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The Enigma of
Death
One of the definitions of
enigma is mystery: something that baffles understanding and cannot
be explained; "how it got out is a mystery"; "it
remains one of nature's secrets ", the hidden meaning of which
is to be discovered or guessed.
I was listening to some music
the other day by a group called Enigma. I had not heard this word
for a long time and noticed how it affected me. I started thinking
about the enigma of life and even death. Death is a subject that
is not commonly spoken about but is certainly unavoidable.
As I approach 50 years old
this next January I have begun to think differently about my life
and how I live. It has been an interesting journey as I grow older.
Each decade brings new knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Yet
I often feel the more I know the less I understand, which can be
very confusing . I do not think being confused is bad because it
encourages us to ask questions and seek explanations, which can
bring new insights about the mysteries of life and yes, even death.
This next birthday has me
thinking about my own mortality and that of my parents, relatives
and other friends as we all move towards the ultimate transition
in our lives. Is there life after death? Do we or can we reincarnate
and come back? Does our spirit live on? These are all questions
that may never be answered fully for everyone in this life. Yet,
I do know that once someone has had a near death experience or past
life experience, their view of the after life is very different
from someone who has not. They have a knowing that what they saw
and experienced was real and yes, there is more to death than the
loss of this life. It is connecting with another aspect of our infinite
lives.
Are these experiences real
or a figment of our imaginations? I have personally experienced
a past life event on my own journey and with clients in session.
I can tell you that it was as real to me as my everyday life and
it changed me forever. I now of course believe in past lives and
it changed my view of life after death. Just as importantly, it
changed how I live my life today. This experience revealed to me
a part of myself that I was not conscious of in my life, something
that was holding me back from being more of my authentic self. The
experience allowed me to change for the better. Whether real or
a figment of my imagination, I am grateful for the experience. Similarly,
if you read or talk to anyone who has had a near death experience
they will tell you in no certain terms that there is life after
death.
The only thing I know for
sure about death is that it will come. When, where and how are another
matter and something that I leave up to the universe. I have faith
that I will do what needs to be done in this life and that I will
go when the time is right. Focusing on the fear of death or ignoring
the reality of it can take you from fully living your life and being
in the moment. Find the balance point and use this truth to appreciate
and fully live, love and explore each moment now. For me, I do not
have to have faith that there is more to life, because I know there
is. Can I prove it through reason? No, but I can know it through
experience. Therefore, death for me is just another step in this
incredible life we live.
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