Live life to the fullest to ward off fear of death

I ponder over life and death at least twice a day— soon after getting up in the morning and before going to sleep at night. The thoughts that come to my mind may

I ponder over life and death at least twice a day— soon after getting up in the morning and before going to sleep at night. The thoughts that come to my mind may not be the best of thoughts, but they do have a sobering splash on my soul. I ‘come down’ and get rooted to the Earth.

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The reality of life and death, when brought forth face-to-face, makes you more practical and think of how to make the limited time we have on this Earth more meaningful, so as to complete the idea of fulfilment of life.

In other words, taken positively, the idea of death makes you calmer and less scared of the certainty of death. And it is quite possible for many of us to be in a position to welcome death as a step-up towards the final goal of life — liberation and realisation of the truth of life.

All this reminds me of Oscar Wilde’s lovely thoughts in The Canterville Ghost: “Death must be so beautiful to lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one’s head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, no tomorrow. To forget time, life, and be at peace.”

Therefore, it makes no sense being scared of death. The realisation of the certainty of death alone prepares you to live life to its fullest. Complaining against it is an invitation to melancholy and frustration in your journey of life. Greek philosopher Epicurus made it clear: “Why should I fear death? If I am, death is not. If death is, I am not. Why should I fear that which cannot exist when I do?” The message is very clear: Start living and welcoming death.

(Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal.)