Discover the art of positive death awareness amidst the looming countdown of our mortality. 'Memento Mori,' a Latin phrase that translates to 'remember you must die,' is a popular artistic and symbolic trope that captures the essential meaning death introduces to life. Modern society has a million things vying for our limited attention—and this philosophy dictates that nothing is more powerful than the thought of our own mortality in jolting us into the present moment.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that one of the most effective ways to put life in perspective is to realize that our lifetime comes with an expiry date. Researchers refer to mortality as 'a significant, if not the single most paramount motivator for how we organize our lives.'
Being aware or reminded of our mortality doesn’t have to feel morbid. Our priorities become crystal clear when we know that our time is limited as the clock continues to tick. Here are three ways to use the death alarm to live a meaningful life:
- Develop a habit of expressing gratitude for being alive when you wake up to a new day instead of immediately dwelling on your problems and to-do lists.
- Death perception is intricately linked to the notion of a grateful life. A study found that awareness of mortality can enhance gratitude, as individuals who reflect on death may develop a greater appreciation for life as a finite resource.
- Individuals who have encountered near-death experiences (NDEs) or terminal illnesses often develop a heightened perception of death. They embrace life with gratitude, see the bigger picture, overlook trivial matters and exude a more positive and resilient outlook on life than the average person.
Engaging in regular self-reflection is equally powerful in helping us remember what truly matters to us. Acknowledging our finite time compels us to reassess our priorities, enabling us to concentrate on making meaningful contributions to the areas of life that hold the most significance for us.
To prioritize your life choices, make time each weekend and ask yourself: 'If the answer isn’t a resounding yes, then it most likely is a no—don’t overthink it.' The study also found that individuals who become conscious of their mortality are more driven to lead virtuous and meaningful lives.
A life well-lived is less about acquisition and accumulation, and more about authenticity and alignment. When one lives in alignment with their values, innermost beliefs and emotions, they live burden-free. In this way, envisioning your death can help you live the life of your dreams.
Do you feel like you think about death more than the average person? Take the Morbid Curiosity Scale to learn more.
