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Day by day, even when we know that death awaits us all, we rise, we dress, and we go out into the world. This aspect of life, "knowing that death awaits", is one that raises the question: why do we live so completely when we know life will come to an end? In this article, we'll explore the mystery of life, the why of why we continue every day, and the ways which knowledge about death can make us live better.


The Death Puzzle and Everyday Life

Initially, the knowledge that we will die can sadden or frighten us. Yet it does not hinder us; it actually makes us want to make every day count. There are so many reasons why we attempt to make every day count:

• Inherent Drive to Live:

Our minds and bodies are designed to survive. This urge forces us to seek food, mates, and security so life continues even if we all ultimately die.

• Existence-based motivation:

Philosophers such as Albert Camus tell us that life is absurd because we seek meaning, yet the universe does not. It can be incredibly liberating. When we realize that we will die, we no longer fear failure and no longer need the approval of others. It enables us to live for ourselves and to truly enjoy the moment.

• Being happy in the Now

One of the most vital reasons we persist is to be present and to notice the loveliness, the love, and the awe surrounding us. Life is so brief, and every moment counts, so it's why so many people believe that they appreciate every moment even more because they know death comes eventually.


Philosophical Perspectives of Death

Memento Mori: Remember Death to Live Fully

The memento mori tradition is an old one, with "remember you must die" its meaning. It is intended to remind us to appreciate every moment. It is not supposed to frighten us, but to remind us that life is brief. When we consider death, we are most likely to savor our moments, nurture our relations, and concentrate on self-development.

Existential Freedom

Existentialist philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Camus write that because we know life isn't eternal, we are made to feel liberated. We can make our own meaning since we don't need to be bound by any fixed path. Thus, every day is an opportunity—a blank page on which we can pen our tales, desires, and dreams.


The psychological advantage of embracing death.

1. Required to act urgently.

Knowing we don’t have much time can make us anxious about life. It reminds us to prioritize what truly matters to us:

• Meaningful Goals:

We consider things that truly count, paying attention to things and people that make life richer for us rather than running after fleeting happiness.

• Productivity and Focus:

Contemplating death can make us concentrate more on life. It leads us to utilize our time and energy on things that will bring perpetual joy.


2. Fear Of Failure Is Minimized

When we realize that death is the ultimate outcome, most of our everyday worries lose power. Desiring to be perfect or never make any mistake seems to be less necessary when we realize every second will pass. Redefining the way we perceive things allows us to:

• Risk taking:

We are more willing to experiment with new things, understanding that whatever we do, whether it succeeds or fails, makes us grow.

• Learn from Mistakes:

Embracing failure as part of life makes you have a growth mindset. This involves viewing errors as opportunities to learn rather than viewing them as permanent issues.


3. Be More Grateful for Life

When we know we are going to die one day, we become more grateful. We can exhibit this gratitude in several ways:

• Mindful Living:

We enjoy small things about life, such as the sunshine when it comes out during the daytime, the flavor of the food we consume, or chatting with a friend.

• Relationship Building:

Since life is short, we appreciate our relations more. We prioritize vital relations over unnecessary ones since we know that passing time with the people we care about matters.


Simple Ways to Enjoy the Journey

Philosophy and psychology provide the foundation, but everyday techniques can assist in employing this knowledge to every aspect of life.

1. Practice mindfulness and meditation exercises.

Mindfulness enables us to be in the present moment. It reduces future worries and past regrets. Here are some exercises to try:

• Daily Meditation:
Spend 10 to 15 minutes every day concentrating on breathing. Allow thoughts to arise and pass away without judging them, and remain present.

• Mindful Activities:
Attempt to do things such as walk slowly, eat slowly, or listen to music. Such activities can assist you to appreciate the little things in life.

2. Set Key Goals

Define what success and achievement mean to you. Establishing goals in accordance with your values allows you to live with purpose.

• Long-Term Vision:
Create a vision board or compose a personal mission statement that reflects your values and objectives.

• Short-Term Objectives:
Divide your large goals into smaller ones that you can attain. Reward what you accomplish and alter your plan if necessary.

3.Engage in Reflective Journaling

Keeping a journal is an excellent method for thinking through feelings and thoughts.

• Daily Reflection:
I've never shied away from doing difficult work. I've always attempted to speak the truth, even when it's painful. I've never cared to be popular with everyone.

• Gratitude Journal:
List the things you are thankful for each day. This can assist you with concentration on the things you possess rather than the things you don't.

4. Form a Support Group

Surround yourself with people who share your values and understand your journey:

• Connect with Like-Minded Individuals:
Participate in groups, societies, or online forums that facilitate meaningful conversations about life, purpose, and self-discovery.

• Seek Mentorship:
Consult with mentors who have experienced the problems of life with honesty and courage. They can advise and assist you.

5. Embrace Vulnerability

Being honest and transparent is extremely crucial in life. Being vulnerable allows you to form genuine relations and be at liberty.

• Share Your Experiences:
Share your reflections about death and the meaning of life with close friends or family members you can trust.

• Accept errors:
Being human is about embracing our imperfections. Being vulnerable is never weak; it enables us to form deeper, genuine connections.


The Ripple Effect of Death's Acceptance

When you realize that life is brief, the people you surround yourself with, the work you do, and your happiness improve. This mindset creates a chain reaction:

• Inspiring Others:
Realizing the brevity of life allows others to realize the significance of little things and inspire them to follow dreams with passion.

• Legacy Building
When you focus on what matters most, you build a lasting legacy through meaningful associations and beneficial contributions.

• Enhancing Community:
When humans realize the beauty in life, societies become compassionate, empathetic, and willing to make things better.

Philosophical Reflections: Memento Mori and Beyond

The ancient maxim memento mori—"remember you must die"—was never intended to sadden us, but to make us make the most of life. This enduring maxim reminds us to:

• Live with purpose:
Recall that every day is a gift that invites you to choose to let the true you shine.

• Prioritize What Matters
Prioritize the things that count and appreciate the experiences, the people, and the self-enrichment that make you truly happy.

• Ambition to Replace Fear
Do not let the fear of death halt you. Instead, use it to motivate you to live with purpose, to be willing to take chances, to enjoy every second.

If you consider that life is not eternal, you can observe how the fear of death becomes a huge gratitude for the present moment. It's not so much about evading death, but rather savoring the ride, the unknowns, and the surprises that come along with it.


Conclusion: Achieving Complete Bliss in Life

We go out every day, mix with people, and pursue our dreams in spite of the knowledge that we will die. Why? Because we have such great power to appreciate the moment. We do know we are going to die, yet it does not inhibit us; it compels us to seek significance, to form genuine relations, to make an impact that will last.

If we accept the inevitable arrival of death, we learn to live truthfully and with purpose. Every second counts, and every experience, even if it is awful, contributes to the richness of life. Knowing that life is temporary makes us enjoy each new day, learn, be innovative, and love without restraint.

Food for Thought
Life is beautiful, not because we live for many years, but because we assign meaning to it and for the courage we have to enjoy it.

Knowing you will die and focusing on the moment allows you to realize many possibilities. It makes you appreciate every heartbeat, every breath, and every second with other humans. Live life to the fullest, enjoy the ride, and let the knowledge that every new day is a gift encourage you to chase dreams with passion and purpose.