Want to know a proven way to live a more fulfilling life?
All you have to do is fully accept the fact that one day you’re going to die.
“I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.” -Upajjhatthana Sutta
The unavoidable nature of death is a basic tenet found in every religion. Indeed, the acceptance of death is so important in Buddhism that “impermanence,” or the fact that everything born eventually dies, is at the top of the Buddha’s list of the three universal characteristics of existence.
Before religious practice, Tibetan Buddhists chant, “The whole world and its inhabitants are impermanent. The life of human beings is like a bubble. Death comes without warning; this body too will be a corpse.”
Such teachings may seem morbid, but they’re actually designed to awaken you from denial and inspire you to fully appreciate life because you never know when it will end.
“How sad it is that most of us only begin to appreciate our life when we are at the point of dying.” -Sogyal Rinpoche
Numerous individuals have discovered that contemplating and accepting their own mortality is a powerful source of happiness. It may seem counterintuitive, but this isn’t something only found in religious teachings; it’s also been demonstrated by modern science.
Countless healthcare professionals report that people facing terminal illness often experience an incredible sense of peace and fulfillment in the days and weeks before they die. Many of them describe the acceptance of death as a life-changing event, confessing they never knew what it meant to live until they knew they were going to die.
The same is true for many who undergo a near-death experience (NDE). After staring death in the face, they report that their lives have much greater meaning. They frequently make dramatic life changes because they know without a doubt that any day, even today, might be their last.
“It is only in the face of death that man’s self is born.” -St Augustine
You’ve undoubtedly heard the key to happiness is to be fully present in each and every moment. This advice is also derived from acceptance of death. By accepting that death is inevitable, we’re inspired to embrace every second of our lives with more gratitude and joy because we know that our existence is so fleeting.
If you’ve been avoiding thinking about and preparing for death, you may be missing out on an incredible opportunity. What all of these experiences show us is that death is an essential part of what makes life so sweet.
One of the biggest steps in accepting death is to prepare for it with proper estate planning. And proper estate planning is needed, regardless of how big or small you think your estate is, because no matter what, your family is going to have to handle whatever you have when you’re gone.
Indeed, facing life’s greatest fear head-on and using it as an opportunity to protect and provide for your family is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those you love.
If you’re ready to begin truly living your life, start by working with us as your Family Startup Lawyer™ to properly plan for the inevitability of death. Contact us today to get started by scheduling a Family Wealth Planning Session.
Like what you're learning?
Sign up for our free newsletter
Notes from the Chief Counsel's Desk
and get more legal insights sent directly to your inbox.
This article is a service of Sky Unlimited Legal Advisory PC, Family Startup Lawyer™. We don't just draft documents, we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Family Wealth Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you've ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office at (650) 761-0992 today or book online to schedule a Family Wealth Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.
Having a will simply is not enough. It doesn't guarantee the care of your children if the unthinkable happens! See how we do it differently...
The strategies that are appropriate for protecting your assets are different for every family. Check out our proven process that gives you peace of mind...
Our unique legacy process gives your loved ones a precious gift - a lasting expression of your love. Find out what we offer with every plan...