How Contemplating Death Enriches your Life

Very few of us are willing to actively contemplate our mortality; this is particularly true in Western cultures. Usually, if someone brings up the topic of death it’s considered to be impolite, almost offensive as if the implication is “we were having a nice time until you reminded us of reality.” 

Though all modern metropolises are becoming increasingly materialistic and chasing the idea of being forever “young”, Asian countries such as Thailand are far more open to the topic of aging and death, due to the predominance of Buddhism. Contemplating the truth of impermanence--that everything arises, everything passes away--invites people to contemplate their mortality and to do so from a larger view, from a space of equanimity and acceptance. This is simply the way that things are. The more that people can turn towards this truth with clarity, courage, and compassion the more they will be free from suffering and live a life filled with peace, freedom, and joy.