization often dawned on them that the information they needed had always been available, but their own fear had prevented them from engaging with it. It's perplexing how such essential questions can be overlooked.

It may sound overly simple to say that those who confront their own mortality are more equipped when the time arrives. Yet, I continue to be astonished by adults who have spent their entire lives avoiding this topic, leaving themselves unprepared.

Intellectual Proposition: If someone reaches 70 or 80 years of age without ever addressing their mortality and coming to terms with it, can they genuinely be considered an adult?

Many individuals hail from religious backgrounds—attending church or temple—but they seem to have missed the crucial lesson of truly engaging with their faith. This engagement is intended to assist them in facing the end of life! It appears that no one ever connected those dots for them.

What did they assume? That attending a weekly service, listening to a sermon they barely absorbed, was purely for social interaction? That they could put off pondering life's most significant question for later?

Additionally, there are those who have turned away from their childhood religion, only to adopt a new one without genuine commitment. They might enjoy the rituals, chants, and the aesthetics of their new faith but overlook the vital teachings meant to prepare them for death.

Fear can be an overwhelming force, compelling us to evade difficult questions until it’s too late. When advised to confront your fears, addressing the fear of death should be your priority. If you can't manage that, how will you tackle the smaller fears that arise daily?

There are various approaches to dealing with death, and each person must find what resonates with them most. However, if you never confront the topic, when faced with reality, you may find yourself paralyzed with fear, which is far from an ideal state.

Fortunately, there are alternatives. You can approach the situation with calmness, acceptance, or readiness—each preferable to sheer panic! The more you understand about any topic, the more assured you become.

Ignorance is not bliss—especially when you find yourself confronted with life's ultimate realities without prior preparation. It’s as if you’ve been handed a script without ever having read it!

Intellectual Proposition #2: Perhaps the reason many who are nearing death cling to life for an extended period is to catch up on all the lessons they missed. Maybe during their comatose or sleeping states, they are absorbing the necessary knowledge, cramming for the ultimate exam.

Do you think that's a possibility? Does this notion resonate with you?